Mud Hen
Mud Hen is a rich, nutty dessert featuring a layered combination of sweet pecan topping and a tender cake base. Its caramel-like flavors and crunchy pecans make it a perfect treat for gatherings or indulgent afternoons, appealing to those who enjoy classic, comforting baked desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the sugar and oleo.
- Add one whole egg and one yolk, mixing well.
- Gradually blend in the self-rising flour.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chopped pecans, egg white (do not beat), and brown sugar.
- Spread the pecan mixture over the batter in the pan.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo. If you prefer a sweeter treat, add an extra 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the batter. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if desired. Make sure to mix the ingredients gently to avoid overworking the flour, which can lead to a denser texture. Always use fresh eggs for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mud Hen warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Violet'S Ice Cream for an indulgent dessert experience. For a more festive touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the Mud Hen to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. For reheating, warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mud Hen contains roughly 1119 calories, with 13g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour. If you do, make sure to add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to mimic the leavening effect of self-rising flour.
What can I substitute for pecans if I have allergies?
If you have nut allergies, you can simply omit the pecans from the recipe or use seeds like sunflower seeds for crunch. This will still give you a delicious dessert without the risk of allergies.
How do I know when the Mud Hen is done baking?
The Mud Hen is done when the edges are lightly golden and the center is firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter, indicating it's ready to be cooled.
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).