Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are a beloved dessert that takes many of us on a sweet trip down memory lane. This classic recipe, cherished for over 50 years, delivers fudgy brownies with a rich chocolate flavor and a slightly crisp top—just like the ones you enjoyed in school cafeterias. These brownies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while reminiscing about simpler times.
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the Frosting:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Stir in the granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and stir until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in now.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies are baking, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
Frost the Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool slightly before spreading the frosting on top. Let the frosting set before cutting into squares.
Serving Tips:
Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner, more attractive squares.
Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve the brownies at room temperature. This allows the fudgy texture to shine.
Add a Touch of Whipped Cream: For a special touch, serve the brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the frosting can add a lovely presentation.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping them covered helps maintain their moistness.
Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can store the brownies in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This can help them stay fresh longer and makes them firmer for easier cutting.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze brownies. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Avoid Freezer Burn: To prevent freezer burn, ensure the brownies are well-wrapped or stored in a vacuum-sealed bag before freezing.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a variety of nuts in this recipe, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces before folding them into the batter. If you prefer, you can also omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
Can I make these brownies without frosting?
Absolutely! The brownies are delicious on their own without frosting. If you prefer them plain, simply bake and cool as directed. If you’d like, you can sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the top for a simple touch of sweetness.
How can I adjust the recipe for a smaller or larger batch?
To adjust the recipe, you can scale the ingredients proportionally. For example, if you want to make a smaller batch, you can cut the ingredients in half and bake in an 8×8-inch dish. For a larger batch, double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish, adjusting the baking time as needed.
My brownies came out too cakey. What might have gone wrong?
If your brownies turned out too cakey, it might be due to overmixing the batter or overbaking them. Be sure to mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, not clean. Adjust your baking time as needed for a fudgier texture.
Conclusion:
These Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are not just a dessert; they’re a slice of nostalgia, bringing the comforting taste of school cafeteria treats right into your kitchen. Perfect for school events, potlucks, or a sweet family treat, these brownies will make everyone feel like a kid again. Enjoy baking and indulging in this timeless favorite!
📖 Recipe:
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Lunchroom Ladies Brownies
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are a nostalgic treat reminiscent of classic school cafeteria desserts. These fudgy, rich brownies have a slightly crisp top and are topped with a creamy chocolate frosting. Perfect for a sweet trip down memory lane, these brownies are ideal for school events, potlucks, or simply enjoying with family.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the Frosting:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Stir in sugar, then beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in flour and salt until just combined. Fold in nuts if using.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Frost the Brownies: Allow brownies to cool slightly before spreading frosting on top. Let frosting set before cutting into squares.
Notes
Ensure brownies are completely cooled before cutting to avoid messy pieces.
Adjust baking time if using a different size baking dish.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 brownies
- Calories: 250 kcal per brownie
Keywords: Lunchroom Ladies Brownies, fudgy brownies, classic brownies recipe, school cafeteria brownies, homemade chocolate brownies
