Decadent Malted Milk Hot Chocolate

Rich, creamy, and Decadent Malted Milk Hot Chocolate is the hot chocolate you didn't know you needed. Malted milk powder is mixed in to add richness and body, and takes the chocolate flavor to the next level. This hot chocolate is not for the faint of heart, it's intense, velvety texture is for true chocolate lovers.

We're throwing out all our hot chocolate mixes. Yep- we said it. It's a bold statement, but it's so easy to make hot chocolate at home why would we open a sad packet of questionable ingredients? Our milk deserves better!

This malted milk hot chocolate uses a few ingredients, including real chocolate (instead of cocoa powder), malted milk powder, espresso powder, and milk. It's thick and creamy with an intense chocolate flavor that will make you swoon. Yes-swoon!

Key ingredients

A few ingredients are needed to transform your next cup of hot chocolate into a cozy mug of happiness.

• Milk. We used whole milk, but you can use low-fat milk. The more fat in the milk, the richer the hot chocolate will be.
• Bittersweet chocolate. Use the best chocolate you can find. Higher-quality chocolate makes a better-tasting hot chocolate. Real chocolate, versus cocoa powder, will yield a velvety smooth drink. Semi-sweet chocolate can be used, but it contains less cocoa and will produce a less intense chocolate flavor. Look for bittersweet baking chips or wafers.
• Espresso powder. Another secret ingredient that helps boost the chocolate flavor. You can find it in specialty shops. We use this one from King Arthur. Instant espresso granules can also be used.
• Malted milk powder. We use Carnation Original Malted Milk Powder by Nestle. It comes in 2 flavors, Original and Chocolate. Look for it in the baking aisle or mixed beverage aisle. You can also find other varieties online. Make sure it says malted milk powder and not malt or malt syrup.
• Whipped cream, marshmallows, cocoa powderor malted milk balls (Whoppers) for topping.

Start by combining all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk all the ingredients continuously until the chocolate is melted and the ingredients are well blended about 3-5 minutes. Serve hot with any desired toppings!

Expert tip

• Don't boil. Heat the milk gently over medium-low heat to avoid scorching and separating.

Serve it with

If you want to make your hot chocolate extra special, then you can't go wrong with these toppings. Hat, gloves, and scarf are optional!

• Marshmallows. Who doesn't love a melty marshmallow floating in their hot chocolate? We've also used marshmallow fluff in the past, since we don't keep marshmallows on hand (usually).
• Whipped cream. Aside from adding calories, we see nothing wrong with a sky-high whip sitting on our hot chocolate. watch your nose when you take that first sip.
• Cocoa powder. Ok, now you can dust off that cocoa powder in the pantry. Use a fine mesh sieve to sprinkle some cocoa over the top.
• Malted milk ball candy. If you can get your hands on some malted milk chocolate balls (Whoppers), you have to try crushing some and sprinkling them on top. Malty, milky goodness!

Keeping leftovers

If you can resist not drinking this as soon as you make it, then you can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, slowly reheat on the stove until hot and blended.

Kitchen questions

What is malted milk?

Malted milk powder is made from evaporated milk, wheat flour, and barley. In the 1800's, it was used as a nutritional supplement for babies who didn't have access to fresh foods.

What does malted milk powder taste like?

On it's own, malted milk powder isn't the most enticing ingredient. In fact, it tastes and smells a bit like wheat or barley. But don't let that discourage you, when used in baking, it intensifies the flavor of about anything.

Is Ovaltine and malted milk powder the same?

While Ovaltine is a type of malted milk mix, it contains other ingredients, and won't produce the same results. For the purest taste, stick to malted milk powder.

Baby, it's cold outside!

Ingredients

Makes 1 cup (8 ounces)

• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup diced bittersweet chocolate, or bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp espresso powder ((or instant espresso granules))
• 4 tsp malted milk powder (see notes in post)
• whipped cream, marshmallows, or malted milk balls for serving, optional

Equipment

• small sauce pan and whisk

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.

2. Using a whisk, stir until the chocolate is melted, the ingredients are fully blended and bubbles form just at the edges (do not bring to a full boil), about 3-5 minutes.

3. Serve immediately with whipped cream, marshmallows, or malted milk balls.

Kitchen notes

• We use Carnation Original Malted Milk Powder by Nestle. It comes in 2 flavors, Original and Chocolate. Look for it in the baking aisle or mixed beverage aisle. You can also find other varieties online. Make sure it says malted milk powder and not malt or malt syrup. Do not use Ovaltine.