Chocolate Malted Bars Recipe
These Chocolate Malted Bars are a delightful combination of rich chocolate flavor and the nostalgic taste of malted milk, making them an irresistible treat. The malt flavor brings a twist to classic chocolate bars, making them the perfect indulgence for anyone who loves the creamy, slightly malty sweetness of malted milkshakes or malt ice cream cups. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a cozy dessert after dinner, these bars are sure to please. They’re simple to make and incredibly satisfying to eat – you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shortening | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 3/4 cup (about 3 large eggs) |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup (softened) |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Confectioners’ Sugar | 2 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1/4 cup |
| Chocolate Malt Powder | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 197.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 30.9 mg |
| Sodium | 135.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 19.4 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan to ensure that the bars don’t stick once baked. -
-
Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double-boiler, melt the unsweetened chocolate. Stir occasionally until fully melted and smooth. -
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. -
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the melted chocolate. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated. -
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup of chocolate malt powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and well combined. -
Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should have a slightly firm, springy texture when touched. -
Cool the Bars
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting. This helps ensure that the frosting doesn’t melt into the bars. -
Prepare the Frosting
While the bars are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the butter, 1/4 cup of chocolate malt powder, and salt. Once combined, gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable. You can adjust the amount of cream if the frosting is too thick or add more powdered sugar if it’s too thin. -
Frost the Bars
Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife. Be generous with the frosting—it’s the finishing touch that makes these bars extra delicious. -
Serve and Enjoy
Cut the bars into 16 squares or rectangles, and they’re ready to serve! These bars are perfect for family gatherings, dessert buffets, or even as a treat to keep on hand for a sweet snack throughout the week.
Tips & Variations
- Make It Richer: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before baking for an extra chocolatey bite.
- Store Properly: These bars keep well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a longer shelf life.
- Add a Twist: For an extra malt flavor, sprinkle some extra malt powder on top of the frosting before serving.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Malted Bars are the perfect balance of sweetness, chocolate richness, and that signature malt flavor that will take you back to enjoying a malted milkshake at the ballpark. With their simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, they’re ideal for both experienced bakers and beginners. Whip up a batch today, and you’ll understand why they’re such a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a party, picnic, or a cozy night in, these bars are sure to make a lasting impression!
