Step back in time and savor a taste of pure nostalgia with these incredible Lunchroom Ladies Brownies! This cherished 50-year-old recipe promises to deliver the kind of rich, chewy, chocolatey goodness that you remember from school lunchrooms or beloved bake sales. Topped with a luscious, classic fudge icing, these brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delightful trip down memory lane.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting and deeply satisfying about a recipe that has stood the test of time, and these Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are a perfect example. What I love most is their unapologetic simplicity and their rich, classic chocolate flavor. They’re perfectly chewy with just the right amount of fudginess, and the addition of chopped nuts adds a lovely textural contrast. But the real star is that creamy, decadent cocoa icing made with evaporated milk – it sets beautifully to create that signature Lunchroom Brownie experience. It’s a no-fuss recipe that consistently produces a large batch of utterly delicious brownies, making it ideal for sharing, parties, or simply indulging in a taste of childhood.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these classic Lunchroom Ladies Brownies:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans recommended, optional)
For the Icing:
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) softened butter
- ¼ cup evaporated milk (like PET milk)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- Dash of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
Swaps and Notes
- Butter (Brownies & Icing): Unsalted butter is recommended, softened for the brownies and the icing.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor. Natural or Dutch-processed both work.
- Nuts (Brownies): Chopped walnuts or pecans are classic additions. Omit for a nut-free version.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor.
- Evaporated Milk (Icing): This is key for the specific texture and flavor of this classic cooked-style fudge icing. Do not substitute with regular milk or sweetened condensed milk.
- Powdered Sugar (Icing): Sift your powdered sugar before mixing to prevent lumps in the icing.
- Salt (Icing): A dash of salt in the icing balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Directions
Let’s get these delicious Lunchroom Ladies Brownies baking and frosted!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Brownie Ingredients: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, and 4 teaspoons vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon, mix until all ingredients are well combined and a smooth, thick batter forms. If using, fold in the 1 cup chopped nuts.
- Pour & Bake Brownies: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread it out smoothly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Start checking for doneness at 20 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but no wet batter. Do not overbake, or they will be dry.
- Cool Brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack while you prepare the icing. This is crucial for easy frosting and proper setting.
For the Icing:
- Mix Icing Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 1/4 cup softened butter, ¼ cup evaporated milk (PET milk), 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted for best results), and a dash of salt.
- Beat Until Smooth: Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat all the icing ingredients together until smooth, creamy, and spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more evaporated milk (1 teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, add more sifted powdered sugar.
- Frost Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the prepared icing evenly over the top of the brownies using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Set & Serve: Allow the icing to set slightly before slicing and serving. This may take 15-30 minutes, or longer depending on humidity.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake Brownies: This is the key to fudgy, not cakey, brownies. Check at 20 minutes; an inserted toothpick should have moist crumbs, not wet batter, and not come out completely clean.
- Softened Butter (Brownies & Icing): Ensure butter is properly softened for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Cool Brownies Completely: Frosting warm brownies will result in melted, messy icing. Patience is a virtue here!
- Sift Powdered Sugar: For the smoothest icing, sift your powdered sugar to remove any lumps before mixing.
- Adjust Icing Consistency: Adjust the milk/powdered sugar as needed for the desired icing thickness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are a classic treat that are delicious on their own, but can also be enjoyed with:
- A cold glass of milk: The ultimate classic pairing.
- Coffee or hot cocoa: A perfect accompaniment for an afternoon treat.
- Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns them into an even more decadent dessert.
- For other incredibly indulgent sweet treats, consider our These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession or our The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made A Lot).
Storage and Leftover Tips
These brownies store well, making them great for making ahead or enjoying throughout the week.
- Room Temperature: Store cooled, frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They tend to stay moist and delicious.
- Refrigeration (Optional): If you prefer a firmer brownie or live in a very warm climate, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Brownies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled and frosted, slice them into individual squares. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the frozen squares to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the classic, sweet, and comforting nature of these brownies, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free dessert and snack recipes:
- For another incredibly indulgent sweet treat, try our These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- If you’re a brownie aficionado, you can’t go wrong with The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made A Lot).
- For a sweet treat you can enjoy without baking, our This Edible Cookie Dough Is My Favorite No-Bake Treat For Late Night Cravings is perfect.
- And for a fun, easy, and sweet no-bake treat, check out This Smores Bark Is My Favorite No-Campfire Treat For Anytime Cravings.
- Finally, for an instant chocolate fix in dip form, try This Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert For Instant Chocolate Cravings.
Final Thoughts
These Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are a true testament to the timeless appeal of simple, classic baking. They’re rich, chewy, and topped with that iconic fudge icing, making them a perfect treat for any occasion that calls for a comforting bite of chocolatey goodness.
Give this cherished 50-year-old recipe a try and share the delicious nostalgia with your loved ones! What’s your favorite classic dessert that brings back childhood memories? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
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