Description
This Banana Foster Chex Mix is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, combining crunchy Chex cereal with a luscious banana-caramel coating infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Baked to perfection and optionally mixed with nuts or chocolate chips, this treat is perfect for snacking or sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Cereal Base
- 4 cups Chex cereal (any variety)
Banana-Caramel Mixture
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter together with the dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon, stirring frequently until the mixture is bubbly and well combined.
- Coat Bananas: Add the sliced ripe bananas into the warm caramel sauce, folding them gently until they are thoroughly coated without breaking apart.
- Combine with Cereal: Transfer the Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and drizzle the banana-caramel mixture over it. Toss gently with a spatula or wooden spoon to ensure even coating over the cereal pieces.
- Bake the Mix: Spread the coated cereal evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Stir the mixture halfway through baking to avoid burning and promote even caramelization.
- Add Optional Ingredients & Cool: If desired, gently stir in chopped nuts or semi-sweet chocolate chips while the mixture is still warm. Allow the Chex mix to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness in the caramel mixture.
- Ensure to stir the mix halfway through baking to prevent burning and clumping.
- Optionally, substitute nuts with your favorite varieties such as pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Chocolate chips added when warm will melt slightly, adding richness to the mix.
- Store the cooled Banana Foster Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
