Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe
This Banana Foster Chex Mix is a fun, caramelized twist on classic party snack mix, inspired by the decadent banana foster dessert. It’s sweet, slightly salty, toasty, and just the right amount of crunchy—with hints of cinnamon, banana, and buttery richness in every bite. Perfect for sharing at gatherings, serving as a sweet snack, or dressing up your holiday spread, this easy microwave recipe is bound to become your new go-to whenever cravings strike!

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Honey Nut Chex Mix:
- 3 cups Honey Nut Chex cereal
Cinnamon Chex Mix:
- 3 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
Pecan Blend:
- 2 ¼ cups pecan halves
Additional:
- 1 ½ cups dried banana chips
- ⅓ cup butter (cubed)
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon banana extract
- ½ teaspoon rum extract (or vanilla extract)
How to Make Banana Foster Chex Mix
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal and Nut Base
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the Honey Nut Chex, Cinnamon Chex, pecan halves, and dried banana chips. Give everything a quick toss so the mix-ins are evenly distributed—this way, every scoop will have a little bit of everything!
Step 2: Make the Buttery Caramel Mixture
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, add your cubed butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Microwave this on high for 2 minutes, pausing halfway to stir. The goal is to melt the butter and fully dissolve the sugar, creating a smooth, golden syrup with a gorgeous aroma.
Step 3: Flavor It Up
Immediately after the caramel sauce comes out of the microwave, stir in the banana extract and rum (or vanilla) extract. The warm mixture will capture all the flavor, giving your Banana Foster Chex Mix those irresistible, classic dessert undertones.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal Mix
Pour the hot caramel mixture over your cereal, nut, and banana chip blend. Using a rubber spatula, gently toss and fold everything together until it’s evenly coated. Take your time for this step—it’s the secret to getting every bite glazed with flavor!
Step 5: Microwave to Perfection
Microwave the whole mixture in the bowl on high for 3 minutes, pausing every minute to gently stir. This extra cooking step helps “set” the coating, making sure the caramel flavor soaks into the cereal and nuts for that signature crunch.
Step 6: Cool It Down
Spread the finished mixture onto a baking sheet or a large piece of wax paper. Let it cool completely—this lets the caramel harden slightly, so you get crisp, non-sticky clusters perfect for grabbing by the handful.
How to Serve Banana Foster Chex Mix

Garnishes
Add a finishing flourish by tossing in a handful of mini white chocolate chips, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a little extra cinnamon right before serving. These little touches take your Banana Foster Chex Mix from tasty to totally irresistible.
Side Dishes
This mix is wonderful alongside a mug of hot cocoa, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even fresh fruit. For brunch gatherings, serve it with coffee or a banana smoothie for a playful morning treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your Banana Foster Chex Mix into pretty bowls for parties, scoop it into cellophane bags for easy gifting, or layer it in mason jars with ribbon for a memorable homemade present. For entertaining, try serving handfuls in mini cupcake liners or paper cones for a grab-and-go snack station!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Banana Foster Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It stays fresh, crisp, and flavorful, making it perfect for snacking all week long.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this snack! Place cooled Chex mix in a freezer-safe bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months; when you’re ready to enjoy, simply let it come to room temperature—no reheating required.
Reheating
If your Banana Foster Chex Mix loses any crunch after storage or freezing, spread it on a baking sheet and warm it in a 250°F (120°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Let it cool again before serving and it’ll be as crisp as day one.
FAQs
Can I make Banana Foster Chex Mix nut-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the pecan halves for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, or leave them out if you prefer. The mix will still be delicious and safe for those with nut allergies.
Can I use different Chex cereal flavors?
Yes, feel free to experiment! While the Honey Nut and Cinnamon Chex create that true banana foster flavor, mixing in Rice or Corn Chex can add variety and balance. Just keep the total amount the same for best results.
What’s the best way to get every piece evenly coated?
Stir gently but thoroughly after pouring the caramel mixture over the cereal and again each minute during the microwave step. This ensures every bite of Banana Foster Chex Mix gets that sweet, sticky coating.
Will this recipe work without a microwave?
Definitely! You can make the caramel sauce on the stovetop over gentle heat, then combine everything in a large bowl and bake the mixture at 250°F (120°C) for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until crisp.
Can I make Banana Foster Chex Mix vegan?
Yes, use plant-based butter and check that your cereals and extracts are vegan-friendly. The results are just as delicious and will please everyone at the party!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that feels both nostalgic and a little bit decadent, give this Banana Foster Chex Mix a try. It’s a guaranteed favorite whether you’re hosting a party, snacking solo, or handing out homemade gifts—grab a bowl and savor the sweet, crunchy magic!
Print
Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of a classic dessert with this addictive Banana Foster Chex Mix. Crunchy Chex cereal, pecans, and dried banana chips are coated in a sweet, buttery glaze with hints of cinnamon and banana extract. Perfect for snacking or sharing at parties!
Ingredients
Honey Nut Chex Mix:
- 3 cups Honey Nut Chex cereal
Cinnamon Chex Mix:
- 3 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
Pecan Blend:
- 2 ¼ cups pecan halves
Additional:
- 1 ½ cups dried banana chips
- ⅓ cup butter (cubed)
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon banana extract
- ½ teaspoon rum extract (or vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Combine Cereals and Nuts: In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix Honey Nut Chex, Cinnamon Chex, pecans, and banana chips.
- Prepare Glaze: In another bowl, microwave butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Add banana and rum extracts.
- Coat Cereal: Pour glaze over cereal blend, tossing to coat evenly. Microwave, stirring every minute.
- Cool and Serve: Spread the mix on a baking sheet to cool before storing.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, swap pecans with sunflower seeds or omit.
- Vanilla extract can replace rum extract.
- Dark brown sugar enhances caramel notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ¼ cups
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg