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Lunch Lady Brownies

Lunch lady brownies are easy to make, will satisfy any chocolate craving, and are topped with a creamy frosting.

The homemade brownie recipe has been around a long time and is a favorite treat for kids of all ages.

Brownies From The School Cafeteria

Brownies in a pan.

Remember those ladies in the elementary school cafeteria? They made the perfect brownie with rich chocolate frosting.

I was trying to figure out if I liked the chewy brownie or the frosting the best in this recipe, but I couldn’t decide. I think I love the combination of the homemade brownie with the soft and creamy chocolate frosting.

The delicious brownies seem like they have been around forever, with a few variations here and there. But, all in all, it’s pretty much made the same. 

The classic recipe usually includes a decadent frosting on top of the moist chewy brownies.

Lunchlady brownie on a counter

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What Ingredients Are Needed For Delicious Lunch Lady Brownies?

  • Large bowl
  • Hand mixer
  • 9″ x 13″ baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven 
  • Butter
  • Unsweetened cocoa
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla
  • Milk
  • Powdered sugar

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Frosted brownies on a counter

How To Make The Homemade Brownies

  1. Add the melted butter and unsweetened cocoa to a large bowl. Mix well.
  2. Next, add the all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well and pour into a baking dish. 
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. 
  4. For the frosting, add the powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa to a medium-sized bowl and mix. 
  5. Add the milk and softened butter. Mix and spread onto the brownies. 

Step-By-Step Instructions For Lunch Lady Brownies

Melted butter being poured into a bowl

Start by adding melted butter to a large bowl. 

Unsweetened cocoa with melted butter in a bowl

Next, add the unsweetened cocoa and mix with the hand mixer.

You can mix by hand, but it will be hard to get all of the tiny lumps out of there. 

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer will work better for this recipe. You can use the paddle attachment with the stand mixer.

Flour, unsweetened cocoa, and butter in a large bowl

Now, add the all-purpose flour.

The brownie ingredients will be thick. 

Eggs and vanilla extract in a bowl with chocolate mixture

Now, add the eggs and vanilla to the bowl. 

Brownie mixture in a bowl

Mix everything well. 

Brownie batter in a jelly roll pan

Pour the brownie batter into a greased pan and bake the brownies for about 25-30 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

I say, “pour,” but it’s such a thick batter that you will scrape it from the bowl, press it into the pan, and spread it around.

I used a jelly roll pan because it was a great size for making the brownie recipe, but you can use a casserole dish, as well. 

I used nonstick cooking spray on the pan to keep the brownies from sticking.

You can also line the pan with parchment paper to remove them more easily after they cool.

Frosting

The homemade chocolate frosting is one that you can use on other desserts, such as cake or cupcakes. It’s super easy to make and only requires four simple ingredients. 

Powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa in a glass bowl

Start by adding the powdered sugar and the unsweetened cocoa to a bowl.

Mix the two ingredients with a fork or a whisk so they are combined. 

You’ll need at least a medium-sized bowl. 

Milk being poured into a bowl with powdered sugar and cocoa

Next, pour the milk into the bowl. 

Butter in a bowl with brownie frosting mixture

Finally, add the softened butter to the bowl and mix until everything is well incorporated and ready to spread onto the brownies. 

If the chocolate frosting seems a bit thick, add a tablespoon of milk. If it’s too runny, add a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar. 

Chocolate frosting on top of lunch lady brownies

Spread the frosting onto the lunch lady brownies. 

This is a great recipe for any occasion.

And, if you tell people they are the lunch lady brownie recipe from school lunch dessert, everyone will reminisce about those sweet ladies we all loved in the cafeteria.

Optional Toppings To Sprinkle On Top

  • Chocolate chips
  • Sprinkles
  • Drizzle chocolate syrup

More Chocolate Desserts You’ll Love:

Lunch lady brownies in a pan with chocolate frosting

How To Store The Favorite Dessert

The brownies can be stored in an airtight container on the counter or in the refrigerator. However, the brownies will last longer in the fridge.

Should I Refrigerate Brownies?

It depends on the brownie, but in this case you do not have to refrigerate them.

How Long Will Brownies Last?

Brownies will last about one week in an airtight container and about two weeks in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Lunch Lady Brownies?

You can freeze the brownies for up to two months. Make sure they are in an airtight and freezer-safe container.

Lunch lady brownies on parchment paper

Check out the classic lunch lady brownies recipe card below, grab those ingredients, and start baking! This is the best dessert any time of the year and I think you’ll  love it.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a chocolate fix but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, whip up a batch of these lunch lady brownies.

You won’t regret it! And if you do, be sure to get the recipe so you can make them again and again.

The grade school brownies are always a huge hit and a chocolate lover’s dream.

Lunch lady brownies in a pan with chocolate frosting

Lunch Lady Brownies

Yield: 18
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

It's no secret that school cafeteria food isn't always the most appetizing. But these brownies will make you forget all about your lunch lady's slop. Not to mention, the simple recipe is topped with delicious frosting - perfect for fulfilling any sweet tooth craving! So take a break from your normal routine and try these old-fashioned brownies today. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 4 tsp. vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350-degrees and grease a 9" x 13" baking dish.

Brownies

  1. Add the melted butter and unsweetened cocoa to a large bowl. Mix.
  2. Next, add the all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the bowl. Mix.
  3. Pour batter into the baking dish and spread out to edge.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Frosting

  1. Add the powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa to a medium-sized bowl and mix.
  2. Next, add the milk and the softened butter. Mix well.
  3. Spread on the cooled brownies.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 18 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 355Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 120mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 1gSugar: 40gProtein: 4g

Nutrition is approximate.

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