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These rich chocolate mud bars combine classic layers of indulgent flavors. Starting with a crunchy cookie base, moving to dense fudgy brownies, smooth chocolate mousse, and finishing with billowy whipped cream - each bite delivers pure chocolate satisfaction.
The key to perfect mud bars is allowing adequate cooling time between layers to achieve distinct textures.
Key Ingredients
- Base Layer:
- Oreo Cookies: 30 cookies, finely crushed
- Unsalted Butter: Melted
- Cookie Crumbs: Reserved for garnish
- Brownie Component:
- All-Purpose Flour: Properly measured
- Cocoa Powder: Natural unsweetened
- Eggs: Large, room temperature
- Butter: Softened
- Vanilla Extract: Pure, not imitation
- Top Layers:
- Chocolate Pudding Mix: 3.9 ounce package
- Whole Milk: For best texture
- Whipped Topping: Split for layers
- Hot Fudge: Room temperature
Step-by-Step Method
- 1. Base Preparation:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Coat 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Pulverize Oreos to fine crumbs, reserve ¼ cup. Combine remaining crumbs with melted butter, press into pan.
- 2. Brownie Preparation:
- Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt. Separately beat eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla until fluffy. Gently mix in dry ingredients. Spread over crust. Bake 25-30 minutes until just set.
- 3. Mousse Layer:
- Mix milk, pudding mix, powdered sugar for 2 minutes until thickened. Fold in half the whipped topping. Spread over fully cooled brownies.
- 4. Final Touches:
- Chill 1-1½ hours. Add hot fudge drizzle, remaining whipped topping, sprinkle with reserved crumbs.
- 5. Finishing:
- Refrigerate minimum 2 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor development.
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Storage Instructions
Keep refrigerated up to 4 days in covered container. For neat slices, use a hot knife cleaned between cuts. Freezes well for 3 months - thaw overnight in refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
- Glass of cold milk
- Fresh brewed coffee
- Classic vanilla ice cream
- Fresh red raspberries
- Mint chocolate ice cream
- Steaming hot chocolate
Creative Variations
Customize with:
- Alternative cookie bases
- Peanut butter mousse layer
- White chocolate topping
- Mint chocolate garnish
- Caramel drizzle
- Crushed chocolate bars
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Recipe Notes
The secret to spectacular mud bars lies in proper temperature control and cooling times. Take care with each layer to achieve the perfect chocolate dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
- Definitely! You can make it up to two days ahead and just keep it stored in the fridge.
- → Why is it important to let the brownie layer cool?
- If the brownies are too warm, they’ll ruin the mousse texture by melting it.
- → Is it possible to freeze these bars?
- Sure! They freeze well for up to three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to eat.
- → Can I swap in freshly whipped cream?
- Yes, absolutely! Just use the same amount of your homemade whipped cream on top.
- → What’s the best way to slice these neatly?
- Use a clean knife warmed in hot water, then wipe and dip between each cut for the smoothest results.