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
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour on Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the coconut and nuts, acting as a creamy binder for the layers.
- Top with Chocolate Chips: Generously scatter semi-sweet chocolate chips on top of the wet layer to create gooey chocolate spots while baking.
- 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.
- 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