Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are a classic treat with a rich history, beloved for their moist, chocolatey goodness. This recipe, dating back over 50 years, delivers a nostalgic taste that brings back memories of school lunchrooms. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 4 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to prevent the brownies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and cocoa. Mix in the flour and sugar until well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Fold in the chopped nuts if desired.
Step 3: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness at 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Icing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1/4 cup canned milk (regular milk is fine)
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- Dash of salt
Icing Directions
Step 1: Mix the Icing
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, milk, cocoa, powdered sugar, and a dash of salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Frost the Brownies
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread the icing evenly over the top of the brownies.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
- Cutting and Presentation: After cooling the brownies completely in the pan, carefully cut them into squares or rectangles. This makes them easier to serve and ensures each piece is evenly sized.
- Garnish Options: Enhance the presentation by dusting the brownies with powdered sugar or drizzling them with chocolate syrup before serving. This adds a decorative touch and extra flavor.
- Accompaniments: Serve the brownies on their own or with a side of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries for a delicious dessert treat.
- Warm or Cold: These brownies can be enjoyed warm or chilled from the refrigerator. Warm them up slightly in the microwave for a gooey, comforting treat.
- Portion Control: Consider cutting smaller pieces for larger gatherings or parties to ensure everyone gets a taste without overindulging.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to retain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a warmer climate or prefer to extend their shelf life, store the brownies in the refrigerator. Place them in a sealed container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap to maintain their texture.
- Freezing: These brownies freeze well. Wrap individual pieces or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Icing Considerations: If you’ve iced the brownies, note that the icing may become firmer when refrigerated but will soften again at room temperature.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Lunchroom Ladies Brownies stay fresh, delicious, and enjoyable for days after baking. Whether serving for a special occasion or enjoying as a weekday treat, these tips will help you make the most of this classic recipe.
Variations:
- Double Chocolate Brownies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat. Sprinkle more chocolate chips on top before baking for added decadence.
- Nut-Free Brownies: Omit the chopped nuts from the recipe if you prefer nut-free brownies. You can add chocolate chips or dried fruit instead for texture.
- Mint Chocolate Brownies: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the batter for a refreshing twist. Top with mint-flavored icing or garnish with crushed peppermint candies.
- Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies: After spreading the batter in the pan, swirl 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter into the batter using a knife or toothpick for a marbled effect.
- S’mores Brownies: Layer crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows between the batter and icing layers. Bake as directed and top with a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Orange Zest Brownies: Add 1 tablespoon of finely grated orange zest to the batter for a citrusy flavor. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of orange-flavored icing.
- Espresso Brownies: Mix 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder into the batter for a rich coffee flavor. Top with a mocha icing made with cocoa powder and a dash of brewed coffee.
- Salted Caramel Brownies: Swirl 1/2 cup of caramel sauce into the batter before baking. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt after icing for a sweet and salty combination.
- White Chocolate Raspberry Brownies: Fold 1 cup of fresh raspberries and 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips into the batter. Drizzle with melted white chocolate after baking for an elegant finish.
- Gluten-Free Brownies: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour in the recipe. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified if needed.
These variations offer unique twists on the classic Lunchroom Ladies Brownies, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Enjoy exploring these delicious options!
FAQs:
- Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter in the brownie recipe?
- Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the batter to balance the flavors.
- Can I omit the nuts from the recipe?
- Yes, you can omit the chopped nuts if you prefer or if there are allergies. The brownies will still be delicious without them.
- What can I substitute for cocoa in the icing if I don’t have any?
- You can substitute cocoa powder with melted chocolate or chocolate syrup, adjusting the amount of powdered sugar and liquid as needed for consistency.
- How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, the brownies are done. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
- Can I use a different size baking pan if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
- Yes, you can use a different size pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan may require longer baking, while a larger pan may need shorter baking.
- How long should I let the brownies cool before icing them?
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before icing. This prevents the icing from melting and ensures neat cutting.
- Can I freeze these brownies?
- Yes, you can freeze these brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- How should I store leftover brownies?
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If iced, refrigerate them to preserve freshness.
- Can I use a different type of icing instead of cocoa icing?
- Yes, you can use vanilla icing, cream cheese icing, or any flavored icing you prefer. Adjust the ingredients to achieve the desired consistency and sweetness.
- Can I add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra chocolate flavor?
- Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the batter before baking for added richness. Mix them in gently to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
These FAQs provide practical answers to common questions about making and enjoying Lunchroom Ladies Brownies, ensuring you have all the information needed to bake and serve them successfully.
Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a nostalgic treat that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. With their rich chocolate flavor and simple preparation, these brownies are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a dollop of icing, these brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave a lasting impression. Embrace the tradition of this 50-year-old recipe and indulge in the deliciousness of homemade brownies that never go out of style.