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Copycat Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondies

Name: Copycat Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups apples (peeled cored and diced); 2 cups brown sugar (divided); 1 cup butter (unsalted, sliced); 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 cup butter (unsalted); 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: January 23, 2023

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This Copycat Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondies recipe features chewy blondies loaded with white chocolate and pecans, topped with a rich, buttery pecan sauce. It’s the perfect warm dessert to enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Close-up of Copycat Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondies topped with pecan butter sauce and vanilla ice cream.

If you’ve ever been to Applebee’s and ordered their iconic Butter Pecan Blondie, you know it’s more than just dessert—it’s a warm, gooey, caramel-soaked dream. With this easy copycat Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondies recipe, you can recreate the restaurant experience right in your own kitchen!

These blondies are rich and chewy with hints of brown sugar and vanilla, served warm and topped with a buttery pecan sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the ultimate comfort treat, and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.

Homemade Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondie with ice cream and rich pecan sauce on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-ahead friendly. Both the blondies and sauce can be prepared in advance.
Tastes just like Applebee’s! It delivers that chewy blondie base and warm pecan sauce you crave.
Made with simple ingredients. Everything is pantry-friendly and easy to find.
Quick to bake. The blondies take just 25–30 minutes in the oven.
Perfect for sharing. Great for holidays, parties, or casual family dessert nights.

Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondies Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Copycat Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondies on kitchen table.

Apples: Use any firm apples that have been peeled and cored.
Brown Sugar: Adds excellent flavor and sweetness to the dessert.
Butter: Use unsalted butter that has been cut into slices.
Flour: Use regular all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour for a tasty gluten-free dessert.
Eggs: Use large room-temperature eggs.
Baking Powder: Use fresh baking powder.
Seasonings and Spices: Kosher Salt, Ground Cinnamon, and Pure Vanilla Extract
Icing: Butter, Powdered Sugar, Milk, and Vanilla Extract

How To Make Copycat Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondies

Step One: Prepare a square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Step Two: Brown the butter for both the blondies and the icing together. Place the butter slices into a skillet over medium heat and melt while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes or until small brown flecks begin to form. Remove from heat and pour into a glass bowl or container until ready for use.

Step Three: Add the diced apples, ⅓ cup of brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the pan used for the butter. Cook for 4-5 minutes over medium heat until softened; remove from heat and set aside.

Add the Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondies into a large mixing bowl.

Step Four: Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, combine a cup of the browned butter, remaining brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well mixed. Stir the browned butter mixture into the flour and stir until just combined. Fold the apples into the mixture.

Place Copycat Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondies into the batter.

Step Four: Spread half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. (This recipe makes two batches)

Cooked Copycat Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondies in the air fryer basket.

Step Five: Set the air fryer setting to 320 degrees F and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the blondies are cooked.

Step Six: While the blondies cool, make the icing. Stir the remaining browned melted butter, confectioners sugar, milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until well mixed and smooth. Drizzle or spread over the blondies. Slice into bars and serve. Great topped with a scoop of ice cream, enjoy!

Close-up of a warm butter pecan blondie topped with vanilla ice cream and maple sauce.

Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondies Recipe Tips

Don’t overbake the blondies – You want the center to remain soft and chewy, so take them out when the edges are golden but the middle still looks slightly underdone.
Toast your pecans – Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them boosts their flavor and adds a nice crunch.
Use high-quality white chocolate – Better chocolate melts smoothly and enhances the rich, buttery taste of the blondies.
Let them cool slightly before serving – This helps them firm up just enough while still staying warm for that gooey texture under the ice cream.
Warm the maple butter sauce before drizzling – A quick warm-up makes it easier to pour and helps melt the ice cream slightly for that signature Applebee’s finish.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storing: Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap blondies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating: Microwave individual blondies for 15–20 seconds to warm and soften. For a crispier edge, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.