3-Step Double Chocolate Malt Milkshake
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In the market for a dessert that’s basically a time machine? Look no further than this retro, three-step double chocolate malt milkshake. My ultra-creamy version is made with chocolate ice cream, malted milk powder, and chocolate syrup for an extra-rich chocolate flavor. The malt adds a nostalgic diner-style flavor that makes this milkshake stand out from a classic chocolate shake while creating a smooth, velvety texture. Perfect as a warm-weather treat, movie nights, or an easy dessert, it comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. If you loved this milkshake, try making my orange olive oil cake with mascarpone cream or this alcoholic root beer float for the adults next.
My Favorite Malt Milkshakes
Near my hometown in New Jersey there’s an old-school ice cream spot, Taylor’s Ice Cream Shop, and it has the best chocolate malt milkshakes. Shakes that have the perfect balance of chocolate ice cream and malt powder, making them taste just like a chocolate whopper. Taylor’s does it just right because if the balance is off then you can’t taste the malt powder (my favorite part).
My friend and I used to stop all the time on hot summer days and we would always get the same thing – every time. Those chocolate shakes were just too good to pass up. Plus, we had no need to branch out into other flavors! A few years ago a fire almost burned the place down, but luckily they were able to rebuild and reopen before the following summer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor – Chocolate ice cream, chocolate syrup, and malted milk powder create layers of deep chocolate flavor.
- Easy dessert recipe – This milkshake comes together in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Classic diner vibes – Malted milk powder gives the shake that nostalgic old-fashioned malt shop flavor.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Cocoa powder – Look for high quality cocoa powder. It’s made from the dried and ground cocoa solids. A little goes a long way when using this concentrated powder!
- Malted milk powder – Malted milk powder (commonly found as Ovaltine) is made from a combination of wheat flour with malted barley extract, milk, salt and sodium bicarbonate. It’s basically the powdered version of what you find inside malted milk balls. It adds a tangy, toasty richness to drinks and desserts. Find it in the baking aisle.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pro Tip
Chill your serving glasses in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before blending the milkshake. The cold glasses help keep the shake thick and frosty longer once served.
Swaps and Substitutions
- Chocolate ice cream: Use vanilla ice cream, coffee ice cream, or cookies and cream ice cream.
- Malted milk powder: Omit for a classic chocolate milkshake or use chocolate malt powder for an even richer flavor.
- Chocolate syrup: Substitute with hot fudge sauce or melted chocolate.
- Milk: Use whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, or your preferred dairy-free milk.
- Whipped cream topping: Garnish with chocolate shavings, crushed cookies, sprinkles, or a cherry.
How to Make a Chocolate Malt Milkshake (Step-by-Step)
- Blend ingredients. Add the milk, malted milk powder, chocolate ice cream and cocoa powder to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Drizzle glasses with chocolate. Drizzle the chocolate syrup on the sides of 2 (12-ounce) glasses.
- Garnish and serve. Divide the milkshakes among the glasses then top with whipped cream, mint leaves and maraschino cherries.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Malt Milkshakes
- Classic dessert: Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and a maraschino cherry.
- Movie night treat: Serve with popcorn, cookies, or brownies.
- Ice cream shop style: Garnish with chocolate curls, crushed malt balls, or mini chocolate chips.
- Party dessert: Serve in smaller glasses as part of a dessert bar.
How to Store Double Chocolate Malt Milkshakes
- Serve immediately: Milkshakes are best enjoyed right after blending.
- Freeze leftovers: Store leftover milkshake in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 week.
- Re-blend before serving: Let the mixture soften slightly and blend again if needed.
- Avoid refrigeration: Refrigeration will cause the milkshake to melt and lose its thick texture.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Malted milk powder adds a slightly toasted, caramelized flavor and creates the signature taste found in classic diner-style malted milkshakes.
A chocolate malt contains malted milk powder, which adds a richer, slightly nutty flavor that distinguishes it from a traditional chocolate milkshake.
Yes. The recipe will still be delicious as a chocolate milkshake, though it will not have the distinctive malt flavor.
Yes. Let the ice cream soften slightly, then whisk or stir the ingredients together by hand. The texture won’t be quite as smooth, but the flavor will still be delicious.
A milkshake can become thin if the ice cream is too melted or too much milk is added. For a thicker shake, use less milk and very cold ice cream.
Other Recipes to Try
If you enjoy this chocolate malt milkshake recipe, I recommend checking out some of these:
Thanks for cooking with me! If you made this recipe, leave a 🌟 rating and share your thoughts or tips below. I’d love to hear from you!
Double Chocolate Malt Milkshake
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup malted milk powder
- 3 cups chocolate ice cream
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ cup chocolate syrup
- Whipped cream, for serving
- 6 mint leaves
- 6 maraschino cherries
Instructions:
- Add the milk, malted milk powder, chocolate ice cream and cocoa powder to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Drizzle the chocolate syrup on the sides of 2 (12-ounce) glasses.
- Divide the milkshakes among the glasses then top with whipped cream, mint leaves and maraschino cherries.
Notes:
Nutrition:
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