When malted milk cake comes to indulgent desserts, the best chocolate malt cake stands out as a true masterpiece. This rich and flavorful cake malt combines the deep, comforting taste of chocolate with the unique, nostalgic flavor of malt. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Ovaltine cake is sure to impress with its moist texture and decadent layers.
The Best Chocolate Malt Cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert. Imagine slicing into the best chocolate malt cake, revealing layers of moist chocolate sponge and creamy malt frosting. The aroma of rich cocoa and sweet malt fills the air, enticing everyone around.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of deep chocolate and subtle malt, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Easy to make yet incredibly impressive, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of pure chocolate bliss with this irresistible malts dessert.
Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Cakes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and stability to the cake.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to retain moisture.
Cocoa Powder: Imparts a rich chocolate flavor and color.
Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
Baking Soda: Also aids in leavening, especially when combined with acidic ingredients.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Milk: Adds moisture and contributes to the cake’s softness.
Malted Chocolate Powder: Adds a unique malted flavor and additional chocolate richness.
Instant Coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Boiling Water: Helps to dissolve the cocoa powder and coffee, enhancing their flavors.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess, making the cake tender and rich.
Unsalted Butter: Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor for the frosting.
Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor of the frosting.
Ovaltine Chocolate Powder: Adds a malted chocolate flavor to the frosting, complementing the cake.
Directions to Make Chocolate Malt Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350F (conventional) and prepare 2 9″ cake pans with parchment paper and butter.
- In a large bowl, use a hand whisk to combine all the dry ingredients except the malted chocolate powder.
- In a separate cup, mix the milk with the malted chocolate powder.
- Add the egg, oil, and Ovaltine milk to the dry ingredients and whisk until well combined.
- In another cup, mix the boiling water with instant coffee and whisk malted chocolate cake into the cake mixture.
- Gently fold in the sour cream to bring everything together, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter equally between the 2 pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick after 25 minutes for moist crumbs.
- Allow the cakes to cool on a wire rack.
- To make the frosting, whisk together the butter and cream cheese until creamy, then add cocoa powder and malted chocolate powder and whisk again. Gradually add the sugar, whisking at high speed until the frosting is light and silky.
- Once the cakes are cooled, use a sharp serrated knife to trim off the tops and divide each cake into 2 layers.
- Assemble the cake by placing a layer of chocolate cake, covering it with frosting, and repeating the process. Use the remaining frosting to fully cover the edges and top of the cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours before serving.
Why is this the Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe?
This cake is exactly what a chocolate cake should be perfect in every way!
- The indulgent and rich chocolate flavor truly satisfies the chocolate lover in you.
- The moist and dense texture that ensures every bite is a delight.
- Topped with a decadent chocolate cream cheese frosting that strikes the perfect balance.
- Simple and quick to make with minimal ingredients and steps.
- Enjoy it cold for a classic experience or warm malt chocolate cake up for a delightful twist.
- This malt chocolate cake recipe is hassle-free, doesn’t necessitate a mixer, and effortlessly combines all the ingredients in a single bowl!
Secret to this Chocolate Malt Cake
Let me now share with you the trio of ingredients that make this malt chocolate cake truly exceptional:
Malted Chocolate Powder
The key element that adds a special touch to this cake is malted chocolate powder. I personally prefer Ovaltine but feel free to use any malted chocolate powder that is easily accessible in your area. Some popular brands you can try include Milo, Horlicks, Carnation, and Nesquik.
It’s quite amusing, but malted chocolate powder doesn’t contain any chocolate or cocoa! Instead, it’s made from malt (cereal grain) and has a unique nutty, sweet taste that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Just mix it with milk and add it to the cake batter.
Hot Coffee
You have two options to choose from when preparing your drink. You can either mix instant coffee or espresso powder with boiling milk, just like I do. Alternatively, you can brew a hot cup of black coffee. Whichever method you choose, make sure not to skip this step.
The hot water will help enhance the flavor of the cocoa powder, making it richer and more delicious. Additionally, it will add extra moisture to the cake. The coffee will also enhance the chocolate flavor, although you won’t be able to taste it separately.
