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Mud Hen Bars

Mud Hen Bars

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 to 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Mud Hen Bars are a nostalgic layered dessert featuring a buttery crust, chewy coconut, crunchy nuts, creamy sweetened condensed milk filling, and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, these bars offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for parties, make-ahead treats, or comforting homemade indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

For the Filling and Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups (135g) sweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 cup (120g) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 1/2 cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and flour in a mixing bowl. Mix until crumbly dough forms. Press firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to create an even layer.
  2. Add the Layer of Coconut and Nuts: Evenly sprinkle shredded coconut flakes and chopped nuts over the pressed crust to add texture and flavor contrast.
  3. Pour on Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the coconut and nuts, acting as a creamy binder for the layers.
  4. Top with Chocolate Chips: Generously scatter semi-sweet chocolate chips on top of the wet layer to create gooey chocolate spots while baking.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the pan in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until edges turn golden brown and chocolate melts into a glossy layer.
  6. Cool and Cut: Allow bars to cool fully on a wire rack in the pan to set layers properly. After cooling, slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for a smoother crust blend.
  • Do not skip cooling step to ensure clean cutting and bars holding shape.
  • Distribute coconut, nuts, and chocolate chips evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Choose high-quality chocolate chips for enhanced taste and texture.
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of bars without crumbling.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2x2 inches)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 115mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg