Drinks, Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts

Creamy & Classic Chocolate Malt

4.60 from 5 votes
Walk down memory lane while sipping this classic, old-fashioned Chocolate Malt Milkshake, made with just three ingredients!
An old-fashioned chocolate malt milkshake, served in a soda fountain inspired glass, with whipped cream.

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHAT YOU GET: A classic thick, creamy chocolate malt milkshake with the old-fashioned taste of malted milk powder.

When it comes to milkshakes, it’s hard to beat an old-fashioned chocolate malt. The classic combination of sweet, creamy chocolate ice cream and nutty, caramelly malted milk powder is as nostalgic as it is delicious. Just one sip and you’re transported to a time when soda fountains were the place to be.

This malted milkshake takes only three ingredients: whole milk, malt powder, and chocolate ice cream. If you’d like to go big and bold, try making my Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream for this recipe!

If chocolate isn’t your thing, or if you’re looking for more ways to enjoy malted milk powder, try making my Classic Vanilla MaltHomemade Raspberry Malt, and my Incredible Banana Caramel Malt!

An empty soda fountain glass with two red and white straws sits next to a glass of milk, a jar of malt powder, and a tub of chocolate ice cream.

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. 

What Is Malt? What Type Of “Malt Powder” To Use In Milkshakes

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.

For milkshakes, use malted milk powder, not just “malt powder.” Malted milk powder contains malt powder but has powdered milk added to the mix. Usually, it also has salt and baking soda, which lend a hint of savory flavor.

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. 

A chocolate malt milkshake is garnished with whipped cream in a tall glass with a blue and white straw and festive flamingo straw decoration.

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. 

Tools You Need To Make Chocolate Malts

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Chocolate Malt

  • You can split this shake into two smaller glasses if you like.
  • Before you pour 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.
  • Try drizzling a touch of Homemade Chocolate Syrup into your glass before pouring in the shake.
  • If you don’t have a traditional blender, you can make this with an immersion blender.
  • Try making your own Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream for this recipe!

Try More Milkshakes!

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Creamy & Classic Chocolate Malt

4.60 from 5 votes
Walk down memory lane while sipping this classic, old-fashioned Chocolate Malt Milkshake, made with just three ingredients!
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 1 shake
Prep Time 5 minutes
Blend Time 2 minutes
Walk down memory lane while sipping this classic, old-fashioned Chocolate Malt Milkshake, made with just three ingredients!
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 1 shake

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (4 fl oz/120 ml) whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons malt powder
  • 6 scoops (15 oz/425 g) chocolate ice cream
  • Whipped cream, for garnish

Instructions

  • In a blender, add first the milk, then the malt powder, followed by the ice cream.
  • Blend on high speed until fully combined.
  • Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream. Serve immediately with a straw.
4.60 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)
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Julia Southorn
Julia Southorn
2 years ago

Hi Gemma. Living in Catalonia where malted drinks aren’t a thing. Do you recommend any particular brand of malt powder that I could buy easily from Amazon, for example, or is any brewing malt powder suitable?

Last edited 2 years ago by Julia H

About Us

Meet Gemma

About Us

Meet Gemma

Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, a cookbook author, and the creator of Bigger Bolder Baking. I want to help you bake with confidence anytime, anywhere with my trusted and tested recipes and baking tips. You may have seen one of my 500+ videos on YouTube & TikTok or as a guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix or the Best Baker in America on Food Network. No matter your skills, my Bold Baking Team & I want to be your #1 go-to baking authority.

 

Weeknight Family Favorites Chapter from the Bigger Bolder Baking Every Day Cookbook