Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lunch Lady Brownies are the perfect combination of dense, fudgy brownie goodness and smooth, chocolate frosting. They’re easy to make and require simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. These brownies are incredibly moist and flavorful, with a rich chocolate taste that’s not too overpowering. The addition of the decadent frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the chocolate. It’s a treat that will take you back to your childhood, and it’s always a hit at parties, potlucks, or any gathering.

Ingredients

For the brownies:

1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk

For the frosting:

1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Make the brownie batter: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix again until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir until everything is just combined, making sure not to overmix.
Bake the brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Make the frosting: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
Frost the brownies: Once the brownies have cooled for 10 minutes, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Serve and enjoy: Slice the brownies into squares and enjoy the rich, fudgy goodness!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 24 brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add nuts: For extra texture, fold in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the brownie batter before baking.
Use different frosting: If you want a twist on the classic chocolate frosting, you can use cream cheese frosting or peanut butter frosting for a unique flavor.
Double the recipe: If you’re serving a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake in a larger pan. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you live in a warm climate, you can refrigerate them to keep them fresh for longer.
Freezing: These brownies freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave the brownies for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, fudgy treat.

Conclusion

Lunch Lady Brownies are a deliciously simple treat that combines rich, fudgy brownies with a sweet, creamy chocolate frosting. They’re perfect for potlucks, parties, or a casual family dessert. With their moist texture and rich chocolate flavor, these brownies are sure to bring back fond memories and quickly become a favorite in your home. Try them today for an indulgent treat that everyone will love!