If you’re craving a sweet, nostalgic treat that will take you back to your school days, look no further than these Lunch Lady Brownies. Rich, fudgy, and topped with a luscious chocolate frosting, these brownies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and evoking fond memories of school lunch desserts.
Ingredients:
For the 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
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup milk
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the Brownie Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth.
Add the granulated sugar and mix until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the brownies remain fudgy.
Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Frosting:
In a medium saucepan, combine the softened butter, milk, and cocoa powder over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Frost the Brownies:
Once the brownies have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. 13. Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before slicing the brownies into squares.
Serve:
Serve these delectable Lunch Lady Brownies with a cold glass of milk and enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Cool Completely: Ensure the brownies are fully cooled before slicing. This will help them cut neatly and prevent the frosting from melting.
Perfect Portions: Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares. For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices.
Add a Twist: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Pairing: These brownies go perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a hot chocolate.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep brownies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This will also help keep the frosting firm.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Keep Frosting Fresh: If you have leftover frosting, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Rewhip before using to restore its creamy texture.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce or omit the additional salt in the brownie recipe to balance the flavors. Salted butter will add a bit more salt to the brownies, which can enhance the chocolate flavor but may affect the final taste.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center of the pan. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, the brownies are ready. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies might be overbaked, so check a minute or two earlier.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brownies a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer. Just make sure they are completely cooled before frosting and storing.
What should I do if my frosting is too thick?
If your frosting turns out too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired spreadability. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
Conclusion:
These Lunch Lady Brownies are the ultimate treat for any chocolate lover. Their rich, fudgy texture combined with a creamy chocolate frosting makes them an irresistible dessert. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a special treat, these brownies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy a bite of nostalgia with every delicious square!
Lunch Lady Brownies are the ultimate indulgent treat, bringing back fond school lunch memories with their rich, fudgy texture and decadent chocolate frosting. These homemade brownies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are easy to make. They’re a nostalgic favorite that everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the 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
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Mix in sugar, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla, flour, and salt until just combined.
Bake the Brownies: Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Frosting: In a saucepan, combine butter, milk, and cocoa powder over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat, gradually whisk in powdered sugar, and stir in vanilla extract.
Frost the Brownies: Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies. Let the frosting set before slicing into squares.
Serve: Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Notes
For clean cuts, cool the brownies completely before slicing.
If frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until smooth. If too thin, add powdered sugar to thicken.