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A plate of freshly cut, fudgy lunch lady brownies with glossy frosting, sitting on a white kitchen counter.

Lunch Lady Brownies Recipe

Thick, fudgy lunch lady brownies with a classic shiny frosting; just like the ones from school cafeterias. Made with simple ingredients, this nostalgic treat is rich, chewy, and irresistibly chocolatey.
4 from 1 vote
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Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Nostalgic Treats
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Frosting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 280kcal
Cost: 5$

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 baking pan (Glass or metal)
  • 1 Medium mixing bowl (For brownie batter)
  • 1 Small saucepan (For frosting)
  • 1 Whisk or wooden spoon (For mixing batter)
  • 1 Rubber spatula (For spreading frosting)
  • 1 Cooling rack (Optional but recommended)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Vegetable oil - Canola or melted butter works too
  • 4 large Eggs - Room temperature preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract - Pure for best flavor
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • ½ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder - Sifted for smooth texture
  • ½ teaspoon Salt - Enhances chocolate flavor

The Classic Frosting:

  • ¼ cup Unsalted butter - Melted
  • ¼ cup Milk Any kind
  • ¼ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder - Rich chocolate taste
  • 3 cups Powdered sugar - Sifted for smoothness
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract - Adds depth of flavor
  • 1 pinch Salt - Balances sweetness

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 pan.
  • Whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
  • Stir in flour, cocoa, and salt until combined.
  • Pour batter into pan and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in cocoa powder.
  • Remove from heat, add milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar, whisking until smooth.
  • Spread frosting over warm brownies and let set.
  • Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Brownie | Calories: 280kcal (14%) | Carbohydrates: 40g (13%) | Protein: 3g (6%) | Fat: 12g (18%) | Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 35mg (12%) | Sodium: 120mg (5%) | Potassium: 98mg (3%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 32g (36%) | Vitamin A: 100IU (2%) | Calcium: 20mg (2%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)