Cafeteria Fudge Squares

These classic Lunch Lady Brownies are a sweet throwback to school cafeteria favorites—decadent, fudgy, and wonderfully moist, finished with a creamy cocoa frosting that melts beautifully into the warm surface.

Ingredients

For the Brownies:
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Frosting:
2 tablespoons butter, softened
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with foil, allowing extra to hang over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly lighter in appearance.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well blended.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Slowly stir in the flour and cocoa powder, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overwork the batter.

Step 5: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
As the brownies cool slightly, mix the softened butter, milk, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy, adjusting with a little extra milk or powdered sugar if needed.

Step 7: Frost While Warm
Spread the frosting over the brownies while they are still warm so it softens and gently blends into the top layer.

Step 8: Slice and Serve
Lift the brownies out using the foil overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy this timeless, homemade favorite.