These Mud Hen Bars combine a buttery cookie base with chocolate chips and marshmallows, all topped with a crispy, crackly brown sugar meringue. This vintage dessert gets its quirky name from the crackled appearance of the meringue topping, which some say resembles a muddy surface after hens have walked across it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of textures with a soft cookie base, gooey middle, and crispy meringue top
Simple pantry ingredients transform into an impressive dessert
Great make-ahead option for potlucks and gatherings
Fun conversation starter with its unique name and appearance
Versatile recipe that can be customized with different mix-ins
Sweet but not overwhelming, with the perfect balance of flavors

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Butter creates the rich, tender base for these bars. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it creams properly with the sugar for the best texture.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cookie base while also helping to create structure in the batter.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract will give you the best flavor.

Eggs perform multiple functions in this recipe – binding the cookie base and creating the meringue topping. The separation technique allows for different textures throughout the bars.

All-purpose flour provides structure to the cookie base. Measure it correctly by spooning into measuring cups and leveling off for best results.

Baking powder helps the cookie base rise slightly, giving it a soft texture rather than being too dense.

Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. Don’t skip it, even in sweet recipes.

Mini marshmallows create gooey pockets throughout the bars as they melt during baking. They’ll also help create that distinctive middle layer.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips add rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet meringue and cookie base. They maintain their shape somewhat during baking, creating delicious chocolate pockets.

Light brown sugar gives the meringue topping its signature color and caramel-like flavor. The moisture in brown sugar also contributes to the crackly texture as it bakes.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, 1 whole egg plus 2 egg yolks, and vanilla until smooth.
Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined, then spread the mixture in the prepared pan.
Top with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the remaining egg whites until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes on high.
Fold in brown sugar and mix until smooth.
Spread the meringue over the chocolate chips and marshmallows.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 24 servings of Mud Hen Bars. Each serving contains approximately 179 calories.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Nutty Mud Hen Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the marshmallow and chocolate layer for added crunch and flavor.

Fruity Twist: Replace half the chocolate chips with dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries for a fruity variation.

Peanut Butter Lover’s Version: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips, or replace half the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips.

S’mores Inspired: Use graham cracker crumbs instead of 1/4 cup of the flour to give a subtle graham cracker flavor to the base.

Mint Chocolate: Add 1/4 teaspoon of mint extract to the cookie base and use mint chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature Storage: Store Mud Hen Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. The meringue top may soften slightly but will still be delicious.

Freezer Storage: These bars freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours before serving.

Reheating: While these bars are typically enjoyed at room temperature, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired. Be aware that the meringue texture will change when heated.

FAQs

Why did my meringue topping sink into the bars?

If your meringue sinks or disappears, you likely didn’t beat the egg whites to stiff enough peaks. Make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and free from any grease, as even a tiny amount can prevent proper whipping. Beat until the egg whites stand up in stiff peaks when the beater is lifted.

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but you’ll need to cut them into smaller pieces. Quarter each large marshmallow to roughly equal the size of mini marshmallows. This ensures they’ll melt properly and distribute evenly throughout the bars.

Why is it called a “Mud Hen Bar”?

The name comes from the appearance of the crackly brown sugar meringue top after baking, which some say resembles mud that has been walked on by hens. It’s an old-fashioned dessert with Southern roots and a whimsical name.

My meringue topping came out too hard. What went wrong?

If your meringue is too hard or crunchy, it likely baked too long. Every oven is different, so start checking around 25 minutes. The top should be golden brown but still slightly soft to the touch. You can also place the pan on a higher rack in the oven to reduce direct bottom heat.

Can I make Mud Hen Bars in advance for a party?

Absolutely! These bars are actually perfect for making 1-2 days ahead as they hold up well. The flavors meld together, and the texture contrast between the cookie base and meringue top remains delightful. Store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Why did my brown sugar clump in the meringue?

Brown sugar can form clumps when added to meringue if it’s particularly hard or lumpy. To prevent this, make sure your brown sugar is fresh and soft. You can also sift it before adding to remove any lumps, or process it briefly in a food processor to break up clumps.

Is it necessary to let the bars cool completely before cutting?

Yes, cooling completely is crucial. The bars continue to set as they cool, and cutting while warm can cause them to fall apart or become messy. The cooling process also allows the different layers to set properly, giving you cleaner cuts and better texture.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute dark brown sugar for light brown sugar. Your meringue topping will have a deeper color and more robust molasses flavor, which works well with the chocolate and marshmallow. The texture will remain similar.

My cookie base seems too thick to spread in the pan. What should I do?

If your cookie base is difficult to spread, lightly wet your fingers or the back of a spoon with water to help spread the mixture without it sticking. Alternatively, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to the batter if it seems exceptionally thick.

Can I add coconut to this recipe?

Absolutely! Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut either to the cookie base or sprinkle it over the chocolate and marshmallow layer before adding the meringue. Toasted coconut works particularly well, adding both flavor and texture to these already delightful bars.

Conclusion

Mud Hen Bars are a delightful throwback dessert that combines simple ingredients into something truly special. With their buttery cookie base, gooey marshmallow and chocolate middle, and that signature crackly brown sugar meringue top, they offer a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors in each bite.

Whether you’re making them for a family dessert, bringing them to a potluck, or baking them to share with friends, these bars are sure to spark conversation and satisfy sweet cravings. The vintage recipe has stood the test of time for good reason – it’s simply delicious. Try making a batch of these unique treats, and you’ll understand why they’ve been beloved for generations.

Mud Hen Bars: A Classic Sweet Treat With Crackly Meringue Top