Lunch Lady Brownies

Lunch Lady Brownies are rich, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a smooth, thick chocolate frosting that melts slightly into the warm base—just like the classic school cafeteria treat. Moist, dense, and perfectly sweet, these brownies are nostalgic and irresistible.

Ingredients

Brownies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

Chocolate Frosting

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¼ cup milk

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Make the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth.
Add sugar and mix well.

Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

Stir in flour and salt just until combined.
Do not overmix.

3. Bake

Pour batter evenly into prepared pan.
Bake for 22–25 minutes until center is set but still slightly soft.

Do not overbake—this keeps them fudgy.

4. Make the Frosting

While brownies are still warm, mix softened butter, milk, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

5. Frost While Warm

Spread frosting over warm brownies.
The heat will slightly melt the frosting, creating that classic smooth finish seen in the photo.

Let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Texture & Look (Like the Photo)

• Dense and fudgy interior

• Thick, glossy chocolate frosting

• Smooth top layer

• Clean square cuts

Pro Tips

• Frost immediately while brownies are warm

• Use good-quality cocoa powder

• Chill 30 minutes before cutting for sharp edges

Storage

• Store at room temperature up to 4 days

• Refrigerate for firmer texture

• Freeze up to 2 months