Have you ever heard of Mud Hen Bars? They are a lesser known treat for sure. I’m bringing them to your attention because they’re delicious and a little different than your typical cookie or brownies. Not that I don’t love a good brownie…because I do! However, sometimes you just want to try new things, right?? These bars have three layers – a sugar cookie layer, a layer of pecans, chocolate chips, and marshmallows, and a meringue layer. Sounds weird but somehow it just works. Trust me ;). The best part is the brown sugar meringue layer! It’s crackly and melts in your mouth. They don’t win any beauty contests but I doubt anyone will complain! Enjoy!
Mud Hen Bars
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, divided
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 pan and set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Beat in 1 whole egg and 2 egg yolks (put aside the whites for later.) Beat in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add to butter mixture and beat until just combined. Spread mixture into 9×13 pan. Sprinkle with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and pecans.
4. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the brown sugar. Spread mixture evenly over chips, pecans, and marshmallows. Bake for about 30 minutes or until bars are golden brown. Cool and cut into squares.
*adapted from Just A Pinch
