Mud Hen Bars

If you’re a lover of rich, sweet treats with a crispy top and a soft, gooey center, then these Mud Hen Bars are about to become your new best friend in the dessert department! With a buttery base, a rich layer of chocolate and marshmallows, and a crispy meringue-like top, these bars are pure magic in a pan. Trust me, you’re going to love this it’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth in a big way. Whether you serve them at a potluck, a holiday gathering, or just a family dinner, these Mud Hen Bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love Mud Hen Bars

This recipe isn’t just about making a dessert it’s about creating something rich, indulgent, and pure happiness in a bite. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Versatile: Great for any holiday, party, or casual dinner.

Budget-Friendly: Few ingredients come together to create something rich and special.

Quick and Easy: Prepare and bake in under an hour.

Customizable: Add chopped nuts, different chocolates, or sprinkles.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone, from kids to adults, loves this sweet treat!

Ingredients in Mud Hen Bars

Here’s the magic of these rich, crispy-on-top, gooey-on-the-inside bars simple ingredients come together to create pure indulgence. Let’s break it down:

Flour: The base that forms the bottom layer of the bars.

Brown Sugar: Adds rich molasses-like flavor and softness.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and meringue-like topping.

Eggs: Provide structure and richness to both base and meringue.

Baking Powder: Helps the base rise just a bit.

Salt: Balances the sweetness.

Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Provide melty goodness in the center.

Marshmallows: Melt into a rich, gooey layer.

Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through how to create these rich and indulgent Mud Hen Bars from start to finish:

Prepare Your Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Combine base ingredients flour, brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 whole egg, 2 yolks, vanilla, and baking powder and press into bottom of prepared pan.

Prepare Your Filling

Sprinkle chocolate chips and marshmallows evenly over the base layer.

Prepare Your Meringue Topping

Beat 2 reserved egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and continue beating until meringue is thick and glossy. Spread meringue evenly over the chocolate and marshmallows.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30–35 minutes or until meringue is crispy and lightly browned on top.

Finishing Touches

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 220

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Mud Hen Bars

This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve them chilled for a fudge-like texture or at room temperature for a soft, melty center. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a rich, indulgent treat.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
• Sprinkle a little sea salt over the top for a sweet-and-salty twist.
• Experiment with different varieties of chocolate dark, milk, or white.
• Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Make sure to beat the meringue well for a crispy, delicate top.

FAQ’s

1. Why are they called Mud Hen Bars?
The name is a charming, old-school nickname it’s meant to reflect their rich, messy, and sweet nature!

2. Do I need a stand mixer to make the meringue?
A hand mixer works just fine; just be patient while beating the whites.

3. Why do you separate the eggs in this recipe?
The yolks add richness to the base, while the whites create a crispy meringue.

4. Can I use a different kind of chocolate?
Of course! Dark, milk, or even white chocolate all work.

5. Are these hard to cut after baking?
To cut cleanly, let them cool completely first and use a sharp knife.

6. How should I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

7. Can I freeze Mud Hen Bars?
Yes wrap them well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

8. Are these suitable for a crowd?
They certainly are this recipe makes about 24 small squares.

9. Why do you fold in the meringue last?
So it stays light and crispy instead of weighing it down.

10. Can I omit the marshmallows?
Of course you can omit them or substitute chopped nuts.

Conclusion

These Mud Hen Bars are pure indulgence rich, crispy on the outside, melty and sweet on the inside. Whether you serve them at a potluck, a holiday dinner, or just a weekend treat, they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So grab your ingredients and get ready for a little slice of happiness!

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