How to Make the Perfect Malted Milkshake
American · Easy · 5 min · 2 servings
This classic malted milkshake uses malted milk powder to create that distinctive old-fashioned diner flavor with a slightly nutty sweet depth that regular milkshakes simply cannot replicate. A nostalgic homemade malt shake recipe that brings the authentic soda fountain experience straight to your kitchen.
Why this recipe works
This Malted Milkshake recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 5 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 465 calories with 10g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 3 tbsp malted milk powder
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1 cup whipped cream
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Measure Your Malt Powder
Measure out the malted milk powder and set aside. This is the key ingredient that gives the shake its signature old-fashioned malt shop flavor so do not skip or reduce it.
Step 2: Blend All Ingredients
Add the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, malted milk powder, and chocolate syrup to the blender. Blend on high for 40 to 50 seconds until completely smooth. The malt powder needs adequate blending time to fully dissolve.
Step 3: Serve Retro Style
Pour into tall frosted glasses leaving a small amount in the blender to top up after the first pour. Add whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, and serve with a paper straw for a true diner aesthetic.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chocolate syrup → omit for a pure classic vanilla malt without the chocolate element
- malted milk powder → Ovaltine as an accessible substitute though the flavor profile will differ slightly
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not blending long enough to fully dissolve the malt powder which leaves a grainy texture in the finished shake
- Using too little malt powder which produces a shake that tastes like a regular vanilla shake without the distinctive malt flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 465 calories, 10g protein, 65g carbs, 18g fat, 0g fiber.
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