Lunch Lady Brownies

These classic Lunch Lady Brownies are reminiscent of the delicious, fudgy squares served in school cafeterias—dense, moist, and topped with a simple, smooth cocoa frosting that melts slightly into the warm base.

Lunch Lady Brownies

Ingredients:

FOR THE BROWNIES:

FOR THE FROSTING:

How To Make Lunch Lady Brownies:

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 1350∘F (2175∘C).3 Line a 9×9 baking pan with foil, ensuring the foil comes up over the sides to use as handles later.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup melted butter, stirring or blending until the mixture lightens in both color and texture.
3. Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add in the 2 eggs and 3 teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add in the 3/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup cocoa powder and mix just until the color is uniform. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Step 5: Bake to Perfection: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly dry with only a few moist crumbs.
6. Step 6: Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the 2 Tablespoons softened butter, 3 Tablespoons milk, 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar. Mix until you achieve a smooth frosting texture. Adjust consistency with milk (if too dry) or powdered sugar (if too runny).
7. Step 7: Frost the Brownies: Spread the frosting over the brownies while they are still warm.
8. Step 8: Serve and Enjoy: Cut the brownies into squares and use the foil to help lift them out of the pan.4 Serve and enjoy!