Mud Hen Bars Recipe

If you love old-fashioned, gooey, and utterly irresistible desserts, get ready—Mud Hen Bars are about to steal your heart! With a buttery cookie base, gooey chocolate and marshmallow center, and a divine crisp brown sugar meringue topping, these bars are like a cross between a s’mores cookie and a meringue pie, all in one bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the incredible result fool you—Mud Hen Bars call for pantry staples and little more. Each ingredient brings its own touch: texture, richness, sweetness, or a pop of gooey decadence. Here’s what goes into making these classic bars unforgettable.

• Butter (room temperature): Gives the cookie base tenderness and rich flavor—make sure it’s soft for easy creaming.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and structure to the base layer.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, welcoming aroma to every bite.
• Eggs (1 whole + 2 eggs, separated): Yolks create a soft, chewy cookie layer; whites whip up for that magical meringue top.
• All-purpose flour: Holds everything together for the perfect bar texture.
• Baking powder: Lends a gentle lift to keep your cookie layer light, not dense.
• Salt: Enhances every other flavor—don’t skip it!
• Mini marshmallows: Melt into gooey pockets throughout the bars for dreamy texture.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Bring chocolatey pops in every bite—feel free to swap in your favorite variety.
• Light brown sugar (packed): Folds into the meringue for an addictively crackly, caramel-kissed crust.

Variations

Mud Hen Bars are famous for their unfussy flexibility! You can easily swap, add, or dial up flavors to suit your mood, your pantry, or a special occasion—customizing your bars is half the fun.

• Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans (or walnuts) over the chocolate chips for a nutty finish.
• Butterscotch Delight: Replace half the chocolate chips with butterscotch chips for a sweet, caramel-y twist.
• Peanut Butter Dream: Add a swirl of creamy peanut butter over the dough before adding toppings—like a PSL for your taste buds!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep all the wonderful textures without the wheat.

How to Make Mud Hen Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Preheat

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a 9×13-inch baking pan a light mist of nonstick spray. This helps the bars come out clean and keeps cleanup easy, so you can savor every square without a fight!

Step 2: Make the Cookie Base

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, one whole egg, two yolks, and the vanilla. Blend until smooth and pale—it’ll smell heavenly! Add flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring just long enough to combine, then spread this golden dough evenly in your prepared pan.

Step 3: Add the Gooey Center

Scatter the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows generously over the base. This is what gives Mud Hen Bars their iconic gooey, melty middle—don’t skimp!

Step 4: Whip Up Meringue

Using clean beaters and a clean mixing bowl, whip those reserved egg whites on high speed until they form stiff, glossy peaks (about 2 minutes). Gently fold in the brown sugar—the mixture should look a little like molasses clouds, with all the brown sugar dissolved. No streaks or lumps!

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Carefully spread the brown sugar meringue evenly over the marshmallow and chocolate-topped dough. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top turns golden brown, crackly, and just a little crisp. Your kitchen will smell like brown sugar heaven!

Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Patience pays off here—let the bars cool completely in the pan so the gooey center sets and the meringue stays crisp. Once cool, slice them into squares and get ready for a treat unlike any other.

How to Serve Mud Hen Bars

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust Mud Hen Bars with powdered sugar or drizzle with a touch of melted chocolate—either way, it adds a lovely visual contrast and a hint of added sweetness to each slice. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top can also be magical!

Side Dishes

Pair these rich, decadent bars with something light. A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns them into a downright dreamy dessert, or a mug of hot coffee balances their sweetness for a blissful afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut Mud Hen Bars into triangles or diamonds for a party platter, stack them tall for bake sales, or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for a sweet homemade gift. The crackly top always wows when displayed on a tiered dessert stand!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Mud Hen Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep the meringue crisp, layer parchment or wax paper between bars and avoid stacking too high.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these bars, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months—just know that the meringue may soften a bit after thawing (but the flavor will be just as heavenly)!

Reheating

Enjoy Mud Hen Bars straight from the container, or warm a square for 5–10 seconds in the microwave to bring back that irresistible gooey center. If you prefer, a low oven (300°F for a few minutes) will gently revive bars and help re-crisp the topping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Mud Hen Bars—every batch is guaranteed to bring smiles! Whether you’re baking for your family or just indulging your sweet tooth, these gooey, nostalgic bars always disappear fast. Happy baking!

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