Remember those thick, fudgy brownies from the school cafeteria? Well, I’ve recreated that nostalgic goodness with these Lunch Lady Brownies.
And let me tell you, they’re even better than I remember!
There’s something magical about dense, chocolatey brownies with smooth, creamy frosting on top. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Lunch Lady Brownies are perfect for any occasion – movie nights, potlucks, or just because it’s Wednesday. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love These Lunch Lady Brownies
Nostalgic Appeal: These Lunch Lady Brownies evoke fond memories of school lunches. They offer a comforting taste of nostalgia that many people cherish.
Irresistible Taste & Texture: With their fudgy, chewy consistency, these brownies provide a delightful eating experience that is both satisfying and indulgent. And the combo of chocolate brownie and chocolate frosting is a chocolate lover’s dream.
Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses pantry staples like butter, cocoa powder, and sugar. So, it’s easy to whip up a batch without an extra trip to the store.
Customizable: The basic recipe serves as an excellent canvas for add-ins. Try extras like nuts, chocolate chips, caramel, or a peanut butter swirl. Yum!
Ingredients
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The deep, dark, chocolatey soul of the brownies. No substitutes allowed.
- Butter: Twice the butter, twice the flavor. It’s melted in the batter and creamed in the frosting for ultimate richness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The reliable foundation that brings it all together.
- Granulated & Brown Sugar: Many similar recipes use white sugar only, but I love the added taste and texture of brown sugar.
- Large Eggs: The binding force behind the perfect brownie texture.
- Vanilla Extract & Salt: For balance.
- Evaporated Milk: Just a splash for a creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-irresistible frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: The key to a quick, smooth, and luscious frosting that melts right into the warm brownies.
How to Make Lunch Lady Brownies
My favorite thing about these brownies is that the frosting gets spread on top while they’re still warm, allowing it to melt and mingle with the top layer.
I may or may not have snuck a corner piece while it was still warm (okay, I totally did, and it was WORTH IT).
Check out how easy they are to make:
1. PREHEAT the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. MIX the melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Blend in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until fully combined.
3. ADD the flour and salt gently by hand until just combined. Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
4. BAKE for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool for 15 minutes before frosting.
5. BEAT the softened butter, milk, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar until creamy.
6. SPREAD the frosting over the warm brownies. Cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Tips For the Best Lunch Lady Brownies
These brownies are a breeze to make and always a hit wherever I bring them.
They’re ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or just satisfying that sweet tooth craving.
And with these tips, they’re perfect every time!
- Use quality ingredients. Grab a good brand of unsweetened cocoa powder and real butter for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix. Mix the batter until just combined and smooth. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Bake carefully. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake, or the brownies will be dry.
- Frost while warm. Spread the frosting over the brownies while they are still warm, about 15 minutes after baking. This allows the frosting to melt slightly into the brownies.
- Cool the brownies completely. Let the frosted brownies cool completely before cutting to allow the frosting to set.
- Variations. Try these brownies with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of caramel. You can also experiment with different frosting flavors like mint or peanut butter.
How to Store
The combination of the dense, chocolatey brownie base and the creamy, indulgent frosting in these treats is simply irresistible.
So much so, my family finished the tray in a single day!
But if you happen to have leftovers (and more willpower), here’s how to store them:
To Store: Place cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
To Freeze: Wrap unfrosted brownies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
More Decadent Brownie Recipes You Have to Try
Skillet Brownie
Nutella Brownies
Brownie Truffles
Brownie Bread
Lunch Lady Brownies
12
servings10
minutes25
minutes547
kcalThe key to the perfect Lunch Lady Brownies is to not overbake them so they stay fudgy and moist. Also, spread the frosting on top while they’re still warm.
Ingredients
- For the Brownies
1 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Chocolate Frosting
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°Fahrenheit (175°Celsius). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Make the brownies: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Blend in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and large eggs. Beat well, until fully combined.
- Add the flour and salt and stir gently by hand until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake. Let the brownies cool for about 15 minutes before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter, milk, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth. Then, slowly blend in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Gently spread the frosting over the warm brownies. Let cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- Grab a good brand of unsweetened cocoa powder and real butter for the best flavor.
