Amlou Blondies

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line it with a sheet of parchment paper that overhangs a little on two sides.

2. Step 2

   Prepare the blondie: In a large bowl, whisk together the butter and brown sugar until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until thoroughly combined.

3. Step 3

   In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon, sea salt and baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and, using a flexible spatula, gently scoop up some of the egg mixture from the bottom and fold it over the flour on the top, rotating the bowl and repeating until you no longer see flecks of flour, making sure not to overmix.

4. Step 4

   Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, 18 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before using the parchment to transfer the blondie from the pan to a plate or platter.

5. Step 5

   While the blondie bakes, make the amlou. To a small bowl, add the almond butter, honey, argan oil and sea salt. Stir to combine.

6. Step 6

   Pour the amlou onto the center of the blondie and use a large spoon or spatula to spread it evenly. If using, sprinkle on flaky salt, and then cut the blondie into squares. For clean cuts, wipe your knife before making each slice.