Chocolate Malt Cupcakes with Vanilla Malt Buttercream
Chocolate Malt Cupcakes with Vanilla Malt Buttercream are moist and tender cupcakes that combine rich cocoa flavor with the unique sweetness and nutty aroma of malted milk powder. Topped with a creamy, airy vanilla malt buttercream, these cupcakes offer a nostalgic yet luxurious taste perfect for any occasion, from casual treats to celebrations.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Cupcake Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup malted milk powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla Malt Buttercream Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp malted milk powder
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, malted milk powder, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and fill each about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Vanilla Malt Buttercream: Using a mixer, beat softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and malted milk powder, mixing on low speed. Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, then beat on medium-high until light and spreadable. Adjust consistency by adding more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag or spatula to generously frost each cupcake with the vanilla malt buttercream. Create swirls or decorative patterns as desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, consistent batter.
- Do not overmix batter to avoid tough cupcakes.
- Level flour when measuring to prevent dense texture.
- Chill buttercream briefly if too soft before piping.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure correct baking temperature for optimal rise.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chocolate cupcakes, malt cupcakes, vanilla malt buttercream, malted milk powder, chocolate dessert, cupcake recipe