Sour Cream
Adding sour cream to the cake batter serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it enhances the moisture without altering the consistency since sour cream has a similar texture to cake batter. Secondly, it contributes to a creamy and tender texture due to its fat content. Lastly, the acidity in sour cream aids in activating the baking soda, resulting in a better rise for the cake.
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can create your own by combining heavy cream and lemon juice.
Looking for an Alternative to Ovaltine
I highly suggest not omitting the malted chocolate powder because it contributes significantly to both the taste and consistency of the cake. You have the option to choose from various brands of malted chocolate powder like Nesquik, Horlicks, Milo, and Carnation.
In case you are unable to locate the powder, you can substitute it with 1 cup of malted chocolate milk instead of 1 cup of milk and ½ cup of Ovaltine in this recipe.
Looking for an Alternative to Sour Cream
Don’t forget to include the sour cream! If you can’t find it at the store, you can easily make your own. Combine 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, and ¼ cup milk. Leave it at room temperature for 1 day in a sealed container, then transfer to the fridge. This will yield 1 ¼ cups of sour cream, and you’ll need ½ cup for this dish.
If you’re short on time and didn’t prepare the sour cream in advance, mix ½ cup heavy cream with ½ tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Whisk for a minute or two until the cream thickens (avoid whipping to stiff peaks).
Why isn’t the middle of my cake cooked properly?
It seems like you’re attempting to bake a large amount of batter in a single pan. My suggestion is to divide the batter evenly between two pans that are 8″ to 9″ in size.
Bake them for approximately 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. By baking in smaller portions, you can ensure that the middle of the cake cooks thoroughly without the risk of overbaking the edges.
How come my chocolate cake turns out dry?
There are two common reasons why your chocolate cake can turn out dry:
- You put in an excessive amount of flour. Remember to fluff up the flour and transfer it to the measuring cup using a spoon (or use a scale for optimal results).
- The cake was baked for too long. To avoid this, bake the cake in 2 pans and ensure it doesn’t get overbaked. Remove it from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out with small moist crumbs attached to it.
Try Out My Other Recipes!
Molten Lava Chocolate Mug Cake
The Best Chocolate Malt Cake Recipe With A Twist
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 260g
- 1 ½ cups sugar 330g
- ⅔ cup cocoa powder 65g
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil 135g
- 1 cup milk 240g
- ½ cup malted chocolate powder 50g – I use Ovaltine
- 2 tsp instant coffee
- ½ cup boiling water 120g
- ½ cup sour cream 120g
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter 113g
- 8 oz cream cheese 226g
- 3 cups powdered sugar 360g
- ½ cup cocoa powder 50g
- 2 tbsp Ovaltine chocolate powder optional
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper and butter them.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk all dry ingredients (except the malted chocolate powder).
Prepare Milk Mixture:
- In a cup, mix milk with malted chocolate powder.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add egg, oil, and the milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Whisk until combined.
Add Coffee:
- In another cup, mix boiling water with instant coffee. Whisk this into the cake mixture.
Fold in Sour Cream:
- Gently fold in sour cream. Do not overmix.
Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter equally between the two pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes (check after 25 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs).
Cool Cakes:
- Let the cakes cool on a wire rack.
Make Frosting:
- Whisk butter and cream cheese until creamy.
- Add cocoa powder and malted chocolate powder, then whisk in.
- Add sugar one cup at a time, whisking at high speed until the frosting is light and silky.
Prepare Layers:
- Once cooled, trim the tops of the cakes and cut each cake in half to make 4 layers.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one layer of cake on a plate, cover with frosting, and repeat for all layers.
- Use the remaining frosting to cover the sides and top of the cake.
Refrigerate:
- Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to include the malted chocolate powder in the cake recipe, as it adds a unique flavor that cannot be replaced with chocolate or cocoa powder.
- If you don’t have sour cream, you can make your own by combining heavy cream and lemon juice. Don’t skip this step as it adds moisture and tanginess to the cake.
- Be cautious when measuring your flour, as adding too much can affect the texture of the cake. It’s recommended to use a scale and weigh the flour in grams for accurate measurements.
- Remember that the cake will not have a coffee taste, so don’t worry if you’re not a fan of coffee-flavored desserts.
- Enjoy the cake and savor its delicious flavors without skipping any of the specified ingredients.
