Description
Lunch Lady Brownies are a nostalgic, fudgy chocolate treat topped with a creamy, rich cocoa frosting. These classic American brownies offer a perfect balance of dense chocolate flavor and sweet, smooth frosting, making them an irresistible dessert that recalls the charm of school cafeteria classics.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix the brownie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth and fully combined. Add in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the batter is well blended.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt carefully until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain the brownies’ tender texture.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Prepare the frosting while baking: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, milk, and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and spreadable.
- Frost the brownies: Once baked, let the brownies cool for 10 to 15 minutes so they are still slightly warm but not hot. Spread the frosting evenly over the top to allow it to melt slightly and blend into the brownies’ surface.
- Cool and serve: Allow the frosted brownies to cool completely before slicing into 24 squares to set the frosting and make cutting easier.
Notes
- Frosting the brownies while they are still warm helps the frosting melt slightly into the top layer, creating a luxurious fudgy texture reminiscent of classic school lunch brownies.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender and soft.
- Adjust baking time slightly based on your oven to avoid overbaking.
