Monday, March 2, 2009

Dining Out Dessert

Walnut Blondie with Maple Butter Sauce

Here’s a little something I think you guys will like. It’s a Walnut Blondie with Maple Butter Sauce. I don’t know what made me think about this dessert, because I’ve only had it once. It was several years ago… maybe even eight. I was eating out at Applebee’s with my family and we decided to get dessert. Now, I eat out kind of often, but desserts are usually saved for celebrations. Birthdays and such. And, when I do get one, it’s usually the most chocolate thing on the menu and it never contains nuts. But on that day, it wasn’t my celebration. It was my uncle’s and I agreed to split this non-chocolate, nut-filled dessert – the whole while thinking about how much better the chocolate would be. Well, I was wrong. Way wrong. This might have even been the best thing I had ever tasted. (up until that point, anyway.)

So, if you’ve never been to Applebee’s and you’ve never tasted the Walnut Blondie with Maple Butter Sauce, that’s okay. Because, you’re in luck. I found a recipe from The Secret Recipe Blog that’s as close to the original as I remember it.

I promise you’ll like it.

Here’s the recipe.

Here are the ingredients for the blondies.

Blondie Ingredients

Mix it all up…

Blondie Batter

And, spread it all out in a greased and floured 8 or 9 inch square pan. (I used the 8 inch)

When the blondies are almost done, mix up your maple butter sauce. Here’s what you’ll need.

Maple Butter Sauce Ingredients

When the brownies are done, cool for a few minutes. Cut and serve while they are still warm.

Walnut Blondies

Put one, or two, or six on a plate. Pile on some vanilla ice cream and slowly pour the warm maple butter sauce over everything. Top with any extra walnuts.

Maple Butter Sauce

OMG!!!!!

Now, if you don’t have any ice cream in the house, don’t let that stop you from making this.

Actually, if one were to make just the blondies and the maple butter sauce, one might even want to cut up small pieces of the blondie and use the maple butter sauce as a dip. One might even end up dunking the whole thing in the sauce and getting maple butter all over their fingers that they then had to force themselves to lick off. However, I don’t know anyone like that.

Again, here’s the recipe.

And, now for a giveaway…

Dish on your favorite dining out dessert.
Cheesecake Factory cheesecake, Chili’s molten chocolate cake,
McDonald’s fried pies (hey, anything goes)

  • Leave a comment on this post with your favorite dining out dessert and you could win a $50 American Express gift card. Use it for dinner, dessert or whatever.
  • Make sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you win.
  • Deadline to enter is Tuesday, March 3rd at midnight.
  • One winner will be chosen at random and announced sometime Wednesday evening on this post.

Good Luck!

And, check back later this week. I have some really fun news to announce. It’s pretty exciting!

Time’s up! I’m starting to think this giveaway was a bad idea because now I have a craving for all kinds of desserts. I need to find a BJs, a Claim Jumpers and a Cheddars near me. And, I’m definitely going to have to try the banana spring rolls from P.F. Changs. Actually, I think I’ll do a dessert tasting there because they received a lot of shout outs. And, next time I go to the Cheesecake Factory, I’ll twist my arm and try the Carrot Cake. Thanks for all the great suggestions…I think.
Okay, let’s see who’s going to buy me dinner. JJ. The winner from the 1,732 super-delicious comments is jori-o! YAY jori-o!

Congrats and I hope you do something fun with the $50.

401
Liney said...

The cappuccino cheesecake at Macaroni Grill… which unfortunately has been removed from their menu in many locations. Shame.

March 2, 2009 01:45 PM
402
Sarah@VintageChic said...

I love Cheesecake Olivia from Outback Steakhouse and the key lime cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory!

March 2, 2009 01:45 PM
403
Staci said...

I love that dessert! Another one of my favorites is Chilli’s White Chocolate Molten Lava cake!

To die for!

March 2, 2009 01:47 PM
404
Mommo said...

I have not had it is a few years so I can’t remember the exact name but UNO pizzaria had a peanut butter cup dessert that was the bomb.

March 2, 2009 01:49 PM
405
lacotmc said...

sopaipillas

March 2, 2009 01:49 PM
406
Katie said...

I love Mint Oreo Blizzards from Dairy Queen! My favorite sit down restaurant dessert is the Banana Cream pie from Marie Calender’s. That thing is amazing!

Thanks for the chance to win this!

You can contact me through my blog if I win.

March 2, 2009 01:50 PM
407
icook said...

The pazookie, at BJ’s. It’s a chocolate chip cookie that they bake in a skillet, then topped with ice cream and hot fudge sauce. The cookie is so soft…yum, yum.
icooktexas@gmail.com

March 2, 2009 01:50 PM
408
Stacy said...

I love the Chocolate Thunder From Down Under at Outback and the caramel pie from O’Charley’s!
mcginnis135 at bellsouth dot net

March 2, 2009 01:52 PM
409
shelby said...

Oh my gosh.
That is amazing.

March 2, 2009 01:52 PM
410
Annie said...

There’s a place close to where I live called Molly Woo’s that’s an Asian bistro. The food is great and they have a killer chocolate cake with a vanilla ice cream.

March 2, 2009 01:53 PM
411
ameybc said...

My husband isn’t big on desserts, so we usually don’t get them. I had an amazing piece of amaretto cheesecake when I went out to eat with my sister, though… at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria of all places. I also love DQ blizzards!

March 2, 2009 01:53 PM
412
The Monkey Who Loves to Cook said...

fried ice cream at the local mexican restaurant. yummy

March 2, 2009 01:54 PM
413
Melissa said...

My favorite dessert is the pumpkin cheesecake at Olive Garden.

melissarw@hotmail.com

March 2, 2009 01:54 PM
414
sarah said...

I love the chocolate souffle with vanilla bean anglaise at a local restaurant here called Grille 29. Other than that, I have a thing for McDonald’s hot fudge sundaes.

March 2, 2009 01:55 PM
415
diane said...

Macaroni Grill has fried dessert ravioli with chocolate and nuts inside and served with vanilla ice cream. YUM!!!!!!

March 2, 2009 01:57 PM
416
Christine said...

This one looks yummy-but my favorite so far is another one from Applebee’s. Not sure of the exact name of it, but it’s a chocolate lava cake served with vanilla ice cream, Heavenly!!!

March 2, 2009 01:57 PM
417
Mary said...

I LOVE the Chocolate Tallcake from Ruby Tuesday!!! It’s awesome. Mary @ runningthehalls.blogspot.com

March 2, 2009 01:58 PM
418
Chandra said...

I love Applebee’s Brownie Bites. They only serve them at lunch and they are only $1 and they are awesome!!!

March 2, 2009 01:58 PM
419
cv said...

Oohhh – hard to decide, but today it’s the Chili’s molten lava cake. Or pretty much ice cream anywhere. No, the lava cake today. Definitely.
=)

March 2, 2009 01:59 PM
420
Miranda said...

I love anything chocolate, but I really LOVE Olive Garden’s Chocolate Lasagna.

March 2, 2009 01:59 PM
421
Fei-fei said...

Baklava ice cream from the Trojan Horse in Bloomington, IN. It comes with actual chunks of baklava instead of just a recreation of the flavors. Delicious. Your food pictures are beautiful!

zhengfpurdue@gmail.com

March 2, 2009 02:00 PM
422
Laura said...

I haven’t eaten there in a while, but I love the Chocolate Volcano cake at Don Pablo’s

March 2, 2009 02:01 PM
423
Leslie & Erik said...

I love Mc Donalds frozen yogurt!!! (I live in a small town) but when I go to see my mom in AZ I have to have Cheesecake Factory’s Kaluha Cheesecake. YUM!

March 2, 2009 02:01 PM
424
Dream Cake said...

