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A tray of thick, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate icing that has set into a delicate crackly finish, cut into neat squares and ready to serve.

Lunchroom Ladies Brownies

Legendary vintage school cafeteria brownies—thick, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a rich, glossy, crackly chocolate icing poured on while still warm.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Brownies
  • 1 cup butter melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Icing
  • ¼ cup butter softened
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish, parchment or foil sling

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan with a parchment or foil sling.
  2. Mix melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until smooth.
  3. Stir in cocoa powder and flour until just combined. Batter will be thick.
  4. Spread in pan and bake 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
  5. Rest the brownies in the pan for exactly 15 minutes.
  6. Mix icing ingredients until smooth.
  7. Pour icing over the still-warm brownies. Cool completely before cutting.

Notes

Pouring the icing onto warm brownies is essential for the signature glossy, crackly finish. Do not overmix the batter. Err on the side of underbaking for maximum fudginess. Store airtight at room temperature.