Golden Caramel Blondie Bars

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate homemade dessert experience with these incredible Copycat Applebee’s Blondie Brownies. This recipe offers a delightful twist on classic blondies, delivering a warm, thick, and wonderfully chewy treat that’s impossible to resist. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, generously loaded with crunchy walnuts, sweet white chocolate chips, and tender pieces of apple. To elevate this already perfect dessert, each blondie is topped with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and drizzled with a rich, velvety maple cream cheese sauce. It’s the kind of dessert that makes any occasion feel special, bringing the beloved Applebee’s restaurant favorite right into your kitchen.

Imagine the joy of creating a dessert that people can’t get enough of, a treat that satisfies every craving and leaves you in pure bliss. This copycat recipe is designed to do just that, offering all the deliciousness of the original with the satisfaction of a homemade touch. If you’re a fan of indulgent bar desserts, you’ll also adore these Strawberry Milk Chocolate Chip Blondie Bars, Cinnamon Roll Blondies, and these Easy Coconut Blondies!

The Allure of Applebee’s Copycat Blondie Brownies

There’s a reason Applebee’s Blondie Brownies have garnered such a devoted following – they truly are an irresistible dessert experience. Our copycat recipe captures that magic, allowing you to recreate the same incredible flavors and textures at home. These blondies are more than just a sweet treat; they are a comforting, indulgent masterpiece. Each warm, chewy bar is packed with delightful surprises, from the crispness of fresh apples to the creamy pockets of white chocolate and the earthy crunch of walnuts. Served with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream and a luxurious maple cream cheese sauce, it’s a dessert that excites the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

A Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures

What makes these blondies truly stand out is the thoughtful combination of ingredients that create a harmonious flavor profile. We’ve embraced a delightful fall vibe by incorporating fresh apples, which add a hint of tartness and a wonderful moistness to the blondies. While Granny Smith apples are often preferred for their baking stability and bright flavor, feel free to experiment with your favorite apple variety, or even omit them if you prefer a simpler blondie. The addition of creamy white chocolate chips introduces an extra layer of sweetness and a contrasting texture, while the walnuts (or pecans) provide a satisfying crunch and nutty depth. Finally, the rich maple cream cheese glaze brings everything together with its sweet, tangy, and aromatic notes, perfectly complementing the warm blondie and cool ice cream.

Why Make Your Own Applebee’s Blondie Brownies at Home?

Creating these Applebee’s copycat blondie brownies in your own kitchen offers several advantages. First, you have complete control over the quality of ingredients, ensuring freshness and allowing for dietary adjustments if needed. Second, the aroma of these blondies baking will fill your home with an inviting, comforting scent that store-bought desserts simply can’t replicate. Third, there’s an immense satisfaction in serving a homemade treat that tastes just as good, if not better, than its restaurant counterpart. It’s an opportunity to impress family and friends, or simply treat yourself to a well-deserved indulgence without leaving the house. Plus, making a large batch means you can enjoy these delightful bars for days, warming them up whenever a craving strikes.

Essential Ingredients for Your Copycat Applebee’s Blondies

Crafting these heavenly blondies requires a few pantry staples and a couple of special additions. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For the Apple Blondie Brownies:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of our chewy blondies.
• Baking powder: Provides lift and a tender crumb.
• Baking soda: Reacts with brown sugar for perfect texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors.
• Unsalted butter: For rich flavor and moisture.
• Packed brown sugar: Gives blondies their signature chewy texture and deep caramel notes.
• Eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness (one large egg, beaten).
• Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that complements all sweet treats.
• Granny Smith Apple: One medium-sized apple, chopped, for a delightful tart contrast and moistness.
• White chocolate chips: Adds pockets of creamy sweetness.
• Walnuts or pecans: Roughly chopped, for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

For the Maple Cream Cheese Sauce:

• Maple syrup: The star of the sauce, providing natural sweetness and a distinct maple flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
• Brown sugar: Enhances the caramel notes and thickness of the sauce.
• Cream cheese: Softened, it creates a wonderfully tangy, creamy texture for the glaze.
• Maple extract or maple flavoring: Boosts the maple aroma and taste.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Applebee’s Blondie Brownies

Follow these simple instructions to create your own irresistible Applebee’s Blondie Brownies with Maple Cream Cheese Sauce.

