Lunch Lady Brownies

These Lunch Lady Brownies are the ultimate nostalgic treat, bringing back fond memories of school cafeteria desserts. They’re incredibly fudgy and topped with colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an after-school snack, or just want to indulge in a sweet bite, these brownies will surely delight everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nostalgic Flavor: Enjoy the classic taste of childhood with a modern twist.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure even beginner bakers can whip these up effortlessly.
• Fudgy Texture: These brownies are rich and moist, providing the perfect chewy bite.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or different types of sprinkles for added fun!
• Feeds a Crowd: With 24 servings, these brownies are great for parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these delicious brownies, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process much smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients without spills.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by blending eggs and sugars thoroughly.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of your bowl and folding in ingredients.

Ingredients

These lunch lady brownies come together with simple ingredients that create a delightful dessert everyone will adore.

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups (265g) all purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs, room temp
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 cups (270g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (55g) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Rainbow sprinkles

How to Make Lunch Lady Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the brownies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine melted butter and vegetable oil until well mixed.
2. Add both sugars and whisk until blended.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.

Next:
1. In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While brownies are cooling:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add cocoa powder and powdered sugar alternately with milk.
3. Mix until smooth and fluffy; then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Once brownies are completely cool:
1. Spread frosting evenly over the surface.
2. Top with rainbow sprinkles for that nostalgic touch!

Now you have delicious Lunch Lady Brownies ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Lunch Lady Brownies

These Lunch Lady Brownies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying them at home, there are many fun ways to present these nostalgic treats.

At a Birthday Party

• Serve the brownies on colorful plates with matching napkins for a festive look.
• Add extra sprinkles on top to make them more appealing to kids and adults alike.

With Ice Cream

• Pair warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top for added sweetness and visual appeal.

As a Snack

• Cut the brownies into small squares for easy snacking.
• Package them in clear bags tied with ribbon for a homemade gift option.

At a Potluck

• Bring a large batch of brownies cut into squares in a disposable pan.
• Label them with a cute sign Lunch Lady Brownies for everyone to see!

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve alongside your favorite hot beverage for the perfect afternoon treat.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving to enhance presentation.

How to Perfect Lunch Lady Brownies

To achieve the ultimate fudginess in your Lunch Lady Brownies, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature eggs: This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense brownies. Mix until just combined.
• Let them cool completely: Cooling allows the brownies to set and makes cutting easier.
• Add extra cocoa powder: For deeper chocolate flavor, consider adding an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.

Best Side Dishes for Lunch Lady Brownies

Complement your Lunch Lady Brownies with these delightful side dishes that enhance the overall experience.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances the rich flavors of the brownies.
2. Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add freshness and tartness that contrasts beautifully.
3. Chocolate Milkshake: A creamy shake that pairs perfectly with fudgy desserts.
4. Fruit Salad: A light side that adds color and nutrition to your dessert table.
5. Coffee: The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of brownies nicely.
6. Whipped Cream: Top your brownie with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Lunch Lady Brownies can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using Cold Eggs: Always use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture. Cold eggs can cause the batter to seize up.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly. This prevents dense brownies.
• Overbaking the Brownies: Keep an eye on your brownies in the oven. Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly treats. Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Skipping the Frosting: The frosting adds a delightful finish! Don’t skip it; it’s what makes these brownies truly nostalgic.
• Not Letting Them Cool: Allow your brownies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes slicing easier.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• You may also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap for freshness.

Freezing Lunch Lady Brownies

• Cut brownies into squares before freezing for easy serving later.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will last up to 3 months.

Reheating Lunch Lady Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm brownies for about 10 minutes. This helps retain their fudgy texture.
• Microwave: Heat individual squares for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Place brownies in a pan over low heat, covered with a lid, for a few minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lunch Lady Brownies.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate?

Yes, you can! Using unsweetened cocoa powder gives you that rich chocolate flavor without needing melted chocolate.

How do I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Simply fold in your desired mix-ins after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Chocolate chips or chopped nuts work great!

What makes these brownies different from regular brownies?

These lunch lady brownies are specially designed to be extra fudgy and sweet, just like those served in school cafeterias!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it measures 1-to-1.

Final Thoughts

These Lunch Lady Brownies are not only delicious but also evoke fond memories of school days! They’re perfect for parties or just as an afternoon treat. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or mix-ins like nuts or flavored extracts for a unique twist.