My favorite has to be the Banana Cream Cheesecake @ the Cheesecake Factory. Well we have lots of snow today I am going to try this!! But I will have to make snow cream I don’t have any ice cream.
Thanks Bakerella!!

March 2, 2009 02:01 PM
425
marryoh said...

I love those cookies with ice cream at Old Chicago!! Oh man, I haven’t been there in ages!!! I wonder if they still have them??

March 2, 2009 02:02 PM
426
Rich, Stacey and Lillian said...

My favorite is the chocolate cake at Outback. Absolutely.

March 2, 2009 02:02 PM
427
Lainey said...

I love the flan from Papasitos.

March 2, 2009 02:03 PM
428
memoryminded said...

Chocolate Molten Lava Cake from any of a number of local restaurants wins out everytime for me.
Thanks for doing this giveaway, and for the recipe! Looks delicious!!

March 2, 2009 02:03 PM
429
Susan and Lee said...

That looks so yummy! I love pretty much any desserts, but I love McDonald’s hot fudge sundaes. Yum. WIth the economy the way it is lately, this is a good dessert for cheap

March 2, 2009 02:04 PM
430
Melissa said...

It’s definitely a tie between Copeland’s cheesecake with three different caramel sauces and Chili’s molten chocolate cake with chocolate sauce and ice cream.

March 2, 2009 02:06 PM
431
flmom said...

My favorite dessert is at Cheesecake Factory-I’m pretty sure it’s called Linda’s fudge cake. It’s a huge piece of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and chocolate sprinkls on the sides of the cake. It is to die for.

March 2, 2009 02:07 PM
432
Maria said...

I love the chocolate fudge cake at the Cheesecake Factory.

March 2, 2009 02:09 PM
433
My Vo said...

mmmmmm…thanks for the recipe!
i love the green tea cake from a local restaurant called asian mint.

March 2, 2009 02:09 PM
434
Tiffani said...

Oh gosh, I love the brownie bottom cheesecake at the cheesecake factory.

March 2, 2009 02:09 PM
435
Zack and Victoria said...

My fav desert is the I DECLAIR at the Claim Jumper. It is the BIGGEST eclair you will ever see. It sits on a plate of vanilla bean ice cream, surrounded by whip cream and topped with hot fudge…. and it feeds about 5 people. This thing is HUGE!!! And o-so-yummy :O)

March 2, 2009 02:10 PM
436
Jen said...

Fogo de Chao has a kicking creme brulee! So delish.

March 2, 2009 02:10 PM
437
adamanderin said...

My favorite dessert was the chocolate lasagna at Olive Garden, but unfortunately they don’t serve it anymore!

March 2, 2009 02:10 PM
438
Lori said...

I’m in my last 2 weeks of pregnancy and all I can think about is cheesecake! I love the tiramasu cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory but hey! always love Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie from Chili’s…Oh, just don’t get me started!
Lori
koblerbears@yahoo.com

March 2, 2009 02:11 PM
439
Anonymous said...

It’s March- finally- that means Shamrock Shakes at McD’s are back! They are actually the only dessert I usually get.

March 2, 2009 02:11 PM
440
Kathryn said...

I was going to agree that the blondie at Applebee’s is great. As a kid I remember ordering a small dinner then splitting the brownie with my dad. Another great dessert is “Captain Jack’s burried treasure” at the Jacksonville Ale House in Jax, FL. It’s got chocolate and peanut butter and ice cream, and fudge sauce, and probably more. Very yum!

March 2, 2009 02:11 PM
441
D*H*L said...

the volcano at rainforest cafe! my eyes fluter and glaze over when i see the mountain of brownies and icecream oozing with caramel and chocolate sauce coming my way… and the sparkler on top is so mesmerizing! ;)

i love your blondies recipe. i can’t wait to make it with friends!

March 2, 2009 02:11 PM
442
Heather said...

For sure the cookie sandwich at the Claim Jumper restaurants. There is always too much to eat after dinner so I take it with me and eat it for breakfast or a late-night snack (I’m always on vacation so I can justify it!)
lebonheur76 at hotmail dot com

March 2, 2009 02:11 PM
443
graphics_girl said...

