Description
These Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are a nostalgic treat, offering a thick, fudgy texture with a rich chocolate frosting. They bring back the classic flavors of old-school cafeteria desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- For the Classic Frosting:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and cocoa powder together until smooth. Stir in the granulated sugar until fully combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing. If using chocolate chips, gently fold them in.
- Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with cocoa powder until creamy. Alternate adding powdered sugar and milk, mixing until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the lunchroom brownies are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Let the frosting set for about 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. Serve these classic school cafeteria brownies with a cold glass of milk.
Notes
- Use dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor in your lunchroom style chocolate brownies.
- Add a swirl of peanut butter or caramel before baking for a nutty twist on these thick fudgy lunchroom brownies.
- Top the frosting with mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra texture.
- Chill these old school brownies for 20–30 minutes before slicing for neat, clean edges.
- Store these homemade lunchroom ladies treats at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can freeze them (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg