So here’s the deal: sometimes dessert calls for something ridiculously rich, buttery, and downright dangerous for your jeans. Enter the Applebee’s Blondie with Maple Butter Sauce. It’s the perfect mix of soft, chewy blondie, warm maple sauce, and melty vanilla ice cream. Basically, it’s the dessert equivalent of a hug from someone who smells like fresh cookies. And the best part? You can whip this up at home without waiting for a restaurant server to side-eye your third dessert order.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First, this blondie isn’t just any cookie bar. It’s dense, chewy, and packed with white chocolate chips that make every bite feel like a little sugar explosion. Then there’s the maple butter sauce—rich, creamy, and sweet enough to make your dentist cringe. Put them together and you’ve got the ultimate comfort dessert. Plus, this recipe is so straightforward it’s almost impossible to mess up. Even if you accidentally eat half the white chocolate chips before baking (which, let’s be honest, is a real possibility), it’ll still turn out amazing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the blondie:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (because life’s too short for margarine)
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
For the maple butter sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (the real stuff, not pancake syrup)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (lots)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper if you want to pretend you’re fancy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix until it looks glossy and smells like heaven.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold this into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix—unless you like blondies with the texture of a brick.
- Stir in the white chocolate chips. Yes, you may eat a few. It’s called quality control.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- While the blondies bake, make the sauce: melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Try not to drink it straight from the pan.
- Cut the blondies into squares, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle generously with warm maple butter sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the parchment paper: Sure, you can grease the pan, but parchment makes cleanup way easier.
- Overbaking: Blondies should be chewy, not crumbly. Take them out when they’re still a little soft in the middle.
- Using fake maple syrup: If you go for the cheap stuff, you’re basically just making sugar water. Treat yourself to the real deal.
- Microwaving the sauce too hot: If you reheat leftovers, warm the sauce gently or it’ll separate and look weird.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Swap white chocolate chips for butterscotch chips if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Gluten-free? Use a good quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Want a salted caramel vibe? Add a pinch of flaky sea salt to the maple sauce.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep! Bake the blondies and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm slightly before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic.
Can I freeze the blondies?
Absolutely. Just skip adding the ice cream and sauce until you’re ready to eat. They freeze well for up to 2 months.
What’s the best way to reheat the sauce?
Gently in a saucepan over low heat, or microwave in short bursts while stirring.
Do I really need the ice cream?
Yes. Yes, you do.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Sure, it’ll make the flavor deeper and slightly more caramel-like.
Is this as good as Applebee’s?
Honestly? Better. You can eat it in your pajamas without paying restaurant prices.
Final Thoughts
This Applebee’s Blondie with Maple Butter Sauce is the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes and hum while they chew. It’s rich, decadent, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re whipping it up for guests, a special occasion, or just because your sweet tooth demanded it, this recipe delivers every time. So go ahead—make it, eat it, and maybe share a little… if you’re feeling generous.