Craving that warm, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth blondie you get at Applebee's? Forget the drive and the wait! This copycat recipe lets you recreate the magic of those delicious Applebee's blondies right in your own kitchen. It's easier than you think, and the results? Absolutely heavenly. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible treat! This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, quick dessert ideas, and homemade cooking that tastes like a restaurant-quality experience.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe relies on ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let's get started!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions: Baking Bliss in Easy Steps
Follow these steps for perfectly golden, chewy blondies every time:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Chocolate & Nuts: Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Don't overbake!
- Cool & Cut: Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for Blondie Perfection
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this helps create a smooth and creamy batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough blondies. Mix until just combined.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Let the blondies cool completely before cutting to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Storage: Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations to Delight Your Taste Buds
- Add-ins: Get creative with your add-ins! Try different types of chocolate chips, chopped pecans, macadamia nuts, dried cranberries, or even butterscotch chips.
- White Chocolate Blondies: Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweeter, lighter flavor.
- Salted Caramel Blondies: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled blondies for an extra touch of indulgence.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 10-15g
- Cholesterol: 50-60mg
- Sodium: 100-150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
Enjoy your homemade Applebee's-style blondies! They're a perfect treat for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a special gathering with friends and family. This delicious and easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let us know how yours turn out!