Description: A rich and fudgy brownie recipe passed down through generations, reminiscent of the treats served by lunchroom ladies. Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make these brownies a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring even baking and that characteristic brownie texture. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal of the baked brownies.
Step 2: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined, breaking up any lumps in the cocoa powder. This ensures even distribution throughout the batter.
Step 3: Add the eggs, melted butter (make sure it’s cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and lead to tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
Step 4: If you’re using nuts, gently fold them into the brownie batter. This distributes them evenly throughout. Pecans, walnuts, or even chocolate chips would be delicious additions.
Step 5: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. A spatula works well for this. Gently tap the dish on the counter to release any air bubbles and ensure a smooth surface.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Lunchroom Ladies Brownie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a trip down memory lane. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Simplicity: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up these brownies in no time. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques are required.
- Fudgy Texture: The melted butter and ratio of ingredients contribute to a delightfully fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. They are not cakey brownies, but gooey, rich goodness.
- Nostalgia: These brownies evoke the comforting memories of childhood, school lunches, and simple pleasures. They taste like home.
- Adaptable: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add different types of nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re baking for a bake sale, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these brownies are always a hit. They are universally loved by kids and adults alike.
- Easy to Make: Even if you are a novice baker, this recipe is extremely easy to follow and guarantees success.
- Quick to Bake: The relatively short baking time means you can satisfy your brownie cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Sharing: These brownies are easily cut into squares, making them ideal for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.
- Cut into small squares and add to a dessert platter for a variety of treats.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries.
- Warm a brownie in the microwave for a few seconds and top with a scoop of peanut butter.
- Crumble over yogurt or oatmeal for a decadent breakfast treat.
- Use as a base for a brownie sundae with your favorite toppings.
Tips:
- Don’t overbake the brownies. They should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
- Use good quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Melt the butter completely, but don’t let it brown.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares for cleaner slices.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For extra fudgy brownies, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
- For cakey brownies, increase the baking time by a few minutes.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or peppermint, for a unique flavor twist.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving, based on 16 servings)
- Calories: 180-220
- Protein: 2-3g
- Sodium: 80-120mg
Conclusion:
The Lunchroom Ladies Brownies recipe is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, well-made desserts. These brownies are fudgy, rich, and utterly irresistible. They are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with loved ones. With their easy-to-follow instructions and customizable nature, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite for generations to come. Make a batch today and experience the joy of homemade goodness! Enjoy the timeless taste of these classic brownies and create your own sweet memories. They are simple to make, taste delicious, and everyone will love them! You will not regret baking these brownies!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different size baking dish? Yes, you can use a 9×13-inch baking dish, but the brownies will be thinner and may require a shorter baking time. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking. If you use a smaller pan, such as a 6×6 inch pan, you will need to increase the cooking time to about 35 – 40 minutes.
- Can I freeze these brownies? Absolutely! Once the brownies have cooled completely, cut them into squares and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- I don’t have cocoa powder. Can I use chocolate instead? Yes, you can substitute unsweetened chocolate for cocoa powder. Use approximately 1 ounce (28 grams) of melted unsweetened chocolate for every ¼ cup of cocoa powder. Reduce the amount of melted butter by 1 tablespoon to account for the fat in the chocolate.
- Can I make these brownies gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular all-purpose flour in the recipe. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum or add about ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients for best results.
- What can I add to these brownies to make them even more decadent? There are many ways to enhance these brownies! Consider adding chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white), chopped peanut butter cups, a swirl of caramel sauce, or a layer of cream cheese frosting. You could also sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a salty-sweet contrast.
