So rich, so fudgy, and so timeless — these nostalgic brownies taste like childhood, with a gooey center and that perfect crackly top.
⏱️ Time & Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 16 brownies
- Calories per Serving: ~290 kcal
🛒 Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs 🥚
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) 🌰
Frosting
- 1/4 cup soft butter 🧈
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, combine melted butter and cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth. Add sugar and eggs, mixing until creamy. Stir in flour, salt, and vanilla. Fold in walnuts if using.
3️⃣ Bake the Brownies
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake!
4️⃣ Prepare the Frosting
While the brownies are baking, make the frosting: In a saucepan, melt butter with cocoa and milk over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
5️⃣ Frost While Warm
Pour warm frosting over still-warm brownies and spread evenly. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.
💛 Why You’ll Love This
- True old-school flavor from school cafeterias in the best way
- That signature fudgy texture + glossy frosting combo
- Perfect for bake sales, birthdays, or midnight snacks
- Just one bowl — no mixer needed!
- It’s a brownie that has stood the test of 50 years and still wins hearts
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use room-temperature eggs for smoother batter.
- Want an extra hit of chocolate? Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter.
- Frost while the brownies are still warm — it melts in for that iconic cafeteria-style bite.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days… if they last that long 😋
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