Lunch Lady Brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with a thick layer of smooth chocolate frosting that melts right into the warm brownies. Just like the classic cafeteria favorite, they're soft, chewy, and perfectly nostalgic in every bite.
Why You'll Love These Lunch Lady Brownies
- Rich and fudgy: The brownies have a soft, chocolatey center that's hard to resist.
- Classic chocolate frosting: A smooth layer of frosting makes them extra special.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and a sheet pan make this a fuss-free dessert.
- Perfect for a crowd: Cut them into squares for bake sales, potlucks, or an after-school treat.
Did you know? These fudgy brownies are said to originate from a lunch lady in Idaho over 50 years ago.
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Want to try other desserts? Give these a try: Maple Bacon Texas Sheet Cake, No Bake Mocha Lush, Old Fashioned Banana Split Cake, or Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake.
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Ingredients for Lunch Lady Brownies
Fudgy brownies
- unsalted butter
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- all purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- eggs
- vanilla extract
Homemade Chocolate Frosting Ingredients
- unsalted butter
- regular milk or evaporated milk
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
FAQs
What are Lunch Lady Brownies?
Lunch Lady Brownies are rich, fudgy brownies that were famously served in school cafeterias. They are known for their dense, chocolatey texture and a smooth, thick layer of chocolate frosting on top.
Can I freeze Lunch Lady Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them. Once the brownies are completely cooled, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
My frosting is too thick. How can I fix it?
If your frosting is too thick, you can add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Top Tips
- To make the brownies even more chocolatey, add in some chocolate chips.
- I usually use walnuts in brownies but use your favorite nut or none at all.
- Both salted and unsalted butter work for this recipe.
- If you want to lift the brownies easily out of the baking pan, place parchment paper in the pan, with it going up the sides, like handles.
- I use a handheld mixer, but you can also use a stand mixer or just stir by hand.
- Do you want to make these brownies gluten free or vegan? With a few modifications, it is possible to make Lunch Lady Brownies gluten-free or vegan. There are gluten-free flour alternatives available that can be used in place of all-purpose flour. For vegan options, ingredients like flax eggs or applesauce can replace eggs, while plant-based butter or oil can be substituted for dairy butter. However, adjustments may be needed to ensure the desired texture and taste.
- Store these brownies in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap for up to 4 days.
How to make Lunch Lady Brownies Recipe
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13" baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl with a hand mixer or in a stand mixer bowl, combine melted butter, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar until mixed well.
- Add all purpose flour, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If using any nuts, fold them into the batter.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay, not wet batter). Remove from oven and allow to cool about 10 minutes, while making the frosting.
- In a large bowl, add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk a little to get rid of any lumps.
- Pour milk into the bowl, along with softened butter and mix until smooth. If it is too thick, add in a little more milk until you get the desired consistency.
- Spread frosting over the top of the warm brownies.
- Slice and enjoy the fudgy brownies!
Easy Lunch Lady Brownies Recipe
Lunch Lady Brownies are a chocolate treat that bring back memories of the school cafeteria, especially school lunch dessert. With their gooey texture, intense chocolate flavor, they are a classic recipe that is a favorite for everyone.
Ingredients
Lunch lady brownies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tsp. vanilla extract
Chocolate frosting
- ¼ cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup regular milk or evaporated milk
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Lunch lady brownies
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13" baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl with a hand mixer or in a stand mixer bowl, combine melted butter, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar until mixed well.1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, ½ cup cocoa powder, 2 cups granulated sugar
- Add all purpose flour, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If using any nuts, fold them into the batter.2 cups all purpose flour, 4 large eggs, 4 tsp. vanilla extract
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay, not wet batter). Remove from oven and allow to cool about 10 minutes, while making the frosting.
Chocolate frosting
- In a large bowl, add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk a little to get rid of any lumps.3 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup cocoa powder
- Pour milk into the bowl, along with softened butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. If it is too thick, add in a little more milk until you get the desired consistency.¼ cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened, ¼ cup regular milk or evaporated milk, 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Spread frosting over the top of the warm brownies. Slice and enjoy these fudgy brownies!
Did you try this recipe?Please let us know how it was!
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