Mud Hen Bars

Mud Hen Bars are an old-fashioned dessert that appeal to both the young and the young at heart! These delicious treats have a rich, chewy base that is perfectly complemented by melty chocolate chips and fluffy, gooey marshmallows.

Topping it all off is a decadent brown sugar meringue that adds a touch of sweetness and a delightful texture contrast. Each bite offers a scrumptious blend of flavors and textures, making Mud Hen Bars a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion!

Stack of mud hen bars.

Malinda’s Baking Tips:

  • After whipping the egg whites, be sure to fold in the brown sugar. Do this by using a rubber spatula to slice through the middle of the egg whites and brown sugar. Gently pull the spatula towards you, then scoop the batter and gently fold it over. Rotate the bowl and continue doing this until the brown sugar is fully incorporated.
  • You will see my bars are a little darker because they baked a little too long. I was multitasking, and they got away from me. Bake yours to a nice light golden brown.
  • When separating your eggs, be sure not to get any egg yolk in with the whites or they will not whip up correctly.
Ingredients: butter, vanilla, eggs, marshmallows, salt, baking powder, chocolate chips, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and all-purpose flour.

Brief Overview on How To Make Mud Hen Bars:

You will begin by making the bottom layer, which reminds me of a chewy sugar cookie. Spread it out in a 9×13 baking pan. To make it easier to remove, line the baking pan with parchment paper.

Sprinkle the base with the chocolate chips and marshmallows. I added more marshmallows to this recipe than the original because why not!

Top with the brown sugar meringue. I like to drizzle the meringue everywhere, then spread it out. It can be a little challenging to spread, so do your best.

Overhead view of meringue spread over the chocolate chips and marshmallows.

Variations to Mud Hen Bars:

  • Add in a sprinkle of your favorite chopped nut
  • Replace the chocolate chips and marshmallows and use 1 cup of your favorite preserves
  • Sprinkle with chopped toffee bits

More Vintage Recipes:

Mud Hen Bars Recipe

Mud Hen Bars are gooey, chewy and delicious cookie bar base topped with chocolate, marshmallow and a brown sugar meringue!
Servings: 24 bars
Author: Malinda Linnebur
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (113g) butter, softened
  • 1 cup (210g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • cups (215g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (110g) mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (195g) packed brown sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper; set aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, 1 whole egg plus 2 egg yolks (SAVE THE WHITES!), and vanilla until smooth.
    ½ cup (113g) butter, softened, 1 cup (210g) granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla
    Two pictures showing how mix up the cookie base.
  • Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined.
    1½ cups (215g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt
    Two pictures showing how to mix up the cookie base after adding in the dry ingredients.
  • Press in an even layer into the prepared baking pan.
    Two pictures showing how to press cookie base into pan.
  • Sprinkle with marshmallows and chocolate chips.
    2 cups (110g) mini marshmallows, 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
    Cookie base sprinkled with marshmallows and chocolate chips.
  • In a clean mixing bowl with whisk attachment, beat the 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold in the brown sugar until combined and there are no lumps remaining.
    1 cup (195g) packed brown sugar
    Four pictures showing how to make the meringue.
  • Spread evenly over marshmallows and chocolate chips. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until top is light brown. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
    Overhead view of meringue spread over the chocolate chips and marshmallows.

Notes

  1. STORAGE: Store completely cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  2. FREEZER-FRIENDLY: Freeze completely cooled bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. 
  3. NUTRITION: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate. This website is not intended as nutritional advice, or a diet or health plan. Readers of this website are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to their health.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 162IU | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this?Let me know by sharing a picture and tagging @countryside_cravings on Instagram
Mud Hen Bar broke in half to show the gooey center.

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