Preparing the Blondie Batter:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan and set it aside.
2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until just liquid. Add the brown sugar to the melted butter and mix thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
3. Whisk in the beaten egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies.
5. Gently fold in the chopped apples, walnuts (or pecans), and white chocolate chips into the batter. Distribute them evenly throughout.
6. Pour the prepared batter into your greased 9-inch square pan, spreading it evenly.

Baking to Perfection:

7. Bake the blondies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The edges should be set and lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Do not overbake!

Whipping Up the Maple Cream Cheese Sauce:

8. While the blondies are baking, prepare the decadent maple cream cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup and butter. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is warm.
9. Stir in the brown sugar until it is fully dissolved into the syrup mixture. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
10. Add the softened cream cheese and maple extract (or flavoring) to the warm syrup mixture. Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining. Set aside to keep warm, or gently reheat if needed before serving.

Assembling Your Divine Dessert:

11. Once the blondies are out of the oven and slightly cooled (they are best served warm!), cut them into squares.
12. Place a warm blondie square on a plate. Top it generously with a heaping scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
13. Liberally drizzle the warm maple cream cheese sauce over the ice cream and blondie. For an extra touch of flavor and crunch, sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts or pecans, if desired. Serve immediately and savor every glorious bite!

Tips for the Perfect Copycat Applebee’s Blondie Brownies

• Don’t Overbake: Blondies are meant to be chewy, not cakey. Overbaking will dry them out. They might look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out, but they will continue to set as they cool.
• Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples are excellent for baking because their tartness balances the sweetness and they hold their shape well. However, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even Braeburn apples would also work beautifully if you prefer a sweeter apple.
• Nutty Variations: While walnuts are traditional, pecans offer a slightly different flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with maple. Feel free to use either, or a mix of both! For those with nut allergies, you can simply omit them.
• Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature when making the sauce. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Make-Ahead Sauce: The maple cream cheese sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it in the microwave or a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired drizzly consistency.
• Clean Cuts: For neat squares, allow the blondies to cool almost completely before cutting. Using a plastic knife can also help prevent sticking.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These blondie brownies are best enjoyed warm, ideally straight from the oven or gently reheated. If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store them:

• Storage: Store cooled blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The sauce should be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Reheating: To bring them back to their warm, chewy glory, simply pop a blondie square into the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Reheat the sauce gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm and pourable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these without apples?

Yes, you can absolutely omit the apples if you prefer a classic blondie. The recipe will still be delicious!

What if I don’t have maple extract?

While maple extract enhances the maple flavor significantly, you can still make the sauce without it. The maple syrup itself will provide a lovely flavor. You could also add a tiny pinch of cinnamon for warmth.

Can I use a different kind of chocolate?

Certainly! Milk chocolate chips or even semi-sweet chocolate chips would also be delicious in these blondies, offering a different flavor profile.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

The baked blondies can be frozen without the sauce and ice cream. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving with fresh sauce and ice cream.

More Delectable Blondie and Brownie Recipes

Are you a true connoisseur of blondies and brownies? If you found yourself captivated by the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this recipe, then you’re in for a treat! Our collection of bar desserts is packed with innovative and mouth-watering options that might just sway your dessert loyalties. From seasonal delights to classic comforts, there’s always something new to bake and enjoy. If you’re looking for more delicious inspirations, be sure to explore these other fantastic blondie recipes:

• Easter M&M Chocolate Chip Blondies
• Awesome Butterscotch Blondies
• Holiday Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies
• Chunky Monkey Peanut Butter Cup Banana Blondies
• Sheet Pan Peanut Butter Chocolate Blondie Dream Bars
• Ultimate Snickers Peanut Butter Blondies
• Salted Caramel Chip Apple Blondies
• Super Easy Peanut Butter Cup Blondies

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the comforting world of homemade desserts and treat yourself to these delightful Copycat Applebee’s Blondie Brownies. With their warm, chewy texture, balanced flavors of apple, white chocolate, and walnuts, all crowned with a luxurious maple cream cheese sauce and cool vanilla ice cream, they promise an unforgettable taste experience. Get baking and enjoy a slice of pure happiness!