Mud Hen Bars Recipe

Name: Mud Hen Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: Cooking Spray; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar; 2/3 cup white sugar, divided; 1 large egg; 2 egg whites; 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 2/3 cup mini marshmallows

Cook Time: 30 minutes

This easy-to-make dessert combines the warmth of vanilla, the richness of butter, and the sweetness of marshmallows and chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing with friends or family!

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
2/3 cup white sugar, divided
1 large egg
2 large egg whites
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup mini marshmallows

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering treat!

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients and preheat the oven to 350F (180C), placing the rack in the bottom third position.

Step 2: Spray a 9x9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and 1/3 cup of white sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add the whole egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed for another 30 seconds until well combined.

Step 6: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture. Beat just until combined, about 1 minute.

Step 7: Spread the batter into an even layer in the prepared baking pan using an offset spatula.

Step 8: Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips and mini marshmallows evenly on top of the batter.

Step 9: In a separate, clean bowl, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until soft peaks form.

Step 10: With the mixer running, slowly add the remaining 1/3 cup of white sugar. Continue beating for another 1 to 2 minutes until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Step 11: Spoon the egg white mixture over the marshmallow layer and spread it evenly using an offset spatula.

Step 12: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sides have pulled away from the edges.

Step 13: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour, or until the pan is cool to the touch.

Step 14: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer them to a cutting board and cut into squares.

Step 15: Serve and enjoy!

Mud Hen Bars Recipe

The Story and Charm of Mud Hen Bars

Mud Hen Bars have a distinct place in American dessert history, originating in the mid-20th century as a regional treat in the northern United States. Their creation is often attributed to home bakers who sought a dessert that combined the simplicity of a cookie with the indulgence of chocolate and marshmallow. Over time, this layered bar became a staple at community gatherings, bake sales, and family kitchens, cherished for its chewy texture and visually appealing layers.

Regional Characteristics

While Mud Hen Bars are popular across the United States, they are particularly associated with the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Local variations often incorporate regional ingredients such as Michigan cherry jam or Wisconsin butter, which subtly influence the flavor profile. In some areas, the marshmallow layer is lightly toasted with a broiler to add a golden finish, while others prefer the soft, pillowy texture preserved during baking.

Distinguishing Features

Mud Hen Bars differ from similar desserts, like Seven-Layer Bars or Magic Bars, primarily in texture and layering. The base is a brown sugar cookie rather than a graham cracker crust, providing a richer, more caramelized flavor. The chocolate and marshmallow layer is intentionally denser, creating a slightly chewy center that contrasts with the delicate meringue topping. Unlike brownies, the final texture is lighter and less fudgy, appealing to those who enjoy both chewiness and a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Typical Serving Occasions

These bars are commonly served at informal events such as potlucks, school functions, and holiday gatherings. They are cut into squares, making them easy to share, and are often paired with coffee or milk. In restaurants and bakeries, Mud Hen Bars are sometimes featured as a special dessert item, particularly in establishments that focus on nostalgic American treats.

Fun Facts and Trivia

The name Mud Hen is thought to be inspired by the layering and slightly messy appearance of the dessert before baking, resembling the mottled feathers of the bird of the same name.
Despite their seemingly complex layers, these bars are deceptively easy to make, which contributes to their enduring popularity among home bakers.
Some bakers experiment by adding nuts, coconut, or flavored extracts to create unique regional twists.
They were popularized in cookbooks of the 1960s and 1970s, cementing their place in American culinary tradition as a dessert that combines simplicity, nostalgia, and indulgence.

Today, Mud Hen Bars remain a beloved classic that bridges generations, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and visual appeal. Their history, regional flair, and unique layering make them a standout among American bar desserts.

FAQ about Mud Hen Bars Recipe

Mud Hen Bars should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week.

Yes, Mud Hen Bars freeze well. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.

Yes, you can substitute the dark brown sugar with light brown sugar, or even regular granulated sugar, though the flavor and texture might be slightly different. Dark brown sugar gives a richer, more molasses-like flavor.

If you don’t have mini marshmallows, you can substitute them with large marshmallows, cut into smaller pieces. Alternatively, you can use a different type of sweet, like chocolate-covered toffee pieces or caramel chips, for a different twist.

Mud Hen Bars can become dry if they are overbaked. Make sure to monitor the bars closely in the last few minutes of baking, and remove them from the oven as soon as the top is golden brown. Additionally, be sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid using too much, which can cause dryness.

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but keep in mind that it may slightly change the flavor and texture of the bars. Butter provides a richer, creamier taste, whereas margarine may result in a slightly different consistency.

Yes, you can use egg substitutes. For the whole egg, try a flax egg or other egg replacer. For the egg whites, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a vegan alternative. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the original recipe.

The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the sides begin to pull away from the edges of the pan. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Yes, you can add nuts such as chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to Mud Hen Bars. Simply fold them into the dough mixture or sprinkle them on top with the chocolate chips and marshmallows before adding the egg white topping.