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Lunch Lady Brownies

Indulgent Lunch Lady Brownies That Take You Back

These fudgy Lunch Lady Brownies bring back sweet memories with rich chocolate flavor and easy preparation.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 16 squares
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Brownies
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Provides moisture and richness; substitute with margarine or vegan butter if desired.
  • 1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Gives essential chocolate flavor; use Dutch-processed cocoa for extra richness.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Creates structure; gluten-free flour blends can be used, but texture may vary.
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness and moisture; brown sugar can deepen the flavor profile.
  • 4 large Eggs Binds ingredients and adds moisture; room temperature eggs ensure better mixing.
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Enhances the overall flavor; almond extract can be substituted for a twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
  • 1 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans Adds a delightful crunch; omit for a nut-free version.
Chocolate Frosting
  • ½ cup Unsalted Butter The base for a smooth frosting; must be melted for best results.
  • cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Keeps the chocolate flavor consistent; use Dutch-processed for richer taste.
  • ¼ cup Milk Helps achieve the right consistency; substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting; adjust quantity based on desired sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Adds depth to the frosting flavor; omit or substitute as needed.

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • whisk
  • saucepan

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Melt the unsalted butter in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth.
  3. Mix in the flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until the batter is smooth, being careful not to overmix.
  4. If using, fold in the chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs.
  7. While the brownies bake, prepare the frosting by melting the butter and stirring in cocoa powder and milk until smooth.
  8. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you achieve a glossy consistency.
  9. Immediately pour the frosting over the warm brownies and spread it evenly.
  10. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1squareCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These brownies can be customized with various mix-ins or extracts to enhance flavor. Using room temperature ingredients helps in achieving the proper consistency.

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