There’s something undeniably comforting about the rich scent of dark chocolate wafting through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a world where indulgence reigns supreme. As I sipped on a bold cup of freshly brewed coffee, inspiration struck—a delightful idea for a cake that not only satisfies the chocolate cravings but brings a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Enter the Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake, a perfect blend of deep cocoa flavors and that toasted malt sweetness that evokes memories of childhood treats.
This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a versatile companion for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy afternoon with friends or an elegant after-dinner indulgence. Best of all, it’s simple enough for any home chef to whip up, making it a perfect escape from the monotony of fast-food meals. So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this chocolate-laden adventure that promises to become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Why is Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake irresistible?
Decadent Flavor: This cake offers a luscious combination of dark chocolate and malt, creating a rich profile that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.
Effortless Baking: With clear steps that anyone can follow, you’ll be creating this masterpiece with ease.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for every occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations—everyone loves chocolate!
Nostalgic Touch: The toasted malt brings back memories of childhood treats, making each bite a delightful trip down memory lane.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, topped with whipped cream, or paired with your favorite ice cream for an elevated dessert experience.
Give it a try and savor the joy of home-baked goodness!
Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• Malted milk powder – toasting enhances the nutty flavors, making your cake even richer.
• All-purpose flour – provides the structure your cake needs to rise beautifully.
• Granulated sugar – sweetness balances the rich cocoa notes and keeps the cake moist.
• Dutch process cocoa powder – adds a deep chocolate flavor with a smooth finish.
• Black cocoa powder – contributes to a darker color and a more intense chocolate taste.
• Baking powder – helps the cake rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Kosher salt – enhances the flavor of the chocolate, making it even more delightful.
• Whole milk – at room temperature for a creamy texture that blends easily.
• Light tasting olive oil – adds moisture without overpowering the cake’s flavors.
• Large eggs – room temperature eggs help the batter emulsify smoothly.
• Vanilla extract – a touch of warmth to enhance all the flavors in the cake.
• Freshly brewed hot coffee – intensifies the chocolate flavor, making it more bold.
For the Frosting
• Unsalted butter – at room temperature, it helps create a smooth, creamy frosting.
• Dutch process cocoa powder – gives the frosting its rich chocolate profile.
• Black cocoa powder – enhances the dark color and flavor of the frosting.
• Toasted malted milk powder – this keeps the malt flavor consistent throughout.
• Powdered sugar – yields a sweet, fluffy texture in your frosting.
• Vanilla extract – adds an aromatic quality that elevates the frosting.
• Bittersweet chocolate – melted and cooled, it adds depth to the frosting’s flavor.
• Heavy cream – cold cream gives a lightness to the frosting, making it airy and delicious.
This Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake is sure to become a favorite! Enjoy the process of creating a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also offers the comfort and joy of baking at home.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake
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Preheat the oven to 200°F (90°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper, then spread the malted milk powder in an even layer. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until it’s golden brown.
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Turn up the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9″ square pan with parchment paper. You’re one step closer to baking satisfaction!
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Soak cake strips in ice-cold water. This will help keep your cake moist and prevent it from doming.
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Sift the toasted malted milk powder in a medium bowl. Combine with flour, sugar, cocoa powders, baking powder, and salt, then mix well and set aside. This will be the dry mixture that brings our cake together.
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Whisk together the milk, olive oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. The warmth of the colors and aromas will be heavenly!
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Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, whisking until just incorporated. Slowly stir in the hot coffee until fully blended. Don’t be alarmed if the batter seems a little runny; that’s how it should be!
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Pour the batter into your prepared square pan. Wrap the soaked cake strips around the pan, then bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The kitchen should smell amazing!
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Cool the cake completely in the pan. Patience is key here as the flavors deepen as it cools.
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Cream together the butter, cocoa powders, toasted malted milk powder, and salt with an electric mixer until smooth. The texture should be creamy and decadent.
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Add in half of the sifted powdered sugar and mix until mostly combined. Then incorporate the rest, plus the vanilla, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
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Mix in the cooled melted chocolate until fully combined. This ensures a rich frosting that complements the cake perfectly.
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Beat the cold heavy cream in a glass measuring cup until soft peaks form. This will add a delightful lightness to our frosting.
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Fold the whipped cream gently into the frosting using a rubber spatula until fully incorporated. You want a light and airy mixture that feels just right.
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Decorate your cooled cake as desired. Whether you go simple or extravagant, enjoy every bite of this richly indulgent treat!
Optional: Top with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your own creativity into this beloved recipe, making it your own masterpiece.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a delicious alternative.
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Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk for a plant-based treat. A little adjustment in the cooking time might be necessary to ensure the cake sets properly.
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Nutty Twist: Add in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch and rich texture that complements the chocolate beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a teaspoon of cayenne or espresso powder into the dry ingredients for a surprising, warm kick that enhances the chocolate flavor.
