Sometimes, you crave that restaurant experience without wanting to leave the comfort of your home. Maybe it’s a rainy day, or you just want to enjoy a cozy dessert without any fuss.
That’s where this Copycat Applebee’s Blondie Recipe comes in. Imagine biting into a warm, gooey blondie topped with a rich maple cream sauce and creamy vanilla ice cream. You don’t need to be at Applebee’s to enjoy this—it’s easy to make right in your own kitchen!
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting Applebee’s blondies, you know they’re something special. They have the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s incredibly satisfying. This recipe captures all those qualities and more, letting you recreate this beloved dessert whenever you want. Plus, making them at home allows you to customize each batch to suit your taste perfectly.
What You’ll Need to Make These Blondies
Forget about any complicated ingredients; this recipe uses straightforward, pantry-staple items to create something extraordinary.
Blondie Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups chopped pecans
Maple Cream Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup evaporated milk
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Extra chopped pecans (for garnish)
Cooking Your Perfect Blondies
Making these blondies is as enjoyable as eating them. Here’s a simple guide to help you create a dessert that’s sure to impress.
1. Prepare Your Blondie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a base that’s rich and buttery. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of fragrant sweetness.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense blondies, so stir gently. Fold in the chopped pecans to add a delightful crunch in every bite.
2. Baking the Blondies
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake—the blondies should remain soft and chewy.
3. Creating the Maple Cream Sauce
While the blondies bake, it’s time to make the star of the show: the maple cream sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the maple syrup and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the evaporated milk until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Serving Your Dessert Masterpiece
Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for a few minutes before cutting them into squares. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of maple cream sauce, and a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans. The combination of warm blondie, cold ice cream, and rich sauce is truly irresistible.
Tips for Perfect Blondies Every Time
- Don’t Skip the Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter creams better with sugar, creating a lighter, fluffier blondie.
- Keep an Eye on Your Bake Time: Blondies can go from perfect to overbaked quickly. Check them a few minutes before the timer goes off to ensure they stay soft and chewy.
- Make It Your Own: While pecans are a classic choice, feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or even dried fruits.
Storing and Reheating
To keep your blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can also freeze them for up to a month. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to regain that freshly-baked texture.
Enjoy Your Homemade Blondies
With this recipe, you can bring the magic of Applebee’s right to your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, these blondies are sure to delight.
So next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, homemade dessert, remember this recipe and enjoy a taste of restaurant-quality goodness at home!
Copycat Applebee’s Blondies with Maple Cream Sauce
Ingredients
For the Blondies
- ¾ cup butter at room temperature
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups chopped pecans
For the Maple Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup evaporated milk
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream
- Chopped pecans
Instructions
Prepare the Blondies:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until well incorporated and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the chopped pecans. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares.
- Make the Maple Cream Sauce: In a small saucepan, mix the butter and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and stir in the evaporated milk.
Serve:
- Place the blondies on a serving plate, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with warm maple cream sauce, and garnish with extra chopped pecans. Enjoy!
Notes
- Nut Options: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.
- Sauce Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the maple cream sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
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