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Fudgy lunch lady brownie with smooth chocolate frosting, rich moist crumb visible, plated with parchment and colorful sprinkles scattered around.
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Lunch Lady Brownies

These Lunch Lady Brownies are soft, rich, and perfectly fudgy with a smooth chocolate frosting that melts right into the top. Made in a 9×13 pan with simple pantry ingredients, they’re easy to make and deliver that classic bakery style brownie texture every time.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16
Calories: 358kcal
Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon espresso powder optional

Frosting

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 2½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup melted butter and 2 cups sugar until smooth.
    process shots showing how to make lunch lady brownies.
  • Add 4 eggs and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Whisk until glossy and slightly thickened.
    process shots showing how to make lunch lady brownies.
  • Sift in ¾ cup cocoa powder, 1 cup flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon espresso powder if using. Fold gently just until combined. Do not overmix.
    process shots showing how to make lunch lady brownies.
  • Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft. Do not overbake. They will finish setting as they cool.
    process shots showing how to make lunch lady brownies.
  • While the brownies bake, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Stir in 3 tablespoons cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons milk. Heat just until smooth and warm.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in 2½ cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
    process shots showing how to make lunch lady brownies.
  • Pour the warm frosting over the warm brownies and spread evenly. Let set for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing.
    process shots showing how to make lunch lady brownies.

Notes

  1. Don’t overbake: The center should still look slightly soft when you pull them out. They’ll continue to set as they cool and stay perfectly fudgy.
  2. Whisk until glossy: After adding the eggs, whisk until the batter looks shiny and slightly thickened, this helps create structure.
  3. Fold gently: Once the flour goes in, mix just until combined to avoid a cakey texture.
  4. Frost warm: Pour the frosting over the brownies while both are still warm so it melts slightly and sets into that smooth, classic layer.
  5. Watch the frosting: Heat it just until smooth and combined. Overheating can make it grainy instead of silky.
  6. Line your pan: Parchment paper makes lifting and slicing much easier and keeps the edges clean.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 516IU | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg
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