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- 1 cup unsalted butter - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Lunch Lady Brownies use simple, easy-to-find ingredients. You begin with butter, sugar, and eggs. These form the base of the rich brownie batter. The unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor. I love adding the chocolate chips for extra sweetness. They melt and create little pockets of gooey goodness. If you like nuts, walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. You can skip them if you prefer a smooth brownie. The baking powder makes the brownies rise a bit, but they still stay fudgy. The salt enhances the chocolate taste. These brownies are not just easy to make; they taste amazing too! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. - In a large saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. - Stir gently until the butter is smooth. - Remove the pan from the heat and add 2 cups of granulated sugar. - Mix until well-combined and smooth. - Let the mixture cool a bit. - Whisk in 4 large eggs, one at a time. - Make sure the mix is smooth before adding each egg. - Stir in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. - In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. - Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture. - Use a spatula and fold gently until just combined. - Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the brownies fudgy! - If you want, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. - Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. - Spread it evenly with a spatula. - Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. - Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. - It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. - Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. - Once cool, slice them into squares and enjoy! - Achieving a fudgy texture: To get that perfect fudgy brownie, do not overmix the batter. Stir until just combined. This keeps your brownies moist and chewy. - Using the right baking pan: A 9x13-inch pan is best for even baking. Grease it well or use parchment paper for easy removal. - How to avoid overmixing: Mix the dry ingredients gently into the wet ones. Fold with a spatula just until you can't see the flour anymore. - Drizzling chocolate sauce: Warm some chocolate sauce and drizzle it over each brownie for a sweet touch. - Dusting with powdered sugar: Use a fine sieve to lightly dust the brownies with powdered sugar. This adds a nice contrast to the dark chocolate. - Serving with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream next to warm brownies makes a perfect treat. The cold and warm mix is delightful! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation and a smoother batter, resulting in a more even texture in your brownies. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to cakey brownies instead of dense, fudgy ones. Test for Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, you may have overbaked them. Enhance Flavor with Add-ins: Consider adding a pinch of espresso powder or a splash of coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor, making your brownies even more indulgent. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of Lunch Lady Brownies. Here are some ideas: - Adding peppermint or caramel: For a minty twist, add a few drops of peppermint extract. If you like caramel, swirl in some caramel sauce before baking. The sweet and rich flavors will blend well. - Using different types of chocolate: Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate. Each type will give a unique taste. If you want to mix it up, use a blend of chocolates for depth. - Gluten-free alternatives: If you want a gluten-free treat, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands work well as a one-to-one substitute, keeping the fudgy texture intact. Texture matters in brownies. Here are some fun ways to change it: - Crunchy topping ideas: Add a topping of crushed cookies or graham crackers for a crunchy layer. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking. This contrast enhances the brownie’s taste. - Adding ingredients like shredded coconut: For a tropical feel, mix in shredded coconut. It adds chewiness and pairs well with chocolate. - Swapping nuts for seeds: If you prefer seeds, swap out walnuts or pecans for pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They add a nice crunch without the nutty flavor. To keep your brownies fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft and fudgy texture. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents them from drying out. If you want to freeze brownies, cut them into squares first. Place each square in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw the brownies in the fridge. This way, they stay moist and tasty. Enjoy your delicious treat anytime! What can I substitute for eggs? You can use applesauce as a great egg replacement. Use 1/4 cup for each egg. Mashed bananas or yogurt also work well in this recipe. How do I know when the brownies are done? Check them at 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it’s wet, bake a few more minutes. Can I make these brownies ahead of time? Yes, you can! Bake them a day before and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious. Why are they called Lunch Lady Brownies? They earned this name because they remind many of the brownies served in school cafeterias. They are simple and comforting, just like those from our childhood. How to avoid dry brownies? Do not overbake them. Check for doneness a few minutes early. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate to avoid dry brownies. Can I adjust the sweetness? Yes, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. If you want them sweeter, add a few more chocolate chips. Adjust the flavors to fit your taste! Now you know how to create delicious brownies from scratch. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You can even try fun variations or explore storage options. Remember, baking is a mix of art and science. Use this guide to perfect your brownies and impress your friends. Enjoy baking and customizing these sweet treats your way!

Lunch Lady Brownies Delight

Deliciously rich and fudgy brownies that are perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy brownie removal.
  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring gently. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
  • Allow the buttery mixture to cool slightly. Then, one by one, whisk in each egg, ensuring that the mixture is smooth and homogenous before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and fine sea salt until there are no lumps.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, using a spatula to fold gently until just combined. Be mindful not to overmix to maintain a fudgy texture.
  • If desired, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for added richness and crunch.
  • Pour the rich brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating a perfect fudgy brownie (not wet batter).
  • Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack before slicing into squares.

Notes

For an eye-catching presentation, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the brownies or lightly dust with powdered sugar. Serve alongside a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream.
Keyword brownies, chocolate, dessert