If you’re on the hunt for a cupcake that perfectly balances rich chocolate with a nostalgic malted twist, this Chocolate Malted Cupcakes Recipe is absolutely the answer. These cupcakes boast a tender crumb from a classic chocolate pound cake base, enhanced with the subtle, creamy goodness of malted milk. Topped with a luxuriously fluffy malted cocoa cream cheese frosting and optional crunchy malted milk ball sprinkles, each bite feels like a celebration that’s both indulgent and comfortingly familiar. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a delightful treat, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is key to nailing these cupcakes, and each adds its own special touch from texture to flavor. From the rich, buttery base to the whimsical malt notes, every element plays a star role.
- 12 paper cupcake liners: Perfect for easy baking and serving, these keep your cupcakes intact and looking neat.
- 1 package Classy Chocolate Pound Cake Mix: Provides a rich, dense chocolate flavor as a reliable base for your cupcakes.
- 1 cup butter, divided (¾ cup melted, ¼ cup softened): Butter adds moisture and richness; melting part helps with mixing the batter smoothly.
- ¾ cup water: Balances out the dry ingredients and keeps the texture tender.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to a light crumb.
- 8⅓ tablespoons Malt Mixer, divided (⅓ cup + 3 tablespoons): Malt brings a nostalgic, creamy sweetness that elevates both cake and frosting.
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened: Adds tang and luscious creaminess to the frosting.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor in the frosting with a slightly bittersweet edge.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect pipeable consistency.
- Crushed malted milk balls (optional): Adds a fun, crunchy topping that doubles down on malt flavor and texture contrast.
How to Make Chocolate Malted Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 325°F and lining a 12-count muffin pan with paper cupcake liners. This step ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and come out cleanly when removed, setting a great foundation for baking success.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Using the Classy Chocolate Pound Cake Mix, combine it with ¾ cup melted butter, water, and the egg according to the package directions. Stir in ⅓ cup of Malt Mixer to infuse that delicious malted flavor right into the batter. This simple addition is what transforms an ordinary chocolate cupcake into something truly memorable.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups to ensure uniform cupcakes. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely to room temperature before moving on — this prevents your frosting from melting and keeps every cupcake looking picture perfect.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together the remaining ¼ cup softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of Malt Mixer, followed by the unsweetened cocoa powder and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well, then slowly incorporate the powdered sugar until the frosting feels light and pipeable. If your frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up — this makes for easier and prettier piping.
Step 5: Frost and Finish
Fit your frosting into a pastry bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe generous swirls of that luscious malted cocoa frosting onto each cooled cupcake. For a fun crunch and extra malt flavor, sprinkle with crushed malted milk balls if you like. These finishing touches bring texture and visual appeal that will wow anyone lucky enough to dig in.
How to Serve Chocolate Malted Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
To amplify the malt theme, a sprinkle of crushed malted milk balls on top of each cupcake not only adds a satisfying crunch but also makes each bite more dynamic. Alternatively, a light dusting of cocoa powder or even a few chocolate shavings can enhance the chocolate malt vibe beautifully and create a café-quality presentation right at home.
Side Dishes
Serve your cupcakes with a simple, creamy glass of cold milk or a rich hot chocolate for a classic pairing. For brunch or party settings, fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can provide a refreshing contrast to the malted cocoa richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these cupcakes on a tiered stand dressed with vintage-inspired cupcake wrappers or small paper flags for a festive feel. You can also create a “cupcake bar” where guests add their own garnishes like caramel drizzle, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips — making dessert interactive and even more fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After decorating, store any leftover Chocolate Malted Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting benefits from the cool environment to maintain its texture and freshness. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of chances to enjoy.
Freezing
These cupcakes freeze wonderfully if you want to prepare ahead. Freeze the baked but unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap, then freezing in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge, then frost as directed for best results.
Reheating
Because of the cream cheese frosting, reheating Chocolate Malted Cupcakes Recipe isn’t recommended. Instead, enjoy them chilled or at room temperature to appreciate the full range of flavors and textures malt and chocolate provide.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Classy Chocolate Pound Cake Mix with another mix?
Absolutely! While the Classy mix gives a lovely dense texture perfect for this recipe, any chocolate cake or pound cake mix should work fine. Just adjust baking times slightly and keep an eye on doneness.
Is there a way to make these cupcakes dairy-free?
You could try using dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, but be mindful it may change the texture and flavor slightly. The malt flavor is key, so keep the Malt Mixer as is if possible for the authentic taste.
Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?
Yes, you can swap cream cheese for additional butter to create a malted buttercream, though the frosting won’t have the same tangy creaminess. It will still be delicious but richer and sweeter.
What is Malt Mixer exactly?
Malt Mixer is a sweet malted milk powder that adds that classic malt flavor you find in shakes and candies. It’s the star ingredient making these cupcakes taste uniquely nostalgic and special.
How long does it take to make this recipe from start to finish?
From prepping to frosting, expect about 50 to 60 minutes including baking and cooling time. It’s a manageable process that yields impressive results perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to dive into something delightfully chocolatey with a malted twist, this Chocolate Malted Cupcakes Recipe promises to deliver all the warmth and wow you want from your baked treats. It’s a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that’s easy to make and irresistibly good. Go ahead, bake a batch and share the love with friends or treat yourself—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate Malted Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Malted Cupcakes combine a rich chocolate pound cake base with a creamy malt-infused frosting, topped optionally with crushed malted milk balls for an extra crunch and malt flavor. Perfectly moist and fluffy, they make a delightful treat for chocolate and malt lovers alike.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 12 paper cupcake liners
- 1 package Classy Chocolate Pound Cake Mix
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- ¾ cup water
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup Malt Mixer
Frosting
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons Malt Mixer
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Crushed malted milk balls (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 12-count muffin pan with paper cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, prepare the Classy Chocolate Pound Cake Mix according to package instructions by combining ¾ cup melted butter, ¾ cup water, and 1 large egg. Stir in ⅓ cup of Malt Mixer until well incorporated to add a distinct malt flavor to the batter.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Evenly divide the batter among the 12 cupcake liners. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine the softened ¼ cup butter and cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the remaining 3 tablespoons of Malt Mixer, the cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt, mixing well after each addition. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes if the frosting needs to firm up for easier piping.
- Frost and Garnish: Transfer the frosting into a pastry bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes in decorative swirls. Optionally, sprinkle crushed malted milk balls on top for added texture and malt flavor. Store the finished cupcakes in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- If you don’t have Malt Mixer, malted milk powder can be substituted but may alter the exact flavor slightly.
- The frosting can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator; bring it to room temperature before mixing again for best piping results.
- Crushed malted milk balls add crunch and enhance malt flavor but can be omitted for a smoother topping.
