Mud Hen Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds, then these Mud Hen Bars are just the treat! They are the perfect blend of gooey chocolate and chewy vegan marshmallows, all topped with a sweet brown sugar meringue. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a special place in my heart. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these bars bring smiles to faces and warmth to the table.

What I love most about these Mud Hen Bars is how simple and enjoyable they are to make. They are great for sharing, but I won’t judge if you want to keep them all to yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: The steps are straightforward, so even novice bakers can whip these up with confidence.
• Family-friendly: Both kids and adults adore these bars, making them an instant hit at any gathering.
• Make-ahead option: You can bake them ahead of time for parties and special events—just store them in an airtight container!
• Deliciously gooey: With layers of chocolate and marshmallows, every bite is a delightful experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that will come together to create these delightful Mud Hen Bars. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

For the Base

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 whole egg + 2 eggs, separated
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

• 1 cup mini vegan marshmallows
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Switch up the chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
• Try different extracts: Experiment with almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

How to Make Mud Hen Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your bars bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make it easy to lift out the bars once they’re cool.

Step 3: Cream Together the Base Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, one whole egg plus two yolks, and vanilla until smooth. This process incorporates air into the mixture, creating that lovely light texture we want in our dessert.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, add in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined; over-mixing can lead to tough bars. Once mixed, spread this batter evenly into your prepared pan.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows

Sprinkle the mini vegan marshmallows and semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top of the batter. These will melt during baking, creating delightful pockets of gooey goodness throughout.

Step 6: Make the Meringue Topping

In a clean mixing bowl using a whisk attachment on your mixer, beat the two remaining egg whites until stiff peaks form—this usually takes about two minutes on high speed. The stiff peaks mean that your meringue will hold its shape nicely when baked.

Step 7: Fold in Brown Sugar

Gently fold in the packed light brown sugar into the whipped egg whites until combined without lumps. This step adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful golden topping.

Step 8: Spread Over Chocolate Chips & Marshmallows

Carefully spread this meringue mixture over your chocolate chips and marshmallows. It might look like too much at first, but it’s just right!

Step 9: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 10: Cool Before Cutting

Once baked, allow your Mud Hen Bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This helps them set properly so they hold their shape when served.

Now you have a wonderful batch of Mud Hen Bars ready to enjoy! Perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself—happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Mud Hen Bars

Making Mud Hen Bars is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you can elevate your baking game!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps them mix more smoothly, resulting in a better texture for your bars.
• Don’t skip the cooling time: Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting lets the meringue set properly, making it easier to achieve neat squares without crumbling.
• Experiment with chocolate types: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, trying dark or even white vegan chocolate can add a unique twist to the flavor profile of your bars.
• Customize your toppings: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits along with the marshmallows to give an extra crunch and depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the bars.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy.

How to Serve Mud Hen Bars

Presenting your Mud Hen Bars beautifully can make all the difference for gatherings or a cozy night in!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and visual appeal.
• Fresh berries: Serve alongside fresh raspberries or strawberries for a burst of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich bars.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla vegan ice cream: The creamy texture and mild flavor of vanilla vegan ice cream provide a perfect cool complement to the warm, gooey bars.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the Mud Hen Bars, adding brightness to your dessert spread.
• Whipped coconut cream: Light and fluffy coconut whipped cream can be dolloped on top of each bar for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Chai tea or coffee: Pairing these dessert bars with a warm beverage like chai tea or coffee enhances the overall dessert experience, making it perfect for an afternoon treat or evening gathering.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Mud Hen Bars! They’re sure to be a hit at any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mud Hen Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week. The gooey chocolate and marshmallow goodness stays fresh, making them an excellent treat to have on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover Mud Hen Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week.
• Ensure that each layer is separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares before freezing to make it easy to grab a piece whenever you need a sweet treat.
• Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label the container with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen Mud Hen Bars, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
• If you prefer warm bars, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Mud Hen Bars that might help you with your baking adventure!

What makes Mud Hen Bars so special?

Mud Hen Bars are unique because they combine layers of gooey chocolate, vegan marshmallows, and a light brown sugar meringue topping. This delightful mix creates a chewy texture with bursts of sweetness that make every bite irresistible.

How do I store leftover Mud Hen Bars?

To keep your Mud Hen Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually!

Can I make Mud Hen Bars without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for the meringue. This keeps the bars deliciously chewy without using any animal products.

How long do Mud Hen Bars last?

When stored correctly, Mud Hen Bars will last for about three days at room temperature and up to one week if refrigerated. If frozen, they can maintain their quality for up to three months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these delectable Mud Hen Bars! They’re not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself or sharing with friends and family, I know they’ll be a hit. Happy baking!