Lunch Lady Brownies

These Lunch Lady Brownies are a delightful trip down memory lane, reminiscent of the sweet treats served in school cafeterias. With their fudgy texture and vibrant sprinkles, these brownies are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to cozy family gatherings. Not only do they evoke nostalgia, but they also boast a richer flavor that sets them apart from the original versions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Nostalgic Flavor: These brownies bring back fond memories of childhood with every bite.
  • Easy to Make: The recipe includes simple steps that even beginner bakers can follow.
  • Fudgy Texture: Enjoy an ultra-rich and moist brownie that melts in your mouth.
  • Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or mix-ins for a personal twist.
  • Perfect for Sharing: With 24 servings, these brownies are ideal for gatherings and celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of Lunch Lady Brownies, make sure you have all the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

  • Baking pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking, giving you those perfectly cooked brownies.
  • Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for efficient mixing of ingredients without mess.
  • Rubber spatula: This tool helps scrape batter from bowls, ensuring no delicious brownie mixture goes to waste.

Ingredients

These lunch lady brownies are extra fudgy and filled with nostalgia! They’re just like those thin and sweet brownies they would serve in the school cafeteria…only these are way better. And with sprinkles!

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

For Decoration

  • Rainbow sprinkles

How to Make Lunch Lady Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect brownie texture.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease a baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Melted butter
2. Vegetable oil
3. Granulated sugar
4. Dark brown sugar
5. Eggs
6. Vanilla extract

Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix:
1. Flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Salt

Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

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

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While the brownies cool, whip together:
1. Softened butter
2. Cocoa powder
3. Powdered sugar
4. Milk
5. Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Frost Your Brownies

Spread the frosting over cooled brownies evenly, then top with rainbow sprinkles for that colorful finish!

Step 8: Cut and Serve

Allow the brownies to set before cutting them into squares and serving. Enjoy your nostalgic treat!

How to Serve Lunch Lady Brownies

These Lunch Lady Brownies are perfect for parties, school events, or just a cozy afternoon treat. You can serve them in various fun and delightful ways that will bring out their nostalgic charm.

For a Classic Dessert

  • Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
  • Drizzle chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent experience.

At Parties

  • Cut into bite-sized squares for easy snacking.
  • Offer rainbow sprinkles on the side for guests to personalize their brownies.

With Coffee or Tea

  • Pair them with your favorite coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon break.
  • Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

As a Special Treat for Kids

  • Pack them in lunchboxes as a sweet surprise.
  • Create brownie sandwiches by adding frosting between two pieces.

For Celebrations

  • Decorate with themed sprinkles for birthdays or holidays.
  • Present them on a decorative platter to impress your guests.
Lunch

How to Perfect Lunch Lady Brownies

To achieve the ultimate fudgy texture and flavor, follow these simple tips when making your Lunch Lady Brownies.

  • Use room temperature eggs: This helps the ingredients mix more evenly, resulting in better texture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until just combined to maintain that fudgy consistency.
  • Let them cool completely: Allowing the brownies to cool enhances their taste and makes cutting easier.
  • Store properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
  • Experiment with toppings: Try different frostings or nuts to customize your brownies.

Best Side Dishes for Lunch Lady Brownies

Lunch Lady Brownies can be complemented by several delicious side dishes. Here are some great options that pair well with these classic treats.

  1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the brownies.
  2. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture adds richness and contrasts beautifully with the fudginess of the brownies.
  3. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it makes a perfect topping for serving alongside brownies.
  4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: A delightful treat that echoes the chocolatey flavor of the brownies.
  5. Milkshakes: A thick milkshake is a playful way to enjoy these brownies together for dessert lovers.
  6. Nutty Trail Mix: Adds crunch and nutrition, creating a fun contrast to the soft texture of the brownies.
  7. Coffee Cake: The mild sweetness complements the rich flavor of the brownies without overwhelming it.
  8. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can provide an interesting savory contrast to your sweet dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Lunch Lady Brownies can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can ruin the fun. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

  • Skipping the room temperature eggs: Using cold eggs can prevent your brownies from achieving that perfect fudgy texture. Always bring your eggs to room temperature before mixing.
  • Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of soft and chewy ones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can affect your brownies’ texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
  • Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different, so don’t rely solely on time. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Using low-quality cocoa powder: The quality of cocoa powder impacts taste significantly. Choose high-quality unsweetened cocoa for rich chocolate flavor.
  • Forgetting to line the pan: Not lining your baking pan can make it difficult to remove your brownies cleanly. Always use parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • item Store cooked Lunch Lady Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • item They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Lunch Lady Brownies

  • item Allow brownies to cool completely before freezing.
  • item Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
  • item Frozen brownies can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Lunch Lady Brownies

  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the brownies for about 10 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
  • Stovetop: Place brownies in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making these delicious Lunch Lady Brownies, here are some common questions:

Can I use different types of cocoa powder for Lunch Lady Brownies?

Yes, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder if you prefer a milder chocolate flavor, but unsweetened cocoa gives the best results.

How do I know when my Lunch Lady Brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to my Lunch Lady Brownies?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even caramel bits make great additions for extra texture and flavor!

What makes these brownies similar to what was served in school?

These Lunch Lady Brownies feature that nostalgic fudgy texture and sweet flavor that remind many of their cafeteria days, enhanced by sprinkles on top!

Final Thoughts

These Lunch Lady Brownies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Bring back those school memories with this delightful treat—perfect for any occasion!

Print
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Lunch Lady Brownies

Lunch Lady Brownies


  • Author: Camila
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Makes approximately 24 brownies 1x

Description

Indulge in the delightful nostalgia of Lunch Lady Brownies, a sweet treat that brings back memories of carefree school days. These fudgy, chocolatey squares are topped with a rich frosting and adorned with colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy family gatherings. With a simple recipe that’s easy enough for beginner bakers, you can recreate these classic brownies at home. Each bite offers a moist texture and a burst of flavor that sets them apart from typical brownies, ensuring they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Rainbow sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Prepare the frosting by mixing softened butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until creamy.
  7. Once cooled, frost the brownies and top with rainbow sprinkles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie (90g)
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. Do not overmix the batter to maintain fudginess. Customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.

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