Lunch Lady Brownies are the staple of childhood cafeterias! They were the ultimate lunchtime treat and always a reward after a plate of mystery meat and stringy vegetables. With this recipe you can make these nostalgic, thick, and fudgy brownies at home.
This brownie recipe captures that classic taste with the rich chocolatey flavor and gooey texture you know and love. And they are surprisingly easy to make. My family loves these brownies, and every time I bring them to a potluck they disappear in no time!
What makes these brownies unique? It’s all in that gloriously glossy frosting and the perfectly dense yet soft chocolate base. These are great for a quick afterschool snack or a fun family dessert.
In this post, I’ll cover everything from the must-have ingredients to the step-by-step process that’ll have you whipping up these nostalgic goodies like a pro. So skip the box of brownie mix and cook up some homemade goodness.
I think cookie bars are so much easier than making individual cookies! If you agree try my sugar cookie bars, coconut magic bars, or caramel cookie bars for more dessert goodness.
🥘Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Unsalted butter
- Cocoa powder
- Flour
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or heavy whipping cream
🥣How to Make Lunch Lady Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray the baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, beat your melted butter and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Then, add in the flour and sugar and mix until just combined.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Pour the batter into your prepared dish, spread it out, and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Then, make the frosting. Beat the butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the frosting on the still warm brownies.
🍴Serving Ideas
My favorite way to serve these brownies is simply to slice them into squares and serve them for dessert or as an afterschool snack. But if you want to do something fancier, try these ideas.
- Top a warm square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo.
- Set up a sundae bar with various toppings, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, and caramel sauce. It’s a surefire hit for birthday parties or family gatherings.
- Cut these brownies into smaller, bite-sized pieces to serve as a sweet accompaniment to your afternoon coffee.
💭How to Store: Keeping the Leftover Love Fresh
Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain that fudgy texture. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for a couple of months and be ready for your brownie cravings at a moment’s notice.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature. If you’re impatient like me, a quick zap in the microwave will bring them back to life.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- You want your butter melted and cooled slightly – not hot. This helps mix your ingredients without affecting the eggs.
- If you want your frosting to be smooth as silk, sift your powdered sugar. It might seem small, but it makes a difference. If I am making these for my family I usually don’t bother, but if I am taking them to a potluck I sift the powdered sugar!
- To get those perfect squares, wait to cut until the brownies are completely cooled. Then, use a sharp knife, and for extra precision, wipe it clean between cuts.
📝Reader Questions
Grainy frosting usually occurs if the powdered sugar isn’t sifted or if the frosting isn’t beaten enough. Patience is key to that smooth, glossy finish.
Absolutely! Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking for an added crunch or extra chocolatey goodness.
Dry brownies are often the result of overbaking. Keep a close eye on the oven and start checking for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
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Lunch Lady Brownies Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cup flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar sifting optional
- ½ cup milk or heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray a 10x15x1 jelly roll pan or 13×9 baking dish lightly with cooking spray, set aside.
- Beat melted butter and ½ cup cocoa powder in a large bowl until smooth.1 cup unsalted butter, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Add flour and sugar and beat until well combined, but don’t overbeat.2 cup flour, 2 cups granulated sugar
- Beat the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth; don’t overbeat the batter.4 large eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes clean.
- While the brownies are baking, make the frosting. See the instructions below.
- Allow the brownies to cool for 15-20 minutes, then frost while the brownies are still warm.
- Let set until the frosting hardens.
- Cut to serve or store in an airtight container in a single layer.
Frosting:
- If you are sifting the powdered sugar, do that first. The step is optional; however, it makes the frosting smoother.3 cups powdered sugar
- Beat together all ingredients until smooth.¼ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup milk or heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Notes
- You want your butter melted and cooled slightly – not hot. This helps mix your ingredients without affecting the eggs.
- Sifting the powdered sugar is optional, but it does make the frosting as smooth as silk. If I am making these for my family I usually don’t bother, but if I am taking them to a potluck I sift the powdered sugar!
- To get those perfect squares, wait until the brownies are completely cooled. Then, use a sharp knife, and for extra precision, wipe it clean between cuts.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