I love desserts, but we have a restaurant here that has a Baked Hot Chocolate. OH MY GOODNESS! Wow. And I’m not a big Banana Cream Pie fan, but Max and Erma’s has a great Banana Cream Pie. Wow. I’m hungry.

March 2, 2009 02:12 PM
444
Casserlys said...

I love the 7 layer cake from claim jumper. It is as large as one of my children…so we only end up making a dent! I also love cheescakes. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes.

kl.irish5@gmail.com

March 2, 2009 02:12 PM
445
Hautemama said...

Mine’s a toss up between a good NY cheesecake, or one of those big brownie ice cream things that noone can ever finish.

March 2, 2009 02:13 PM
446
Imjustagirl said...

CHOCOLATE COVERED KEYLIME PIE! IT IS OUT OF THE WORLD!!! THANK YOU FOR SUCH A GREAT GIVEAWAY!!

March 2, 2009 02:14 PM
447
Jennifer C said...

Chocolate Souffle from the Williamsburg Inn. then again I was on my honeymoon 20 years ago..still when I eat it again…heaven on earth!

March 2, 2009 02:14 PM
448
Brooke said...

I LOVE the Oreo Cheesecake from THe Cheesecake factory. SO good. I have a recipe for something simiilar, but it’s always nice to have someone else make it for you!

March 2, 2009 02:16 PM
449
Cheryl said...

Bertucci’s Bomba

March 2, 2009 02:16 PM
450
Valarie said...

I love any cheesecake from the cheesecake factory but especailly rasberry truffle cheesecake!!!

valarie.fairbanks@gmail.com

March 2, 2009 02:17 PM
451
kd said...

There are so many desserts. One of my good friends loves this one from Applebees. I love the dulce le leche cheesecake from the Factory. Well worth every bite! I don’t think many of their other kinds are though.

March 2, 2009 02:18 PM
452
Susan said...

Mmmm, always love creme brulee and more recently I’m totally into Panna cota!

March 2, 2009 02:18 PM
453
Erin said...

Bob Evans French Silk pie… simple, but absolute chocolate perfection!

ebredhawk@yahoo.com

March 2, 2009 02:19 PM
454
Debbie in NC said...

I love the old fashion Banana pudding in the old country resturants, thats usually the only time I eat a dessert.

March 2, 2009 02:20 PM
455
bananapeelblog said...

I love the banana split at Garfields. =)

March 2, 2009 02:21 PM
456
Nina ~ Seminole, FL said...

Oh Bakerella! That Blondie dessert looks amazing!! Making that for our next Girl’s Night Get Together!

As for my favorite dessert…The Columbia restaurant in Tampa has this delicious churro dessert!! You get a basket filled with delicious churros (cinnamon sugar fried long stick looking things) and 3 fabulous dips: chocolate, caramel and guava (a spanish fruit sauce)…Too Die for!!

March 2, 2009 02:21 PM
457
Joy Lyn Photography said...

I loooooooove vanilla creme brulee from the Cheesecake factory. So much, that I have done hours upon hours of research to re-create my own version. To me….it is a little bowl of heaven :)

March 2, 2009 02:22 PM
458
Mama T said...

My absolute favourite dining out dessert is Thai mango and sticky rice. The sticky rice is soaked, overnight, in sweet coconut milk, hence a dessert I’d never make myself (I did once, that’s how I know it has to soak overnight). And it’s never that expensive in the restos, despite the labour/time-intensity of it!
Mama T

March 2, 2009 02:23 PM
459
Jennifer said...

This, absolutely. I’m always very sad when I go to Applebees and don’t have room for dessert.

Though, there’s a local fake-mexican restaurant that has a Chocolate Mountain Mudslide that’s pretty fantastic– hot gooey chocolate chip cookie, 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream with chocolate drizzled on top. Perfect for two people to share, and SOOO good!

