Craving the rich, indulgent taste of an old-fashioned malted milkshake? With just a blender and a few simple ingredients, you can easily recreate this retro diner classic right at home.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to make the perfect frosty, creamy malted milkshake from start to finish. This easy recipe will have you reminiscing about the good old days spent sipping malts at the soda fountain counter.
What is a Malted Milkshake?
A malted milkshake is a thicker, creamier version of a regular milkshake that gets its distinctive flavor from malted milk powder. This powder is made from malted barley, wheat flour, and evaporated milk. It has a sweet, nutty, toasted taste that gives malted milkshakes their signature flavor.
Unlike regular milkshakes that contain just ice cream and milk, malted milkshakes also contain malted milk powder which provides a richer, more complex flavor. The powder helps to thicken the milkshake as well. Most people describe malted milkshakes as having a sweet vanilla flavor paired with notes of butterscotch, toasted nuts, and malt.
Malted Milkshake Ingredients
Making a malted milkshake at home is easy with just a few simple ingredients:
- Ice cream - Vanilla ice cream is the most popular, but you can use any flavor you like. High-quality ice cream with real ingredients works best.
- Milk - Whole milk or half-and-half give the creamiest, richest shakes. For a lighter version, you can use 2% or skim milk.
- Malted milk powder - This special powder can be found in the baking aisle or hot cocoa section of most grocery stores. Popular brands include Carnation and Ovaltine.
- Flavorings (optional) - Chocolate sauce, chocolate-malt powder, vanilla, or caramel sauce can add extra flavor.
- Whipped cream - For topping or garnish along with chocolate sauce, sprinkles, cherries, etc.
How to Make a Malted Milkshake
Making malted milkshakes only requires a few simple steps:
- Assemble the ingredients - Ice cream, milk, malted milk powder, and any additional flavorings.
- Chill glasses - For frosty shakes that stay cold longer.
- Blend the ingredients - Add the milk, malted milk powder, ice cream, and any extras to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to over-blend which can thin out the shake.
- Pour into glasses - For a retro look, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce in the glass before adding the shake.
- Garnish (optional) - Top with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, or cherries.
- Enjoy immediately - Malted milkshakes taste best when icy cold.
Tips for Making Malted Milkshakes
- Use high-quality ice cream with real dairies like Tillamook or Haagen Dazs. Avoid icy, fake-tasting ice creams.
- Do not over-blend to avoid thinning out the shake. Blend just until smooth and creamy.
- Chill the glasses before pouring in the shake to keep it extra cold.
- For more malt flavor, add an extra tablespoon of malted milk powder.
- Split into two glasses to share with someone.
- Use a high-powered blender like a Vitamix to get silky smooth shakes. A regular blender still works but may not be as smooth.
- Make ahead and freeze in popsicle molds for malted milkshake popsicles.
Malted Milkshake Variations
The classic malted milkshake calls for vanilla ice cream, but you can switch it up with other fun flavors:
- Chocolate - Use chocolate ice cream and chocolate malt powder.
- Strawberry - Blend in fresh strawberries.
- Cookies and Cream - Swirl in crumbled Oreos or chocolate cookies.
- Mint Chocolate Chip - Use mint chocolate chip ice cream.
- Salted Caramel - Add caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt.
- Mocha - Add chocolate sauce and a shot of espresso.
- Banana - Blend in ripe bananas.
- Peanut Butter - Swirl in peanut butter before blending.
The options are endless when it comes to malted milkshake flavors! Use your favorite ice cream flavor as a base and add mix-ins to customize your shake.
Malted Milkshake History
Malted milkshakes date back to the early 1900s when malted milk powder first became popular. Milkshakes were originally just ice cream blended with milk or cream.
Walgreens pharmacies are credited for first adding malted milk powder to milkshakes back in the 1920s. This helped create the signature malted milkshake flavor.
Soon after, malt shops known for their fountain drinks and ice cream treats popped up across America. Going to the malt shop became a popular teenage pastime.
While malt shops are mostly a thing of the past, malted milkshakes remain an iconic retro treat. By making them at home, you can enjoy the classic malt shop flavor anytime.
FAQ
What is the difference between a milkshake and a malted milkshake?
A regular milkshake contains ice cream and milk, while a malted milkshake also includes malted milk powder. This adds a thicker, creamier texture and that signature malty, nutty flavor.
What can I use instead of malted milk powder?
Ovaltine or chocolate syrup can be substituted in place of malted milk powder, though the flavor won't be quite as authentic. For best results, try to find real malted milk powder.
Is there a shortcut version I can make without a blender?
Yes, you can make a malted milkshake without a blender! Simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and stir vigorously until smooth and well-blended. It won't be quite as thick, but still tasty!
What ice cream works best in malted milkshakes?
Look for a high-quality ice cream made with real dairy ingredients. Ice creams that contain a lot of air or emulsifiers don't blend up as thick and creamy.
Conclusion
With its signature sweet yet malty flavor, the malted milkshake stands out from an ordinary milkshake. By using real malted milk powder and high-quality ice cream, you can easily recreate a classic malted milkshake at home.
Customize your shake with different ice cream flavors or fun mix-ins to satisfy any craving. Enjoy this nostalgic treat as a perfect dessert or afternoon snack.
The next time you want something cold and creamy, whip up one of these old-fashioned shakes and feel like a kid again!