Description
Nostalgic lunch lady brownies bring classic cafeteria comfort straight to home kitchens. Rich chocolate squares deliver sweet memories with each indulgent bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Flavoring and Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray or parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage. Adjust the oven rack to the center position and warm to 350F (175C).
- Create a rich chocolate base by whisking melted butter and cocoa powder until the mixture transforms into a glossy, uniform consistency. Incorporate granulated sugar, stirring until fully integrated.
- Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until the batter achieves a silky texture with no visible egg streaks.
- Gently incorporate flour and salt, using delicate folding motions to prevent overmixing. The goal is a smooth batter with minimal lumps, stopping when dry ingredients are just combined.
- Transfer the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly to create a level surface. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring for a slightly firm center and moist crumb texture.
- While brownies bake, craft the decadent frosting by whipping softened butter with cocoa powder until light and fluffy. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, blending until the mixture reaches a spreadable, velvety consistency.
- Remove brownies from the oven and allow a brief cooling period – approximately 10 minutes. While still warm, generously spread the chocolate frosting across the surface, creating an even layer that will slightly melt into the brownie.
- Allow the frosted brownies to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the topping set and flavors meld. Once stabilized, slice into square portions and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and consistent texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense brownies; stop stirring once flour is just incorporated.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring 1:1 measurement ratio.
- Cool brownies completely before cutting to achieve clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg