Lunch Lady Brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with a smooth, chocolatey frosting that melts into the warm brownies. These classic school cafeteria-style brownies are famous for their soft, chewy texture and deep chocolate flavor. They’re easy to make and perfect for any chocolate lover!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Fudgy & Moist – A perfect balance of chewiness and softness.
- Classic Nostalgic Treat – Just like the brownies served in school cafeterias!
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Perfectly Frosted – The warm frosting melts into the brownies for a decadent finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Brownies:
- Butter (melted)
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Salt
- Baking powder
For the Frosting:
- Butter (softened)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Milk
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat & Prepare – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Make the Batter – In a bowl, mix melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, stirring until combined. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder, then mix until smooth.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare the Frosting – While brownies are baking, whisk together softened butter, cocoa powder, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost While Warm – Once brownies are out of the oven, immediately spread the frosting over the warm brownies. Let them cool before cutting.
- Serve – Slice into squares and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 brownies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Brownies – Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Extra Chocolatey – Stir in chocolate chips to the batter.
- Peanut Butter Swirl – Swirl in peanut butter before baking for a fun twist.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture.
FAQs
Why are they called Lunch Lady Brownies?
They were famously served in school cafeterias and became a nostalgic favorite for many!
How do I make them extra fudgy?
Use melted butter instead of oil and avoid overbaking.
Can I make these without frosting?
Yes! They’re still delicious without frosting, but the frosting adds an extra layer of richness.
What’s the best cocoa powder to use?
Unsweetened cocoa powder works best. Dutch-processed cocoa can be used for a darker chocolate flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Bake in a larger pan or two separate 9×13 pans.
Why do I need to frost the brownies while warm?
The warm brownies help the frosting melt slightly, creating a fudgy glaze-like texture.
How do I cut perfect brownie squares?
Let them cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, brown sugar adds extra moisture, but granulated sugar works best for the classic texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk for the frosting.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Conclusion
Lunch Lady Brownies are the ultimate nostalgic, fudgy, and chocolatey dessert. With their signature melt-in-your-mouth frosting, they’re perfect for parties, bake sales, or satisfying a chocolate craving. Try them today and bring back a classic treat!
Print
Lunch Lady Brownies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These old-school cafeteria-style brownies are ultra fudgy, topped with a smooth chocolate frosting, and made with simple pantry ingredients. A classic treat that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious!
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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Add sugar and mix well.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
- Finish the Batter: Gently fold in flour and salt until just mixed (do not overmix).
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Make the Frosting: While the brownies bake, beat together softened butter, cocoa powder, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost & Set: Once brownies are slightly cooled but still warm, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Let cool completely before slicing.
- Serve & Enjoy: Cut into squares and serve!
Notes
- Extra Fudgy? Slightly underbake them and let them cool in the pan.
- Thicker Frosting? Add more powdered sugar.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.