Description
A deliciously sweet and crunchy snack mix featuring Chex cereal coated with a warm banana-caramel glaze, enhanced with cinnamon and optional nuts or chocolate chips. Perfect for a cozy treat or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups Chex cereal (any variety)
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Caramel Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter together with the dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir frequently until the mixture is bubbly and fully combined.
- Incorporate Bananas: Fold the sliced ripe bananas into the warm caramel mixture, gently coating them to infuse the flavor without breaking them up too much.
- Combine with Cereal: Place the Chex cereal in a large bowl and drizzle the banana-caramel mixture over it. Toss gently to evenly coat all the cereal pieces.
- Bake the Mix: Spread the coated cereal evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring gently halfway through to promote even caramelization.
- Add Nuts and Chocolate (Optional): Remove the mix from the oven. While still warm, stir in chopped nuts or semi-sweet chocolate chips, if using, for added texture and flavor.
- Cool and Store: Allow the Banana Foster Chex Mix to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure to stir the caramel mixture frequently to prevent burning.
- Handle the sliced bananas gently to keep them intact during mixing.
- You can substitute any variety of Chex cereal based on preference (rice, corn, or wheat).
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts.
- Allow the mix to cool fully before storing to keep it crispy.
- This mix makes a great gift when packaged in decorative bags or jars.
