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Lunch Lady Brownies

Rich, fudgy old-school brownies topped with a smooth chocolate frosting spread over warm bars for that iconic cafeteria-style finish. A nostalgic dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies
Course: Baked Goods, Chocolate Desserts, Comfort Food, Dessert, Family Favorites
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter melted
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup butter softened, for frosting
  • 1/4 cup milk 2% recommended
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for frosting
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with foil and coat with non-stick spray.
  2. In a mixer bowl, blend melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth.
  3. Add flour and sugar, mixing briefly. Add eggs and vanilla and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Spread thick batter evenly into prepared pan and bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Let brownies rest 15 minutes while still warm. Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and spread over warm brownies.
  6. Cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.

Notes

For extra richness, add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter. Frost while warm for the classic glossy finish.