Print

Mud Hen Bars

Mud Hen Bars
Print Recipe

Mud Hen Bars are a rich and chewy dessert bar combining a buttery crust, crunchy nuts, gooey caramel made from sweetened condensed milk, and melty chocolate chips. This easy-to-make treat delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for any occasion from potlucks to cozy nights in. Quick to prepare with simple pantry staples, these bars are customizable to suit dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Filling

  • 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans; substitute with toasted coconut flakes for nut-free)
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chunks)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan (typically 9×13 inches) with parchment paper for easy removal. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and flour until a coarse dough forms. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan to create the base of the bars.
  2. Add the Nut Layer: Evenly sprinkle the chopped nuts over the pressed crust, creating a crunchy and flavorful layer.
  3. Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Carefully pour the sweetened condensed milk over the nut layer, covering the entire surface to create the gooey caramel layer characteristic of Mud Hen Bars.
  4. Sprinkle the Chocolate Chips: Scatter chocolate chips evenly on top of the sweetened condensed milk layer. When baked, these will melt into luscious pockets of chocolate throughout the bars.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the caramel layer is bubbling. After baking, let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to achieve clean cuts and maintain layers.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter to ensure smooth dough that presses evenly.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify removal.
  • Allow bars to cool fully before cutting to avoid messy slices.
  • Finely chop nuts for even distribution and texture.
  • Perform a toothpick test near the edge; it should come out clean or slightly sticky, not wet.
  • For a salt caramel twist, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
  • To make vegan versions, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free chocolate and sweetened condensed coconut milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mud Hen Bars, caramel bars, chocolate nut bars, chewy dessert bars, easy baking recipe

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/mud-hen-bars/