• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan and set aside.
• In a medium bow, add ⅓ cup melted salted butter and 1 cup packed brown sugar and mix until combined. Add 1 large egg, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and mix until combined.
• Whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ⅛ teaspoon baking soda, and ⅛ teaspoon salt together in a small bowl. Gradually add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture until fully combined. Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips and ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, if desired.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the top is just starting to brown. Remove the blondies from the oven and set them aside to cool slightly.

Maple Cream Sauce

• While the brownies are baking, prepare the maple cream sauce by combining the ½ cup real maple syrup and ¼ cup salted butter in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat until the butter has melted.
• Stir in ½ cup packed brown sugar and 8 ounces cream cheese,. Continue to cook and stir until the sugar has dissolved and the cream cheese has melted. Remove from the heat.
• Cut the warm blondies into squares, top with ice cream, if desired, and cover with the warm maple cream sauce. Garnish with chopped walnuts, if desired.