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Boozy Version: For an adult-only twist, add a splash of coffee liqueur or bourbon into the batter to deepen the flavor profile and create a more sophisticated cake.
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Fruity Surprise: Fold in 1 cup of chopped cherries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity burst that contrasts beautifully with the dark chocolate.
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Layered Delight: Bake two cake layers and create a luscious layer cake by adding frosting between the layers, setting the stage for decadent slices.
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Marshmallow Frosting: Swap the whipped cream with a fluffy marshmallow frosting for a sweet, nostalgic topping that’s reminiscent of classic mallows and chocolate pairs perfectly.
Explore these variations and let the magic of baking set you on a journey of flavors!
How to Store and Freeze Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake
- Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Fridge: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake wrapped in plastic for up to a week; make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent drying.
- Freezer: Slice the cake and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
- Reheating: If you prefer warm fudge-like bites, microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold, as it’s delicious either way!
Expert Tips for Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake
Toasting Malted Milk: Ensure you toast your malted milk powder until golden; this enhances its flavor significantly.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and milk to create a smoother batter for your Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake.
Avoid Overmixing: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool entirely in the pan before frosting; this prevents melting and pooling of your delicious frosting.
What to Serve with Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake?
Indulging in a slice of rich cake calls for thoughtful accompaniments that enhance your dessert experience.
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Fresh Berries: Their tartness cuts through the cake’s richness, providing a refreshing contrast. Strawberries and raspberries are especially delightful alongside chocolate.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy ice cream melts beautifully against the warm chocolate cake, creating a luscious bite that is nothing short of heavenly.
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Espresso: This bold coffee drink elevates the chocolate notes, making each sip a perfect match for your cake. A little warmth enhances the overall experience.
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Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling extra ganache over your slice intensifies the chocolate indulgence. It adds a silky texture that’s irresistible.
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Caramel Sauce: Sweet, buttery caramel offers a delightful juxtaposition to the cake’s deep cocoa flavor. The drizzle transforms each bite into an entirely new experience.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of fresh whipped cream lightens the richness of the cake. It’s a classic pairing that feels indulgent yet simple.
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Nutty Candies: Adding crushed toffee or nutty chocolate bars offers a delightful crunch. The textural contrast makes each bite an adventure.
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Chai Tea: The warm spiciness of chai tea pairs wonderfully with chocolate and malt. It rounds out the dessert beautifully, making for a cozy treat.
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Peanut Butter Mousse: If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of smooth peanut butter mousse creates a deliciously nutty pairing that chocolate lovers will adore.
Make Ahead Options
These Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks! You can toast the malted milk powder and prepare the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powders, and baking powder) up to 3 days in advance. Store the mixture in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can bake the cake and let it cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will last up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply whip up the frosting and decorate the chilled cake before serving. This way, you’ll save valuable time while still delivering a delicious, homemade dessert that’s just as delightful!
Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right malted milk powder?
Absolutely! When choosing malted milk powder, look for brands that use high-quality ingredients. Check the label for “malted barley” and “whole milk” as primary components, as these will provide a rich and nutty flavor. You can also consider toasting the malted milk powder yourself if you want to intensify its flavor, just as we do in this recipe!
How should I store leftover Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake?
For optimal freshness, store your cake covered with a cake dome or loosely wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container, where it’ll stay fresh for up to a week without drying out. Remember to keep it away from strong-smelling foods!
Can I freeze Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your cake, slice it into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and savor each bite!
Why did my cake come out dense?
Very! If your cake turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Always mix until just combined to keep the crumb light and airy. Additionally, ensure you’re using room temperature ingredients—this helps create a smoother batter that can rise better!
Is this cake suitable for those with allergies?
The Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake contains gluten and dairy, so it might not be suitable for those with specific allergies. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour and dairy-free substitutes like almond milk and vegan butter if you want to make it allergy-friendly. Just remember that this may alter the texture and flavor slightly!
Indulge in Decadence: Dark Chocolate Malt Snack Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (90°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper, then spread the malted milk powder in an even layer. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until it's golden brown.
- Turn up the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9" square pan with parchment paper.
- Soak cake strips in ice-cold water to help keep the cake moist.
- Sift the toasted malted milk powder in a medium bowl. Combine with flour, sugar, cocoa powders, baking powder, and salt, then mix well.
- Whisk together the milk, olive oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, whisking until just incorporated. Slowly stir in the hot coffee.
- Pour the batter into your prepared square pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the cake completely in the pan.
- Cream together the butter, cocoa powders, toasted malted milk powder, and salt with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add half of the sifted powdered sugar and mix until mostly combined. Then incorporate the rest, plus the vanilla, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in the cooled melted chocolate until fully combined.
- Beat the cold heavy cream in a glass measuring cup until soft peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream gently into the frosting until fully incorporated.
- Decorate your cooled cake as desired.