A vanilla malt milkshake next to ingredients and a scoop

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHAT YOU GET: A thick, sweet vanilla malt milkshake with the old-fashioned taste of malt that will make you wonder why soda fountains fell out of fashion.

Soda fountains may be a thing of the past, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have one of the most frequently ordered drinks — a classic vanilla malt milkshake! I imagine this is what Danny and Sandy were sipping on in the movie Grease!

This homemade vanilla malt needs just three ingredients: milk, vanilla ice cream, and, of course, malted milk powder. (If you want to go big and bold, try my recipe for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream!) This vanilla shake is deliciously creamy and thick, but the flavor is really kicked up a notch with the addition of the nutty malt powder.

And if you like this milkshake, be sure to try my Raspberry Malt recipe!

What Is Malt? Malt Powder VS Malted Milk Powder

You may know the flavor of malt from eating boxes of Malted Milk Balls at the movie theater — but what is that stuff?!

Malt is a grain that sprouted and then was dried — and people have figured out a lot of ways to use it, including by making whiskey, beer, and bread. Malt and malted milk powder are similar, but with one key difference. Malted milk powder contains ground-up malt powder, but wheat flour and powdered milk are added to the mix. Most malted milk powders also have salt and baking soda, which give malted milk powder its almost savory flavor on top of its sweetness.

What Do Malted Milkshakes Taste Like?

Malted milkshakes taste like the type of ice cream you use, but with that iconic malt taste.

As for what malt tastes like, there are a few different layers of flavor. It has a slight sweetness but is also somewhat savory. I’d describe the flavor as milky, nutty, and with hints of butterscotch.

For this recipe, use malted milk powder — not malt powder.

Where Can I Find Malted Milk Powder?

You can typically find malted milk powder in the baking aisle of your grocery store. Some popular brand names include Nestle Carnation and Ovaltine.

Tools You Need To Make Vanilla Malts

Measuring cups and spoons
Blender

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Vanilla Malted Milkshakes

You can split this shake into two smaller glasses and share the wealth if you like!
Before you pour the milkshake into glasses, taste, and if you would like a more malty flavor, and one more tablespoon of malt and give the shake a quick blend.
Make it a Black and White shake by drizzling some Homemade Chocolate Syrup sauce inside the glass before you pour in the shake.
If you don’t have a traditional blender, you can make this with an immersion blender.
Try making your own Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream for this recipe!

Make More Drinks!

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