March 2, 2009 02:23 PM
460
*JeM* said...

My favorite Dining Out Dessert right now is the "Oreo Pizzookie" from BJ's Brewery & Pizza in Boulder, CO…you can't go wrong with gooey chocolate cookie yumminess!

March 2, 2009 02:24 PM
461
Anonymous said...

I love Olive Garden’s white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. Also only once in a while, but love it!

Kayleen
kayleen_longworth@yahoo.com

March 2, 2009 02:24 PM
462
Amy said...

I LOVE the Tres Leche Cake at Abuelo’s… only had it once. We are not really dessert splurgers, either, but that gift card would sure allow some yumy after-meal treats! I have heard about a wonderful chocolate chip cookie in a skillet kind of thing at Cheddars, and I am already telling my hubby that’s were I want to go for our anniversary! Thanks for all the yummy ideas, Bakerella!

March 2, 2009 02:25 PM
463
Katie said...

My favorite dining out dessert is the molton chocolate chip cookie from Red Lobster! YUMMY!!

dellerbk at gmail dot com

March 2, 2009 02:25 PM
464
Stephanie said...

Oh definitely tiramisu cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory – DELISH!

she.pozy@gmail

March 2, 2009 02:27 PM
465
Jill said...

i’m going with the banana cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory!

March 2, 2009 02:27 PM
466
Jacque said...

Definitely the Snicker’s Cheesecake at Cheesecake Factory!!

March 2, 2009 02:27 PM
467
LadyMay507 said...

Tiramisu! But everyone makes it differently. Oh and the passion fruit souffle at Vong’s Thai Kitchen. Awesome!

March 2, 2009 02:28 PM
468
Mary said...

I would have to say a blackberry sundae from Culvers … or key lime pie anywhere. I love your site!

March 2, 2009 02:29 PM
469
Joanne S. said...

I love the chocolate brownie pudding at Ponderosa. It is awesome, simple but delicious!

March 2, 2009 02:29 PM
470
Courtney said...

My favorite was Apple Chimicheesecake from Applebees….but they don’t have it anymore! I found some recipes online. Maybe I’ll try to recreate! Unless you have influence over them and can make them bring it back? Didn’t think so.

March 2, 2009 02:29 PM
471
Laura said...

My favorite dining out dessert is from the Cheesecake Factory – but it’s not cheesecake – it’s their warm apple crisp!! I’ll skip dinner for it any day of the week!

March 2, 2009 02:29 PM
472
Topsail Seashell Treasures said...

My favorite eat out dessert is the Kahlua dream brownie from Carrabba’s Grill. If I have had a long week at work I will order two of them (one for me and one for my hubby) and pick them up curbside. They never make it home, we usually sit in the parking lot enjoying this decadent delight.

March 2, 2009 02:29 PM
473
Mary said...

The Great Wall of Chocolate at PF Changs!! It’s huge and oh so good!!!
mdreesen@cox.net

March 2, 2009 02:30 PM
474
Jennifer said...

I love the “Chocolate Storm” from Flattop Grill. Warm brownie, vanilla ice cream, FRESH whipped cream – YUMMMM!

March 2, 2009 02:31 PM
475
Megan said...

I love one of the peanut butter cheesecakes at Cheesecake Factory…a new favorite is the Red Velvet Crush concrete at Sheridan’s custard!

March 2, 2009 02:31 PM
476
Michelle said...

Chocolate Tall Cake from Ruby Tuesday’s is one of my favorite desserts. Yum!

chellebelle311@gmail.com

March 2, 2009 02:31 PM
477
Lynn P said...

If I ever order dessert, it is fried ice cream at our local Mexican restaurant. It is incredible!

March 2, 2009 02:31 PM
478
Leah said...

Banana Cream Cheesecake from the Cheesecake factory.

leahcarolbillings@yahoo.com

March 2, 2009 02:33 PM
479
Renee said...

It’s a trio of creme brulees served at a local restaurant. They come in tiny espresso-like cups: traditional, chocolate and espresso!

