Lunch Lady Brownies
These lunch lady brownies are easy to make and super delicious! With a rich chocolate flavor and a smooth, sweet frosting, they're perfect for any dessert lover.
Lunch Lady Brownies
Lunch lady brownies are a nostalgic treat that never disappoints. You might remember them from the school cafeteria serving them with lunch.
They are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, bake sale, or just a sweet craving.
These brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with a smooth chocolate frosting that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Unsalted butter: Remember to take it out of the fridge about a half an hour to an hour before making this so it has a chance to soften to room temperature.
Cocoa powder: Choose a high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
All-purpose flour: Make sure to measure it accurately by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife for the correct texture.
Powdered sugar: For the frosting.
Granulated sugar
Large eggs: Use them at room temperature for better blending, pull them out of the fridge when you pull your butter.
Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
Chopped nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans are commonly used, but they can be omitted if preferred.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the brownies by balancing the sweetness.
Baking powder: Make sure it's not too old.
How to Make Lunch Lady Brownies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or you can line it with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth.
Let it cool just a little.
In a large mixing bowl, put together the flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, nuts (if you want), salt, and baking powder. Mix together until well combined.
Slowly pour the melted butter and cocoa mixture into the large mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
Stir everything together until it's all well combined and smooth.
Pour batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Put the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know the brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
While the brownies are baking, you can make the frosting. In a medium saucepan, mix together the butter, milk, and cocoa powder.
Cook this over medium heat, stirring all the time, until it comes to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
When the brownies are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool a little bit in the pan.
While they are still warm, pour the frosting over the top and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares and serving.
Tips to Make the Best Lunch Lady Brownies
Here's some tips for making these brownies:
Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better with other ingredients, making your brownies smoother.
Don’t Over-Mix the Batter: Mix just until everything is combined. Over-mixing can make the brownies tough.
Add Chocolate Chips or Chunks: For extra chocolatey brownies, sprinkle some chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not raw batter), they’re ready.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover lunch lady brownies, cover with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store them for a longer time, you can put them in the fridge for about a week.
What to Serve with Lunch lady Brownies
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich, chocolatey brownies.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries are all delicious on top.
Whipped Cream: Dollop some freshly whipped cream on top of the brownies.
Milk: A glass of milk is a classic pairing.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the brownies.
Lunch Lady Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Frosting:
- ¼ cup ½ stick unsalted butter
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, nuts (if using), salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
- Gradually pour the melted butter and cocoa mixture into the bowl with the other ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- While the brownies are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, milk, and cocoa powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan.
- While the brownies are still warm, pour the frosting over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
