Description
Nostalgic lunchroom ladies brownies transport you back to childhood cafeteria memories with their rich, fudgy chocolate embrace. Classic comfort baking delivers pure sweet satisfaction that connects generations through one incredible homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
Liquid and Binding:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping/Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Sift together flour and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl, creating a smooth, lump-free dry mixture that will contribute to the brownie’s velvety texture.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together granulated sugar and butter until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, indicating proper aeration.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time into the sugar-butter mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to create a uniform, silky base.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk and vanilla extract, stirring gently to maintain the batter’s airiness and prevent overmixing.
- Pour the chocolate batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure consistent thickness and smooth top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, indicating perfect moisture.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan, which helps set the brownies’ structure.
- For the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in cocoa powder until smooth and glossy.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, beating until the frosting reaches a spreadable, creamy consistency.
- Once brownies are completely cool, spread the chocolate frosting evenly across the surface, creating a luxurious, glossy topping.
- Let the frosted brownies set for 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares, ensuring clean, neat edges.
Notes
- Guarantee even mixing by bringing all ingredients to room temperature before starting, preventing potential clumping or uneven texture.
- Consider substituting whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative that maintains the rich, dense brownie consistency.
- Reduce sugar content by replacing half the granulated sugar with applesauce or mashed bananas for a more nutritious dessert option.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of espresso powder or sea salt to the batter, which deepens the chocolate notes without overwhelming the classic taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg