Brownies are a beloved dessert that bring back memories of school lunches and childhood treats. The recipe for Lunchroom Ladies Brownies harks back to the days when these rich, fudgy squares were served in school cafeterias, prepared with love by the lunchroom staff. This classic recipe is simple, yet delivers a decadent chocolate flavor and a moist, chewy texture that is irresistible. Whether you’re looking to recreate a nostalgic favorite or simply want to enjoy a timeless dessert, these brownies are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
Before we start baking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for both the brownies and the frosting.
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup butter, melted
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside. Preheating the oven ensures that it reaches the desired temperature by the time you are ready to bake, which is crucial for even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cocoa powder, and sugar. Mixing these ingredients first helps to ensure that the cocoa is evenly distributed, which will result in a rich chocolate flavor throughout the brownies.
Next, add the all-purpose flour to the bowl. Beat the mixture well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The batter will be quite thick at this stage.
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and then add them, along with the vanilla extract, to the flour mixture. Mix just until everything is combined. Over-mixing can lead to tougher brownies, so it’s important to stop as soon as the ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Spread the thick batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to ensure the batter is evenly distributed and reaches the corners of the pan.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the brownies.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
While the brownies are baking, you can start preparing the frosting. Sift together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a bowl. Sifting helps to eliminate any lumps and ensures a smooth frosting.
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until it is light and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted sugar mixture to the butter, alternating with the milk. Continue mixing until the frosting is creamy and smooth. The consistency should be easy to spread but not too runny.
Step 5: Frost the Brownies
Once the brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for just a few minutes. It’s important to frost the brownies while they are still warm, as this helps the frosting to spread more easily and creates a luscious, slightly melted topping.
Spread the frosting evenly over the warm brownies, making sure to cover the entire surface. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Serving Suggestions
Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are delicious on their own, but you can also enhance your dessert experience with a few serving suggestions:
- Ice Cream: Serve a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add a light and airy contrast to the dense brownies.
- Berries: Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing tartness that pairs well with the rich chocolate.
- Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them to incorporate more smoothly into the batter and frosting.
- Quality Cocoa: Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. This can make a significant difference in the taste of your brownies.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the eggs and flour mixture, mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser, tougher texture.
- Timing is Key: Keep a close eye on the brownies as they bake. The difference between perfectly baked and overbaked brownies can be just a minute or two.
Variations
- Nutty Brownies: Add chopped nuts to the brownie batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in some chocolate chips to the batter for pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies.
- Mint Frosting: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the frosting for a refreshing minty twist.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are a delightful treat that brings back fond memories of school days and cafeteria desserts. Their rich, fudgy texture and decadent frosting make them a favorite for all ages. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can recreate this nostalgic dessert and enjoy the timeless joy of homemade brownies. Happy baking!
Print
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are a nostalgic treat reminiscent of the classic, fudgy brownies served in school cafeterias. These brownies are rich, chocolaty, and topped with a smooth chocolate frosting, making them a perfect indulgence for any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup cocoa
2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
Frosting
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, grease a 9×13 pan and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine butter, cocoa and sugar. Mix in flour and beat well. Add in eggs and vanilla, mix just to combine.
Spread batter in prepared pan. Batter will be thick so you’ll have to use a spatula to make sure you get to your corners.
Bake for 22-25 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Frost while still warm.
For frosting, sift together sugar, cocoa and salt. Cream butter in mixing bowl. Gradually add in sugar to butter, alternating with milk. Mix until creamy. Spread over warm brownies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg