Mud Hen Bars
Mud Hen Bars are rich, layered dessert bars featuring a buttery base, crunchy walnuts, chocolate chips, and fluffy marshmallows, all topped with a sweet meringue. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat, they combine textures and flavors that appeal to all ages with their indulgent, nostalgic appeal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat together butter, sugar, 1 egg, and 2 egg yolks until well combined.
- Add sifted flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture and blend.
- Spread the batter evenly in a 13 x 9-inch greased pan.
- Sprinkle walnuts, chocolate chips, and marshmallows over the batter.
- Make a meringue with 2 egg whites and 1 cup brown sugar and spread it over the toppings.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using browned butter instead of regular butter. You can substitute pecans for walnuts if desired, or use a mix of nuts. If you prefer a lighter meringue, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form before adding the brown sugar gradually. Ensure your baking pan is well-greased to prevent sticking, and check the bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid over-baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Mud Hen Bars are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider dusting with powdered sugar or serving with fresh berries, enhancing the sweetness and adding a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Mud Hen Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mud Hen Bars contains roughly 552 calories, with 7g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), calcium (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 784mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Mud Hen Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Mud Hen Bars a day in advance. Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They taste great after a day of resting, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you want to change up the flavor, you can use butterscotch chips or white chocolate chips as alternatives to the chocolate chips. Dried fruits like cranberries or cherries also make a tasty addition if you're looking for a fruity twist.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of sifted flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour directly without sifting, but sifting helps aerate the flour and can result in a lighter texture. If you choose not to sift, make sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).