Craving that warm, gooey blondie you loved at Applebee's? Forget the drive and the wait – this copycat recipe lets you recreate that deliciousness right in your own kitchen! It’s easier than you think, and the result is a melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. This homemade recipe is a delicious alternative to store-bought desserts, offering a healthier and more customizable option. Get ready to enjoy this quick and easy dessert recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your blondies won't stick and will release beautifully once baked.
In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a hand mixer comes in handy, but you can certainly do it by hand if you’re feeling energetic!
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
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. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough blondies.
Step 4: Add Mix-ins (Optional)
If you’re adding walnuts or pecans, and chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Don't overbake, or your blondies will be dry.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set up properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for the Best Applebee's Blondie Copycat:
- Use good quality butter: The flavor of the butter will shine through in these blondies, so opt for a high-quality option.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough blondies.
- Cool completely before cutting: This prevents the blondies from crumbling and ensures neat, clean cuts.
- Get creative with mix-ins: Try adding different nuts, dried fruits, or even caramel chips for a unique twist.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Blondies: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the batter for a delicious peanut butter twist.
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Blondies: Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet and use macadamia nuts instead of walnuts or pecans.
- Salted Caramel Blondies: Drizzle a salted caramel sauce over the cooled blondies for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350 (depending on mix-ins)
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Sugar: Around 25-30g
- Protein: Around 3-4g
This recipe provides a delicious and relatively easy way to enjoy a comforting dessert at home, offering a healthier and more customizable choice compared to takeout. Enjoy your homemade Applebee's blondie copycat!