Malted milk powder is a nostalgic ingredient that adds a unique, rich flavor to milkshakes, desserts, and even baked goods. Whether you’re craving that classic malted milkshake taste or want to experiment with homemade malted milk powder, making it yourself is easier than you might think. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making malted milk powder at home, explain what it is, and share tips for using it in your kitchen.
What Is Malted Milk Powder?
Malted milk powder is a blend of malted barley, dried milk, and sometimes wheat flour or sugar. Originally developed in the 1800s as a nutritious supplement for babies and travelers, it has since become famous for its distinctive nutty, toasted flavor that enhances milkshakes, candies, and baked treats.
The malted barley is sprouted and dried, which converts starches into natural sugars, giving malted milk powder its signature sweetness and depth of flavor. When combined with milk or ice cream, it creates that creamy, smooth malt taste that many people love.
Ingredients Needed to Make Malted Milk Powder
To make your own malted milk powder, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
– Malted barley powder (or malted barley grains to sprout and grind yourself)
– Instant dry milk powder (whole or non-fat)
– Optional: Unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate malted milk powder)
– Optional: Sugar (if you want a sweeter mix)
You can buy malted barley powder ready-made, or you can start from whole barley grains and malt them yourself for a more authentic experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Malted Milk Powder at Home
1. Malting the Barley (If Starting From Whole Grains)
If you want to make malted barley powder from scratch, here’s how to malt your own barley:
– Rinse and soak 1 cup of whole, unhulled barley grains in clean water overnight (about 8 hours).
– Drain and rinse the grains, then place them in a jar or tray with good airflow.
– Sprout the barley by rinsing and draining the grains once daily for 1-2 days until small sprouts appear.
– Dry the sprouted barley to stop fermentation. You can air dry in a warm, ventilated area for 18-48 hours, use a food dehydrator at 115°F for 12-24 hours, or dry in an oven at the lowest setting (150-170°F) for 8-12 hours.
– Grind the dried malted barley into a fine powder using a grain mill, food processor, or blender. Sift if necessary to remove husks.
2. Mixing the Malted Milk Powder
Once you have malted barley powder, mixing your malted milk powder is quick and easy:
– For plain malted milk powder, combine:
– 2 cups instant dry milk powder
– 6 tablespoons malted barley powder
– For chocolate malted milk powder, add:
– 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder to the above mix
– Optionally, add 1/4 cup granulated sugar if you want a sweeter powder.
Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly to blend evenly. If you notice lumps, sift the mixture through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth powder.
3. Storage
Store your homemade malted milk powder in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last up to a year if kept dry and sealed properly.
How to Use Your Homemade Malted Milk Powder
Using malted milk powder is simple and versatile. Here are some popular ways to enjoy it:
– Malted Milkshakes: Add about 2 tablespoons of malted milk powder to 1 pint of your favorite ice cream and 1/2 cup of milk. Blend until smooth for a creamy, nostalgic treat.
– Malted Milk Drinks: Stir 1/3 cup of malted milk powder into 8 ounces of cold milk. Sweeten with sugar, honey, or stevia to taste.
– Baking: Substitute malted milk powder for some of the flour in recipes to add a subtle malt flavor to cookies, cakes, and breads.
– Dessert Toppings: Sprinkle malted milk powder over ice cream or mix into homemade hot chocolate for extra richness.
Tips for Perfect Malted Milk Powder
– Use instant dry milk powder for the best texture and ease of mixing.
– If making malted barley powder yourself, ensure the grains are unhulled and whole to sprout properly.
– Dry the sprouted barley thoroughly to prevent spoilage and preserve flavor.
– Adjust the sugar content according to your taste preferences.
– Store in a cool, dry place to keep the powder fresh and free from clumping.
Malted milk powder is a delightful ingredient that brings a nostalgic, rich flavor to many treats. Making it at home allows you to customize sweetness and chocolate content while enjoying the satisfaction of crafting a classic pantry staple yourself. Whether you’re whipping up a malted milkshake or experimenting with baking, homemade malted milk powder is a fun and rewarding addition to your kitchen arsenal.
Enjoy your malted creations!