Copycat Lunch Lady Brownies (grain free & dairy free)
This brownie holds special place in my heart, reminding me of my childhood cafeteria days!
If you are gluten free and striving for a healthier lifestyle, you don’t have to let go of versions Mo of these childhood treats that align this!
My brownies are healthier for you: they are grain-free, and dairy-free and rich in healthy fats. The texture is fudgy, thanks to cashew butter! The chocolate frosting uses rich coconut butter and cocoa powder instead of buttercream, adding a depth of flavor !
Coconut butter, is a creamy, nutrient-rich spread made by grinding dehydrated coconut meat. Unlike coconut oil, which is extracted from the fruit, coconut butter includes the meat’s fiber, providing a rich texture and subtle sweetness that makes it a versatile ingredient and perfect for frosting and glazes.
Copycat Lunch Lady Brownies (updated 8//2026)
Ingredients
- 1/3 C Cocoa or cacao powder
- 1 C Almond flour , (or oat flour)
- 3/4 C coconut or raw cane sugar, (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Dash salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 C melted butter , Or refined coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 C melted semi sweet chocolate , (chips)
Chocolate Frosting
- 1/3 C cacao or cocoa powder, sifted
- 3/4 C Powdered sugar
- 1/4 C coconut milk, canned
- 1/4 C Non hydrogenated palm oil shortening, softened , (Or softened refined coconut oil)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, or oil generously.
- in a large bowl, microwave to melt chocolate and and whisk Until smooth. Then prepare the other ingredients. First whisk cashew butter and coconut , eggs, and sugar. Then add flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Then, stir in the melted chocolate to form batter.
- Pour or spread batter/dough into baking dish (it’s ok if it’s thick), pressing evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- while brownies are baking, prepare the frosting by whisking powered sugar and cocoa powder. Stir in the coconut milk, then the softened shortening.
- Let sit and cool completely before frosting. Let frosting set in fridge to thicken, then cut into squares.
- Store in fridge to keep the frosting chilled for best taste/texture .