March 2, 2009 02:34 PM
480
Kristi Pohl said...

always creme brulee, as I am too lazy to make it at home.

March 2, 2009 02:34 PM
481
Tarabarn said...

O’Charley’s Cinnamon Donuts.

AMAZING!!!

March 2, 2009 02:34 PM
482
maryclaireb said...

A mint chocolate chip shake from Braum’s is the best….mmmm….

March 2, 2009 02:34 PM
483
Robin said...

While I’m also a chocolate freak, my favorite restaurant dessert is the apple crostada at Maggiano’s. It’s divine! (robinslake@gmail.com)

March 2, 2009 02:35 PM
484
Susie said...

The best tiramisu comes from Macaroni Grill. Yummy!!!

March 2, 2009 02:36 PM
485
Anonymous said...

There is this local pizza place that serves this sorbet bomb. It is awesome!

March 2, 2009 02:36 PM
486
T- said...

My favorite dessert is the chocolate cake at Max & Irma's! Delicious bliss.

March 2, 2009 02:37 PM
487
ikea said...

I love the chocolate explosion at Boston Pizza!!! Or pretty much anything chocolate…

March 2, 2009 02:37 PM
488
jrbaker24 said...

Beautiful recipe–when I eat dessert out, the tuxedo cheesecake (lost of chocolate!) from Cheesecake Factory is one of my favorites!

March 2, 2009 02:37 PM
489
Lovette said...

I loved the Death by Chocolate at Cherokee Cattle Company in Marietta, GA (I don’t know if they have it any more, but it was delicious!!) It was a chocolate cake with chocolate icing that had pecans and a little touch of cinnamon(?), served with vanilla ice cream….sooooo good! I also love a GOOD brownie and ice cream (Chocolate Thunder from Outback)!
lovette_shelton@windstream.net

March 2, 2009 02:38 PM
490
Mia said...

I have to go with the Godiva chocolate cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory. Mmmmm…..

Everywhere else, I’m a sucker for a good tiramisu.

March 2, 2009 02:38 PM
491
EB said...

I love the pumpkin cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory!

March 2, 2009 02:39 PM
492
Nikki said...

Sometimes I just love a good old fashioned sundae, but I’m like you…I want the ice cream with the most chocolate in it and as many chocolate toppings as I can fit on there!! By the way, as a fellow blogger, your pics are amazing! I am always impressed!

March 2, 2009 02:39 PM
493
Baker's Cakes said...

DIning out dessert? Who needs it??? We’ve got the best desserts right here at home :))) The Angus Barn in Raleigh, NC has a great chocolate pie. (So I hear). It’s like fudge in a pie crust (I’ve heard). Can’t wait to hear your exciting news!!!

March 2, 2009 02:40 PM
494
HeatherP said...

I love a brownie or cookie with ice cream so On the border or chedders??

March 2, 2009 02:41 PM
495
unejoliechose said...

i love love love a good tiramisu. on the flipside, a bad tiramisu can ruin my entire day.

March 2, 2009 02:42 PM
496
Morgan said...

I love chocolate, any type of chocolate cake with chocolate sauce, frosting, or ice cream is the best. BUT, Applebee’s used to have (maybe they still do, its been a while) an “apple chimi-cheesecake” that I am in love with!

March 2, 2009 02:43 PM
497
Stefanie said...

The best is the chocolate lasagne at Olive Garden! I crave this all the time!

stefb@comcast.net

March 2, 2009 02:43 PM
498
Ingrid said...

MMMMM, I’d have to say Pebbles, chocolate bread pudding or chili’s warm apple tart!
~ingrid

March 2, 2009 02:44 PM
499
Karen said...

If it’s chocolate, it’s my favorite. It’s as simple as that.

March 2, 2009 02:45 PM
500
parker said...

I really like the apple chimi’s from applebees. It is sooo yummy!!

jparker431@yahoo.com

March 2, 2009 02:46 PM
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