Chocolate Malt Cupcakes with Malted Buttercream Frosting

Many of the birthdays and holidays celebrated at 1840 Farm during the year depend on these cupcakes to mark the occasion as special. They are a wonderful combination of chocolate, vanilla, and malt flavors that merge to provide a depth of flavor not usually found in a standard chocolate cupcake. The flavor of the cake is slightly tangy and reminiscent of red velvet cake.  The malt flavor within the cupcake is subtle, but enriched by the addition of the malted buttercream frosting.

In addition to being delicious, the malted buttercream can be tinted in a variety of deep colors before being added to the cupcakes. The underlying color from the malt powder will help to create richer looking dark colors. I have used it on a variety of decorated cupcakes and cakes and find that it always colors wonderfully when the desired result is a tint on the darker end of the color spectrum.

These cupcakes are very moist and will keep at room temperature for several days without drying out. They can also be frozen individually and then placed in a freezer bag until they are needed. To defrost them, allow them to sit at room temperature in the freezer bag until fully thawed before topping with the malted buttercream.

Want to make a decorative cupcake wrapper like the one featured in the photo?  You can view the free template and make your own using any kind of paper you have on hand!

1840 Farm Cupcake Wrapper Template

If you’d like to learn more about the tools I use when making this recipe, you can find them right here:

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Chocolate Malt Cupcakes with Malted Buttercream Frosting

Jennifer from 1840 Farm

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 18 cupcakes

Author: Jennifer from 1840 Farm

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 6 Tablespoons sour cream
• 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Ovaltine classic chocolate malt powder
• 1 1/4 cup (150 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt

For the Buttercream:

• 4 ounces butter , softened
• 1/2 cup Ovaltine classic malt powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Position the oven racks in the top and bottom third of the oven. If you are using cupcake liners, line each cavity of a cupcake pan with a liner.
• In a large bowl, combine the sugar and oil. Mix vigorously using a wire whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs and whisk to fully combine. Add milk, sour cream, apple cider vinegar and vanilla extract and whisk until combined.
• Measure the cocoa, malt powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl. Use a spatula or whisk to combine the dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the large bowl and mix well using a whisk or spatula until the batter is completely smooth.
• Fill the prepared cupcake wrappers 2/3 full with batter. Place the cupcakes in the oven and set the timer for 20 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, rotate the baking sheets. The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with small crumbs attached. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool completely.
• Place the butter, malt powder, and vanilla in a large bowl. Using a mixer, beat on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy without any lumps. Add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed to blend. Once the sugar has begun to incorporate into the butter, mix on high speed for 1 – 2 minutes until the buttercream is completely smooth. Malted buttercream can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
• Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost each one with the malted buttercream using a spatula or piping bag with desired tip.

Notes

Frosted cupcakes can be kept in the refrigerator, but the cold, dry environment of the refrigerator will eventually dry out the moist cake. For longer shelf life, store the cupcakes and buttercream separately at room temperature and frost them as needed.

Tried this recipe?Mention @1840Farm or tag #1840FarmFood! We can't wait to see what you make!