Chocolate Malt

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: This nostalgic chocolate malt milkshake is more than just a treat—it’s a trip back in time in every sip. With only three simple ingredients, you’ll get all the creamy, dreamy flavor of a soda fountain classic without leaving your kitchen.

• Old-Fashioned Flavor: The rich blend of chocolate and malted milk powder brings timeless, diner-style charm.
• Incredibly Easy: Just three ingredients and a blender—that’s all you need for this thick, luscious shake.
• Perfectly Balanced: Sweet, creamy, and slightly savory from the malt—it’s a flavor combo that keeps you coming back.
• Customizable: Want it extra malty? Add a spoonful more. Prefer homemade ice cream? Go for it!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love the milkshake magic, and adults love the nostalgia.

As a child, I have fond memories of making milkshakes and malts—they were easy, fun, and didn’t require turning on the oven. The recipe was always flexible, which made it perfect for little hands to help with. If your child, like mine, is looking for something sweet and quick, this is the perfect recipe. Get them involved and turn it into a fun kitchen activity. It’s a win-win!

Bold Bakers Loved This!

“I love how easy and quick this recipe is, Gemma! Perfect for when the kids are craving something sweet. We made it together, and everyone loved it!” — Sarah

“Such a classic! The malt adds such a unique flavor. I’ve been trying to recreate this taste for years—this recipe nailed it. Thanks, Gemma!” — Kye

“This was so fun to make with my little one. We didn’t have to turn on the oven, and it tasted incredible. Definitely adding this to our regular treat rotation!” — Emily. W

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 5/7/2025, to include explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, What Does Malt Taste Like, the Difference Between a Chocolate Shake and Chocolate Malt, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips. 

Table of Contents

• What is a Malt?
• Tools You Need
• Key Ingredients
• How to Make a Malt
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
• What Does Chocolate Malt Taste Like?
• What is the Difference Between a Chocolate Shake and Chocolate Malt?
• FAQs
• More Milkshake Recipes

What is a Malt?

A malt is a rich, creamy milkshake made with malt powder, offering a unique flavor that sets it apart from regular milkshakes. It combines sweetness with a nutty, caramel-like undertone, giving it a nostalgic, old-fashioned taste.

• Distinctive Flavor: Malt powder adds a nutty, toasty, and slightly savory flavor.
• Creamy Texture: Blended with milk and ice cream for a smooth, thick consistency.
• Classic Appeal: Brings back memories of soda fountains and retro diners.
• Versatile Base: Pairs perfectly with chocolate, vanilla, or other ice cream flavors.

Malt is a grain, typically barley, that has sprouted and then dried and ground up to make malt powder. This powder is used to make whiskey, beer, and bread, among other things. It’s also used to make malted milk powder.

Tools You Need

• Measuring cups 
• Measuring spoons
• Blender
• Immersion Blender (as an alternative to a traditional blender)
• Tall Glasses

Key Ingredients

Whole Milk

• Acts as the liquid base for the milkshake, helping to blend the other ingredients into a smooth consistency.
• Substitutes:
  • Almond Milk (for a dairy-free option)
  • Oat Milk (for a dairy-free, creamier option)
  • Heavy Cream (for a richer, thicker milkshake)

Malt Powder

• Adds a unique, nutty, caramel-like flavor to the milkshake. This is the defining characteristic of a malted milkshake.
• Substitutes:
  • Malted Milk Powder (can work but will be sweeter and creamier due to the added powdered milk)
  • Vanilla or Chocolate Powder (for a simpler, less complex flavor, but the result will not be a true “malt”)

Chocolate Ice Cream

• The main flavor base of the shake, contributing both chocolate flavor and creaminess.
• Substitutes:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream (for a classic vanilla malt)
  • Strawberry Ice Cream (for a strawberry variation)
  • Dairy-Free Ice Cream (for a non-dairy version)

How to Make a Malt

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

• Chill Your Glasses: For an extra indulgent experience, chill your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Adjust the Flavor: Before pouring the milkshake into glasses, take a quick taste! If you want a more malty flavor, add one more tablespoon of malt and give the shake a quick blend.
• Make It Richer: Add a scoop of heavy cream or a little bit of sweetened condensed milk for a richer, creamier texture.
• Add Extra Flavor: Try drizzling a touch of Homemade Chocolate Syrup into your glass before pouring in the shake.
• Add Crunch: Top with crushed cookies, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of malted milk powder for added texture and flavor.
• Alternative Blender: If you don’t have a traditional blender, you can make this with an immersion blender.
• Freeze Leftovers: If you have any leftover milkshake, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it to make milkshake ice cubes for your next drink.
• Boost the Flavor: Add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness and enhance the malt flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead Instructions:

• Prep the Base: Combine the milk, malt powder, and ice cream in the blender and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. When ready to serve, simply blend it until smooth.
• Prepare Ice Cream Ahead: You can also pre-scoop the ice cream into small portions and store them in the freezer for easy use.

Storage Instructions:

• Leftover Milkshake: Store leftover milkshake in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Note that the texture may change after freezing.
• Restore Consistency: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover milkshake, let it sit out for a few minutes, then stir to restore the creamy texture.
• Make Milkshake Ice Cubes: Pour any leftover milkshake into an ice cube tray and freeze. These can be used to make quick milkshake “ice cubes” for your next drink!

What does chocolate malt taste like?

Malt is a bit difficult to describe, but it is unmistakable once you taste it! It has a hint of savory flavor to its sweetness. The dried grains give it a nutty, caramelly flavor. Some people describe it as toasty and somewhat like butterscotch. Its slight bitterness tones down the sweetness of ice cream, and its creamy, nutty flavor really compliments the chocolate.

What is the Difference Between Chocolate Shake VS Chocolate Malt?

Malted milk powder has been paired with chocolate milkshakes for so long that some people use the terms interchangeably, but chocolate milkshakes and chocolate malts are not the same drink.

Chocolate milkshakes are simply chocolate ice cream blended with milk — what makes a malt a malt is the inclusion of malted milk powder.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any milk of your choice. Keep in mind that using non-dairy milk may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Where Can I Find Malted Milk Powder?

You can typically find malted milk powder in the baking aisle of your local grocery store. The brands your store will most likely carry are Nestle Carnation and Ovaltine.

Can I make a malt without ice cream?

While ice cream adds creaminess and flavor, you can use frozen yogurt or frozen banana slices as an alternative for a lighter version.

How do I make this milkshake extra thick?

To make your milkshake thicker, use less milk or add more ice cream. You can also freeze the ice cream ahead of time for a firmer base.

How can I make this recipe less sweet?

If you want a less sweet milkshake, simply reduce the amount of malt powder or opt for a less sweetened ice cream.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based ice cream and a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk to make this recipe completely vegan-friendly.

Can I add mix-ins to the milkshake?

Absolutely! You can add mix-ins like crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or fruit (like bananas or strawberries) to make your milkshake even more fun and flavorful.

Try More Milkshakes!

• Incredible Banana Caramel Malt
• Creamy & Classic Vanilla Malt
• Homemade Raspberry Malt
• Top 5 Homemade Milkshake Flavors
• Frozen Hot Chocolate Milkshake

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 5/7/2025, to include explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, What Does Malt Taste Like, the Difference Between a Chocolate Shake and Chocolate Malt, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips. 

Try These Recipes!

Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda)

Incredible Banana Caramel Malt

Strawberry Soda Ice Cream Float

Creamy & Classic Vanilla Malt