How the Killer Brownie® Got Its Start at Dorothy Lane Market

The Original Killer Brownie® has deep roots in the bakery of Dorothy Lane Market, where this now‑iconic triple‑layer brownie first began taking shape in the late 1970s and early 1980s. During that time, the DLM team started experimenting with an indulgent dessert unlike anything else in grocery bakeries: a rich, fudgy brownie stacked with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans—the signature layers that still define the Original today. According to local reporting, Dorothy Lane Market began making this triple‑layer caramel‑filled brownie in the late 1970s, and it quickly gained attention as “the Killer Brownie” shortly thereafter. 

As the recipe evolved, it became a standout favorite in DLM’s boxed lunches, helping it develop a local cult following well before it became a national brand. Businesses across Dayton began talking about this over‑the‑top dessert, fueling demand and cementing its status as a regional sensation.

Today, that same late‑70s bakery creation has grown into a beloved product line recognized nationwide—but it all began as a small‑batch treat crafted in Dorothy Lane Market’s own bakery.