Description
Cherished memories of school cafeterias shine through these classic lunchroom ladies brownies, delivering nostalgic comfort with rich chocolate intensity. School kitchens perfected this simple, irresistible dessert you’ll want to savor bite after delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Craft the rich chocolate base by whisking melted butter and cocoa powder until a velvety smooth consistency emerges, creating a deep, dark foundation for these decadent treats.
- Incorporate granulated sugar into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to ensure complete integration and a balanced sweetness throughout the batter.
- Gently introduce eggs one at a time, carefully folding each into the chocolatey mixture, followed by a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- In a separate vessel, sift together flour and salt, eliminating any potential lumps and ensuring a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using delicate strokes to maintain the batter’s light texture, stopping precisely when ingredients are just combined.
- Transfer the silky batter into a prepared rectangular pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer that will bake uniformly.
- Slide the pan into a preheated oven maintained at 350F, allowing the brownies to transform for approximately 25-30 minutes until a subtle crust forms and the center remains slightly fudgy.
- While the brownies bake, whip together the frosting components, blending softened butter, milk, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla until achieving a luxurious, spreadable consistency.
- After removing the brownies from the oven, let them rest momentarily to stabilize, then lavishly spread the glossy frosting across the warm surface, allowing the heat to create a seamless, reflective finish.
- Permit the frosted brownies to cool completely, then slice into generous squares, revealing their rich, decadent interior.
Notes
- Adjust cocoa intensity by using dark or milk cocoa powder to customize the chocolate depth according to personal preference.
- Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains rich moisture and texture.
- Create gluten-free brownies by replacing all-purpose flour with almond flour or a certified gluten-free blend, ensuring even consistency.
- Prevent dry edges by checking brownies early and using an oven thermometer to confirm accurate temperature, which helps achieve perfectly fudgy centers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg