Homemade Mud Hen Bars: A Nostalgic Treat!
Have you ever stumbled upon a recipe that made you instantly nostalgic? That’s exactly what happened when I came across these Homemade Mud Hen Bars. They remind me of lazy summer afternoons at my grandma’s house, where every corner had the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods. These bars are a perfect mix of chocolatey goodness pooled with the sweetness of marshmallows, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug. I’ll never forget the first time I made them for my friends—let’s just say we devoured the entire batch in one sitting.
What I love most about these bars is their simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss, you can whip up a batch that charms everyone. Whether it’s for a family gathering or just a special treat for yourself after a long day, these Mud Hen Bars never disappoint—and trust me, they’ll become an instant hit!
What’s in Homemade Mud Hen Bars?
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds rich flavor and moisture to our bars. Always use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the recipe.
– 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetening up the mix! You can even swap some of this with brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
– 4 large eggs: These guys help bind everything together, creating a wonderfully gooey texture.
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Because every baked good needs a little vanilla to enhance the flavor—trust me on this one!
– 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our recipe. It gives structure but doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
– ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The hero of our chocolate story, delivering that rich chocolate flavor we crave!
– 1 teaspoon baking powder: A little lift to our bars, ensuring they have the perfect texture—light but rich.
– ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance all those lovely flavors.
– 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate): Go with your favorite kind! I love the semi-sweet for that bittersweet balance.
– 1 cup mini marshmallows: Little pockets of sweetness that melt with each bite.
– Additional chocolate chips and marshmallows for topping (optional): Because why not? More chocolate and marshmallows mean more deliciousness!
Is Homemade Mud Hen Bars Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest—these Mud Hen Bars are a dessert, and desserts are meant to be enjoyed in moderation! On the upside, you get a bit of protein from the eggs and some antioxidants from the cocoa powder. Those mini marshmallows do bring a little joy, too—even if they don’t pack a health punch!
Remember, though, that sugar adds up quickly. So while indulging, keep in mind it’s best to savor them as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. Your waistline (and your sweet tooth) will thank you!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– Additional chocolate chips and marshmallows for topping (optional)
How to Make Homemade Mud Hen Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like fluffy clouds!
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that sweet aroma.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to eliminate any lumps and get everything well blended.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be gentle here—no need to overmix; we want it moist and tender!
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows until they are evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle additional chocolate chips and marshmallows on top—go wild!
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Stick a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
9. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. If you can, try to hold off a little longer—these are extra chewy when they sit for a bit!
Little Extras to Enhance Your Mud Hen Bars!
– For a nutty twist, throw in some chopped nuts or even swirl in some peanut butter before baking—yum!
– Consider serving these bars warm for that gooey experience, or pair them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for an indulgent treat.
– Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container; they are still super delicious the next day!
I’m beyond excited for you to try making these delightful Homemade Mud Hen Bars. They’re not just food, but a fantastic way to create lasting memories, whether it’s with friends or family. So get in that kitchen, whip up a batch, and don’t forget to share your experiences—I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you! Happy baking!
