Mud Hen Bars

If you’re craving a dessert that’s gooey, sweet, and packed with chocolatey goodness, then Mud Hen Bars are about to become your new obsession. These bars are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and slightly marshmallow-y textures that will make every bite irresistible. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery base layered with chocolate chips and marshmallows, all finished with a touch of brown sugar sweetness. It’s the kind of treat that instantly transports you back to cozy kitchen memories, movie nights, or any moment that calls for a little indulgence. Trust me, these bars disappear fast!

Recipe Origin

Mud Hen Bars have been a classic American dessert favorite, often passed down through family cookbooks and shared at potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings. The recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and decadent flavor, making it a go-to for anyone who wants a rich, satisfying dessert without fussing over complicated techniques. By layering marshmallows, chocolate chips, and brown sugar, these bars capture that nostalgic, homemade magic we all love.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk and spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
9×13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper or nonstick spray
Wire rack for cooling

Why You’ll Love Mud Hen Bars

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these bars come together with simple pantry staples and minimal effort.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of the sweet, gooey layers.
Versatile: Serve as a dessert, a sweet snack, or even a fun addition to a lunchbox treat.
Customizable: Swap mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or add a handful of nuts for texture.
Comforting and Nostalgic: These bars have that homemade, classic dessert charm that makes everyone feel cozy inside.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use Room Temperature Butter: It makes mixing smoother and creates a tender base.
Beat Egg Whites Separately: Whipping the egg whites before folding them into the batter gives the bars extra lift and a light texture.
Fold Gently: Avoid overmixing flour or other ingredients to keep the bars soft and chewy.
Layer Evenly: Spread marshmallows and chocolate chips evenly to ensure every bite has the perfect balance.
Cool Before Cutting: This helps the bars set and prevents them from falling apart when sliced.

Ingredients in Mud Hen Bars

Here’s the magic that makes these bars so addictive:

Butter:

Softened butter creates a rich, tender base that holds all the flavors together.

Granulated Sugar:

Adds sweetness and helps give the base a slightly crisp texture.

Vanilla:

Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and marshmallows with a warm, aromatic note.

Eggs:

Egg yolks provide richness, while whipped egg whites help create a light, tender texture.

Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt:

The flour gives structure, baking powder adds lift, and salt balances the sweetness perfectly.

Mini Marshmallows:

Soft, gooey, and melty, they create pockets of sweet, chewy delight throughout the bars.

Chocolate Chips:

Semi-sweet chocolate adds that rich chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the marshmallows.

Light Brown Sugar:

Packed for caramel-like sweetness, it adds depth and a touch of chewiness to the bars.

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

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.

Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract. Separate the eggs. Add the whole egg and the yolks of the remaining two eggs to the butter mixture and mix until combined.

Whip Egg Whites: In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter for a light, airy texture.

Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Layer Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over the top. Add the remaining batter, and top with the rest of the marshmallows, chocolate chips, and brown sugar, spreading evenly.

Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few melted chocolate streaks are perfect).

Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Serve as a decadent snack, dessert, or a sweet treat alongside coffee or milk.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: About 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 350 kcal
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Mud Hen Bars

Dessert: Serve slightly warm with ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Snack: Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school treats, or office snacks.
Party Treat: Arrange on a platter for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday gatherings.
Gift Idea: Wrap in parchment paper or small boxes for a homemade gift.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Mud Hen Bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze individual bars for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations to Try

Nutty Bars: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra texture.
Chocolate Lovers: Use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the batter before baking.
Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the top layer for a tropical touch.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel over cooled bars for extra indulgence.

Additional Tips

Even Layers: Spread batter, marshmallows, and chocolate chips evenly to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
Use Fresh Marshmallows: Older marshmallows don’t melt as evenly and may affect texture.
Sharp Knife for Cutting: Clean the knife between cuts for neat squares.
Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaked bars remain soft and chewy; they firm up as they cool.
Double the Batch: Mud Hen Bars are perfect for freezing—double the recipe and save some for later!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use all whole eggs instead of separating?
A1: Yes, but separating the eggs and whipping the whites gives the bars a lighter texture.

Q2: Can I make them gluten-free?
A2: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly.

Q3: How long do leftovers stay fresh?
A3: 3–4 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to a week refrigerated.

Q4: Can I freeze Mud Hen Bars?
A4: Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

Q5: Can I use large marshmallows?
A5: Mini marshmallows work best for even distribution, but you can chop large ones if needed.

Q6: Can I use dark chocolate chips?
A6: Absolutely! Dark chocolate gives a richer, slightly less sweet flavor.

Q7: Can I reduce sugar in the recipe?
A7: You can slightly reduce granulated or brown sugar, but the texture may be less chewy.

Q8: Can I make this dairy-free?
A8: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Q9: Can I add a sprinkle of nuts on top?
A9: Yes! Toasted nuts add a lovely crunch and extra flavor.

Q10: Can I cut these into bars while still warm?
A10: It’s best to cool completely for clean edges, though warm bars are still delicious to eat immediately.

Conclusion

Mud Hen Bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone craving soft, gooey, chocolatey, marshmallow-filled treats. The buttery base, rich chocolate chips, and sweet marshmallows create a dessert that’s perfect for every occasion—from casual snacks to special celebrations. They’re easy, satisfying, and incredibly delicious, making them a must-try for anyone who loves homemade desserts with a nostalgic twist. Bake a batch, share them (or don’t!), and enjoy every single gooey, chocolate-filled bite.

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