Lunch Lady Brownies are easy to make and so moist while being packed with chocolate. These homemade brownies are topped with decadent chocolate frosting for an irresistible treat.
This is one of our favorite easy brownie recipes. They are yummy fudgy brownies just like they used to serve in the cafeteria. These chocolate brownies are so moist and topped with even more chocolate.
Even with our crazy schedule, this recipe is easy enough to make. I also make Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe, Deep Fried Brownies and Easy One Bowl Brownies for dessert.
Also try Brownie Bottom Cheesecake for two wonderful flavors.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
This type of brownies is made with several eggs, and it makes the texture so yummy and perfect. Once you try these delicious lunch lady brownies, you will be hooked.
They are so rich and sweet while the frosting takes it up a notch. This recipe is sure to impress. Each bite is loaded with chocolate and more chocolate for the perfect treat.
Ingredients
Cake
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. Pay attention to the label so you get unsweetened.
- All Purpose Flour. It is best to spoon the flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping it.
- Vanilla Extract. Pure Vanilla will result in the best brownies.
Frosting
- Milk. Whole milk is best and provides rich flavor.
- Butter. Soften the butter at room temperature to make it easiest to blend.
- Powdered Sugar. Sift the confectioners’ sugar to remove any lumps.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and get the complete ingredients list.
Substitutions and Additions
- Frosting. Chocolate is amazing but other ideas for frosting include peanut butter, cream cheese and vanilla.
- Nuts. Sprinkle nuts on top of the brownies as soon as you frost them. Chopped pecans or walnuts taste great. You can also add nuts into the brownie mixture before baking.
If you have a divided household, I suggest adding to the top and only sprinkling nuts on half the pan. Make sure to do it before the frosting sets so it will stick. - Sprinkles. Jazz this recipe up with an assortment of sprinkles. It is an easy way to make these even more fun for birthdays, holidays and other occasions.
- More Chocolate. If you really love chocolate, add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter. This will give the brownies even more chocolate taste.
- Store bought frosting. If you need to save a little time and skip a step, you can use store bought frosting.
How to make Lunch Lady Brownies
- Step 1. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare the pan with non stick cooking spray.
Step 2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and unsweetened cocoa powder. Then stir in the flour and sugar.
Step 3. Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix until just combined. Be careful that you do not over mix.
Step 4. Next, pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. Be careful that you do not overbake the brownies. See How to Tell if Brownies are Done.
Step 5. While the cake bakes, make the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the frosting ingredients until smooth with a mixer. The texture should be creamy and easy to spread.
Step 6. Let the brownies cool for 15-20 minutes. Then spread the frosting on top of the brownies with a spatula.
Step 7. Finish cooling and allow to set and cool completely. Finally, cut and serve the brownies.
How to serve
Cut into squares and serve. They are really sweet and decadent so we prefer to cut them into smaller size squares. This is perfect for parties and more.
Expert Tips
- No baking soda needed. The eggs act as a rising agent and will make it fluffy and delicious.
- Line the baking dish with foil and spray. This will allow you to easily lift the entire sheet of brownies out of the pan. Just line with foil and spray with cooking spray. It will easily lift out once baked and you can cut into squares.
- Frosting is too thick. If the frosting is too thick add a tablespoon of milk and combine. Continue to do this gradually until it is the desired consistency.
- Cool before frosting. The brownies need to cool for about 15 minutes before adding the frosting. They don’t have to be completely cool but they shouldn’t be hot out of the oven.
- 9×13 baking pan. This is the perfect size for this recipe and the brownies result in the perfect texture and size.
- Softened butter. The butter should be softened at room temperature for the frosting. It will cream together better and make it smoother and creamier.
Storage
Store inside an airtight container at room temperature. They will last up to 4 to 5 days.
They can be refrigerated to prolong their shelf life up to 7 days. Allow to come to room temperature before eating for best taste.
How to freeze
Brownies can be frozen up to 3 months. Make sure they are completely cool before freezing. We recommend separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking. See Can you freeze brownies? for more tips.
When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and serve as normal.
Frequently Asked questions
Yes, store bought frosting can be used in this recipe. This is an easy way to save time and still enjoy tasty brownies.
If you want to keep it similar to this recipe, use chocolate frosting. However, feel free to change the flavor and use any type of frosting you like.
This recipe is even tastier with add ins such as chocolate chips or nuts. Either of these options can be added to the mixture prior to baking.
You can also top the brownies with nuts if you prefer. We recommend chopped pecans or chopped walnuts.
Try these other Brownie Recipes
- Salted Caramel Brownies recipe
- One Bowl Brownies
- Easy Brookie Recipe
- Red Velvet Brownies
- Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Football Brownies
Make these delicious Lunch Lady Brownies. Then come back and leave a star rating and comment.
Lunch Lady Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup Salted Butter melted
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1/4 cup Butter softened
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Instructions
For the Brownies:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9X13 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and unsweetened cocoa powder. Then stir in the flour and sugar.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined but do not over mix.
- Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean.
For the Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together all the frosting ingredients until smooth.
- Let the brownies cool for 15-20 minutes. Spread the frosting on top of the brownies.
- Let the brownies cool completely. Cut, serve and enjoy!
