Name: Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups Rice Chex cereal; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 cup banana chips, lightly crushed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons corn syrup; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate

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If you’re searching for a treat that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, crunchy, and just a tad indulgent, Banana Foster Chex Mix will absolutely win you over. Imagine classic Chex mix, but with a golden caramel coating, toasted pecans, and the irresistible flavor of bananas swirled right in—every bite feels like a celebration. Whether you’re hosting friends, packing a road trip snack, or just want to jazz up movie night, this playful twist on a classic is guaranteed to become a fast favorite.

Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in both flavor and crunch. Simple pantry staples come together to create a snack that’s truly special—each ingredient has a starring role in the delicious drama that is Banana Foster Chex Mix!

Rice Chex cereal: This is the crisp, airy foundation that soaks up every bit of caramel goodness without getting soggy.
Chopped pecans: For a buttery crunch and a touch of Southern flair, pecans are the perfect nutty companion.
Unsalted butter: The base of the caramel sauce, lending richness and helping everything stick together beautifully.
Packed brown sugar: Adds deep, toffee-like sweetness and helps create that irresistible caramel coating.
Corn syrup: Keeps the caramel smooth and glossy, ensuring every piece gets perfectly coated.
Ground cinnamon: Just a hint brings warmth and ties the banana and caramel flavors together.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla extract: A splash at the end brings everything together and adds a cozy aroma.
Banana chips (lightly crushed): These add the signature banana flavor and a delightful crunch at the end.
Melted white or dark chocolate (optional): For a finishing drizzle, choose your favorite or skip for a simpler mix.

How to Make Banana Foster Chex Mix

Step 1: Prep and Combine

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a big mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal and chopped pecans. This gives you a sturdy, ready-to-coat base that won’t stick to your pan later on.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Keep stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle boil—this is where the magic starts! Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the caramel thickens just enough, then take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for an aromatic finish.

Step 3: Coat and Toss

Pour the warm caramel sauce over your bowl of Chex and pecans. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss everything together, making sure every piece is evenly coated. Work quickly—caramel likes to set up fast!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spread the coated mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring gently once about halfway through. This step makes the mix extra crispy and helps the caramel cling to every nook and cranny.

Step 5: Add the Banana Chips

When the mix is out of the oven and still slightly warm, sprinkle on the crushed banana chips and gently toss to combine. This ensures the banana flavor stays bright and the chips retain their signature crunch.

Step 6: Cool and Drizzle

Let everything cool completely on the baking sheet. If you want to get a little fancy, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top. Wait until the chocolate sets before breaking the mix into clusters for snacking.

How to Serve Banana Foster Chex Mix

Garnishes

A little extra flair never hurts! A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top will make your Banana Foster Chex Mix look as good as it tastes. For a party, serve it in a pretty bowl or scoop it into decorative paper cones for easy grabbing.

Side Dishes

This mix is a fantastic sidekick to your favorite sweet or salty snacks. Pair with fresh fruit, popcorn, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience. It’s also delightful alongside a warm mug of coffee or hot cocoa.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your Banana Foster Chex Mix by packaging it in mason jars with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. For gatherings, try layering it in parfait glasses with whipped cream and sliced bananas, or use it as a crunchy topping for yogurt bowls. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Banana Foster Chex Mix fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crisp and delicious for up to one week—if it lasts that long! Just make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent any humidity from sneaking in and softening the mix.

Freezing

If you want to prepare a big batch ahead of time, you can freeze Banana Foster Chex Mix. Place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It will keep its texture and flavor for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If your mix loses a little crunch after storing, spread it on a baking sheet and pop it in a 250°F oven for about 5 minutes. Let it cool before serving, and it’ll be good as new—crisp and delicious!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Snack

Absolutely! While Rice Chex is my favorite for its light crunch, Corn Chex or even Wheat Chex work just as well. You can even use a combination for extra variety in each bite.

What’s the best way to crush the banana chips?

The easiest method is to place the banana chips in a zip-top bag and gently press with a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass. You want bite-sized pieces, not banana dust, so go easy!

Can I make Banana Foster Chex Mix nut-free?

Of course! Simply leave out the pecans or swap them for sunflower or pumpkin seeds to keep the crunch without the nuts. The mix will still be full of flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Rice Chex cereal is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your labels for cross-contamination. With the right cereal and gluten-free banana chips, this snack is perfect for gluten-free guests.

How can I add even more banana flavor?

If you want bigger banana vibes, add a few drops of banana extract to the caramel sauce, or toss in extra banana chips. A splash of banana liqueur (added to the caramel sauce off the heat) also takes things up a notch!

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about sharing a bowl of Banana Foster Chex Mix with the people you love. Every batch brings a burst of banana-caramel delight and a little bit of celebration to any occasion. If you haven’t tried this sweet and crunchy twist yet, now is the perfect time—happy snacking!

Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Banana Foster Chex Mix is a deliciously sweet and crunchy snack blend featuring Rice Chex cereal coated in a buttery caramel sauce with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, complemented by crunchy pecans and lightly crushed banana chips. Perfect for parties, casual snacking, or dessert-inspired treats, this mix offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors reminiscent of the classic Banana Foster dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

6 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup banana chips, lightly crushed

Caramel Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional

Drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate

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Instructions

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Combine Cereal and Nuts: In a large mixing bowl, add 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Stir gently to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
Make Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Add 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons corn syrup, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a boil, then allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
Coat Cereal Mixture: Pour the warm caramel sauce over the Chex cereal and pecans. Toss gently but thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated with the caramel mixture.
Bake the Mixture: Spread the coated cereal mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through baking to ensure even crisping and prevent burning. The mix should turn golden and become crisp.
Add Banana Chips: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the mix cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle but not fully cooled, add 1 cup of lightly crushed banana chips, tossing gently to combine without crushing the chips too much.
Optional Chocolate Drizzle: Allow the mix to cool completely. If desired, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the mix for extra indulgence. Let the chocolate set before storing.
Store: Transfer the cooled Banana Foster Chex Mix to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to one week, maintaining freshness and crunch.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep the mix fresh and crunchy.
For an extra indulgent twist, add toffee bits into the mix or a splash of banana liqueur to the caramel sauce before pouring over the cereal.
Be gentle when mixing in banana chips to retain their texture and prevent them from breaking into powder.
If using chocolate drizzle, ensure the mix is fully cooled to prevent melting the chocolate.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American