CopyCat Applebee's Blonde Brownies

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, generously butter a 9x13x2-inch baking pan, then dust it with flour, tapping out any excess so the pan is evenly coated and the bars won't stick.

2. Step 2.

   Sift the flour into a medium bowl to remove lumps and aerate it. Add the baking powder, salt, and baking soda to the sifted flour, and whisk or stir until the dry ingredients are evenly combined. Set this flour mixture aside.

3. Step 3.

   Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, then let it cool slightly so it won't cook the eggs. Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl, add the sugar, and beat well until the mixture is smooth and slightly lightened.

4. Step 4.

   Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated and the batter looks glossy.

5. Step 5.

   Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients, blending slowly with a spatula or on low speed just until no dry streaks remain. The batter will be slightly thick, similar to a stiff cookie dough.

6. Step 6.

   Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, using a spatula to push it into the corners and smooth the top. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and pecans evenly over the entire surface, pressing them down very lightly so they adhere.

7. Step 7.

   Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.