This chocolate malt cake is extremely moist, bursting with chocolate malt flavor, and topped with a luscious chocolate malt whipped cream. This shortcut recipe is quick and easy to make, yet it’s the best chocolate cake you’ll ever eat! A slice of chocolate malt cake with whipped cream frosting on a white plate with a copper fork.

What is chocolate malt cake?

Chocolate malt cake is a rich and flavorful cake that combines the flavors of chocolate and malt. It typically consists of a chocolate cake that has been infused with malted milk powder, which gives it a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. The cake may be baked as a single layer or in multiple layers, and is often topped with a rich chocolate frosting that has also been flavored with malted milk powder.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • Easy to make – This recipe starts with a cake mix for ease and convenience but tastes homemade with the addition of the chocolate malted milk powder. And the frosting is just two ingredients! There is no other chocolate cake that tastes this good and is this easy to make.
  • Perfect texture and flavor – The cake is soft and fluffy with moist, tender crumbs. The taste is rich and chocolaty with notes of caramel and toasted malt. The whipped cream frosting is creamy and refreshing and tastes like a malted milk shake, making this cake both delicious and nostalgic.
  • Can be made in advance – The cake can be made up to 3 days in advance and the frosting can be made the day before. So this cake is great for entertaining when you just want to enjoy the party and have one less thing to do.

A whole chocolate malt cake with whipped cream frosting in a cake pan on a light grey background.

Ingredients you’ll need:

  • chocolate cake mix – milk chocolate is best, but any kind of chocolate cake mix works
  • chocolate malted milk powder (like Ovaltine or Nestle Milo brand)
  • vegetable oil
  • eggs
  • whipping cream
  • optional: chocolate malted milk candy (like Whoppers or Maltesers) for topping

How to make chocolate malt cake:

(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below)

  1. In a large bowl, toss together the malted milk powder and cake mix. Make a well in the center. Add the water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix using an electric mixer until well combined.
  2. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13″ pan. Bake at 350F for 40 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.
  3. Beat the whipping cream and malted milk powder until stiff peaks form. Spread on top of the cake.
  4. Top with crushed malted milk balls if desired. This is optional but highly recommended.

FAQ:

What is chocolate malted milk powder and where can I find it?

Chocolate malted milk powder is a dry, powdered mixture made from malted barley, milk powder, cocoa and sugar. It can be found at your local grocery stores in the drink mix section, usually next to the hot chocolate.

What does chocolate malted milk taste like?

Chocolate malted milk tastes like a combination of toasted malted barley, chocolate milk, and caramel. It has a sweet and slightly nutty flavor, with a subtle richness and depth that comes from the toasted malted barley. The milk powder adds a creamy and smooth texture.

Can I substitute the malted milk powder with something else?

If you don’t have malted milk powder, you can substitute it with powdered milk and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for the cake. Same with the frosting plus one tablespoon of cocoa powder and two tablespoons of powdered sugar. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the cake will be different with these changes.

A slice of chocolate malt cake on a white plate with a piece on a fork.

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Chocolate Malt Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Lily Ernst
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 15
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: bake
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This chocolate malt cake is extremely moist, bursting with chocolate malt flavor, and topped with a luscious chocolate malt whipped cream. 

Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 3/4 cup chocolate malted milk powder
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs

Frosting

  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup chocolate malted milk powder
  • 1 cup crushed-up chocolate malted milk balls (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, toss together the malted milk powder and cake mix. Make a well in the center.
  3. Add the water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix using an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  4. Bake for 38-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
  5. Beat the whipping cream and malted milk powder until stiff peaks form. Spread on top of the cake.
  6. Top with crushed malted milk balls before serving if desired. This is optional but highly recommended.

Notes

Leftovers can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe slightly adapted from Betty Crocker