Description

These Classic Lunch Lady Brownies are the rich, fudgy, and nostalgic treats that instantly take you back to school cafeteria days. With a dense, chocolatey base and a smooth, glossy chocolate frosting, these brownies are the ultimate comfort dessert. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—this recipe will bring back childhood memories with every bite!

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup whole milk (or more, as needed)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Brownies:

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour and salt just until mixed—avoid overmixing to keep the brownies fudgy.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Make the Frosting:

Mix the Frosting: While the brownies are still warm, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together butter, cocoa powder, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a little more milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
Frost the Brownies: Spread the frosting over the warm brownies so it melts slightly into the top.
Cool & Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

Make It Extra Fudgy: For an even richer texture, add ½ cup of melted chocolate chips to the batter.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing Tip: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nut-Free & Allergy-Friendly: These brownies are naturally nut-free, making them perfect for school-safe treats.
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Prep Time: 10 min
Category: Desserts
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12-16 squares
Calories: 320
Sugar: 34g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g