Knock-Off Applebees Blondie Brownies

Thanks to my sweetie friend Megan for this fabulous recipe!Brownies: 1 cup sifted flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon baking soda, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup chopped walnut, 1/3 cup butter or margarine, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 egg, beaten, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Sauce: 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1/2 teaspoon maple extract or maple flavoring

Directions:
Brownies: Melt butter, add brown sugar, and mix well. Add egg and vanilla and mix well. Gradually combine dry ingredients. Stir in white chocolate chips. Pour into a 9-inch greased square pan and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.
While brownies are baking, make the sauce. Combine syrup and butter, cook over low heat until butter is melted. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved and remove from heat. Beat in cream cheese and maple extract until smooth.
To dish: Place a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream on the warm brownie and drizzle with sauce and additional walnuts if desired.
If you wish to use the sauce later on, you can heat it again in the microwave until it reaches desired consistency.