Shelly's Recipe

MAPLE-BUTTER BLONDIES

Category: Brownies/Blondies

For the Blondies:
10 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pan
1 cup walnut pieces
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 tbsp vanilla extract
6 oz white chocolate, cut into chunks

For the Topping:
1/3 cup maple syrup
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
1/2 cup walnut pieces

Make the blondies: Preheat the oven to 350. Line a 13x9 inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on two sides; butter the foil. Pulse 1/2 cup walnuts in a food processor until almost fine (do not over process). Whisk the ground nuts, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.

Beat 10 tbsp butter and the brown sugar with a mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat in the vanilla. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate and the remaining 1/2 cup walnuts.

Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake until the blondies are light brown around the edges and spring back when pressed, about 30 minutes. Cool slightly on a rack.

Meanwhile, make the topping: Place the maple syrup and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until the mixture bubbles and thickens, swirling the pan, about 6 minutes. Add the cream and continue to cook until the mixture is the consistency of caramel.

Use the foil to lift the blondies out of the pan, then cut into large bars. Serve warm topped with ice cream, the maple-butter sauce and the walnuts.