This copycat recipe for Applebee’s desserts is unbelievably good, using real-deal ingredients like white chocolate, walnuts, and buttery maple cream sauce. It’s straightforward enough for a weekday treat yet fancy enough to wow your guests at any gathering. So grab your whisk and let’s dive in!
In This Post
- Why Applebee’s Desserts Are So Popular and Irresistible
- The Secret Behind the White Chocolate Blondies
- Perfect Occasions to Serve Applebee’s Desserts
- Why This Recipe Works So Well
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- How to Make This Recipe Your Own
- Ingredients You’ll Need for Applebee’s Desserts
- Step-by-Step Recipe for Applebee’s White Chocolate Blondies
- Pro Tips for Making Applebee’s Desserts Perfect Every Time
- FAQs About Applebee’s Desserts and Blondie Recipe
- Why This Recipe Is a Winner
Love desserts? Don’t miss the cozy Apple Spice Cake or the unique fusion of the Gulab Jamun Cake Recipe: Perfect Fusion Dessert!
Why Applebee’s Desserts Are So Popular and Irresistible
Applebee’s desserts are more than just sweet treats—they’re an experience. Whether it’s the sizzling skillet or the gooey textures, each dessert feels like a celebration. What sets them apart is the perfect balance of flavors and that homestyle touch that makes every bite feel nostalgic.
The combination of warm, melty sauces with perfectly baked bases is like a hug for your taste buds. Plus, Applebee’s is all about comfort food that’s both indulgent and approachable, which is exactly what makes their desserts such a crowd-pleaser.
The Secret Behind the White Chocolate Blondies
What makes Applebee’s white chocolate blondies stand out? It’s the combination of buttery blondie base, rich white chocolate, and the warm, decadent maple cream sauce. The way it’s served—hot and gooey—is a game-changer, making it the ultimate comfort dessert.
The white chocolate adds a creamy sweetness, while the walnuts or pecans bring a nutty crunch that balances the richness. The maple cream sauce ties it all together with its silky texture and sweet, buttery flavor.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Applebee’s Desserts
This dessert isn’t just for special occasions. It’s perfect for everything from a cozy family dinner to a potluck or even a casual weeknight treat. Honestly, you don’t need an excuse to whip this up. If you’re craving something sweet and indulgent, this recipe is calling your name.
Imagine serving this at a holiday gathering—the warm, maple aroma filling the air while everyone eagerly awaits dessert. Or, picture a lazy Sunday afternoon where you’re curled up with a good movie and a plate of these blondies. No matter the occasion, this dessert brings comfort and joy.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
There’s something magical about combining simple ingredients in just the right way. This recipe delivers soft, chewy blondies with the perfect balance of sweetness from the white chocolate and richness from the nuts. Pair that with the maple cream sauce, and you’ve got a dessert that feels indulgent without being overly fussy.
The key here is the buttery blondie base. It’s moist, dense, and slightly caramelized from the brown sugar. The maple cream sauce adds a luxurious finish that makes every bite taste like a warm hug. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, so even beginner bakers can nail this recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Stir the ingredients just until combined to keep the blondies tender. Overmixing can make them dense.
- Skipping the Maple Syrup: The sauce truly shines when you use high-quality, real maple syrup. Avoid the imitation stuff!
- Not Watching the Baking Time: Set a timer and check early. Blondies can go from perfectly chewy to overbaked quickly.
How to Make This Recipe Your Own
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Add a Twist: Throw in some dried cranberries or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Change the Nuts: If walnuts or pecans aren’t your thing, try almonds or leave the nuts out entirely.
- Use Dark Chocolate: For a deeper flavor, swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate.
- Try a Boozy Sauce: Add a splash of bourbon to the maple cream sauce for a grown-up twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Applebee’s Desserts
Let’s not overcomplicate this. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s straightforward and uses pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need for both the blondie and the maple cream sauce.
For the Blondies:
- ⅓ cup melted salted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Maple Cream Sauce:
- ½ cup real maple syrup
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
(Optional: chopped walnuts for garnish)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Applebee’s White Chocolate Blondies
Ready to impress everyone at your next family dinner? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these blondies.
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. You don’t want these blondies to stick because, trust me, scraping them off the pan is heart-wrenching.
2. Mix the Blondie Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and whisk again until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. (Don’t overmix—this isn’t bread dough!)
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped nuts. The batter will be thick, but that’s what makes these blondies so good.
3. Bake the Blondies
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them—no one wants overbaked blondies!
4. Make the Maple Cream Sauce
While the blondies are baking, whip up the maple cream sauce.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, butter, and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the softened cream cheese until the sauce is creamy and luscious.
5. Serve and Devour
Cut the blondies into squares and drizzle them generously with the warm maple cream sauce. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top. Serve warm—preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You’re welcome.
Pro Tips for Making Applebee’s Desserts Perfect Every Time
- Use Real Maple Syrup. Don’t skimp on this ingredient—it’s the star of the sauce! Real maple syrup gives it that deep, caramel-y flavor.
- Don’t Overbake the Blondies. They should be soft and chewy, not dry. Start checking them at the 20-minute mark.
- Customize the Nuts. Not a walnut fan? Swap them for pecans or leave them out entirely if you prefer.
- Make Ahead of Time. You can bake the blondies and make the sauce a day ahead. Just reheat the sauce before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven vibe.
- Presentation Matters. Serve these blondies warm in a skillet or on a pretty dessert plate to make them feel extra special.
Applebee’s Desserts
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Recreate Applebee’s iconic desserts with this delicious white chocolate blondie recipe topped with a buttery maple cream sauce.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup melted salted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Maple Cream Sauce:
- ½ cup real maple syrup
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
(Optional: chopped walnuts for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in white chocolate chips and nuts. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly.
- To make the maple cream sauce, combine maple syrup, butter, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Cut blondies into squares and drizzle generously with the warm maple cream sauce. Garnish with chopped walnuts if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Store blondies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently before serving.
- To freeze, wrap blondies individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: applebee’s desserts, white chocolate blondies, maple cream sauce, copycat recipe, blondie dessert
FAQs About Applebee’s Desserts and Blondie Recipe
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of nuts or have an allergy, you can skip the walnuts or pecans. The blondies will still be delicious.
Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’ve already added the sauce, refrigerate them and reheat before serving.
Yes! Wrap the blondies individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Just thaw and warm them up before serving.
Heat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it in 10–15 second intervals, stirring in between. Don’t overheat, or it might separate.
Sure thing! While white chocolate chips mimic the original recipe, you can experiment with milk or dark chocolate if you want a twist.
Absolutely. Just use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly—check it around the 25-minute mark.
The white chocolate blondie with maple cream sauce is a fan favorite, but other popular options include their molten chocolate cake and brownie bites.
A single serving of Applebee’s blondie typically contains around 990 calories, depending on the toppings and sauce.
Applebee’s brownie bite is a smaller dessert option, containing approximately 350 calories.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
Let’s face it: Applebee’s desserts are iconic, but there’s something extra special about making them yourself. This white chocolate blondie recipe is perfect for when you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert that feels fancy but is actually super simple. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because you need a sweet pick-me-up, this dessert delivers every time.
So what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch and let the compliments roll in. And hey, don’t forget to tag me in your photos when you make this—because sharing dessert pics is basically a love language.