Malted milk balls are a beloved candy treat known for their light, crunchy centers wrapped in smooth chocolate. But have you ever wondered how these delightful snacks are made? Let’s dive into the fascinating process behind malted milk balls, from the unique malt powder to the final chocolate coating.
What Are Malted Milk Balls?
Malted milk balls are small, round candies with a crunchy, airy center made from malted milk powder and other ingredients, all coated in a layer of chocolate. They are famous for their distinctive nutty and slightly sweet flavor, which comes from malt-a germinated cereal grain that is dried and ground into powder.
The Key Ingredient: Malted Milk Powder
The magic starts with malted milk powder. Malt is produced by germinating barley grains, a process called malting, which changes the grain’s sugar composition and enhances its flavor. The malted barley is then dried and ground into a fine powder. This malt powder is mixed with wheat flour and powdered milk to create malted milk powder, which is the base for the crunchy centers of malted milk balls.
This malted milk powder is prized for its nutty, malty flavor and is also used in milkshakes and other confections.
Step 1: Making the Malted Milk Crunch
The malted milk powder is combined with a sweet syrup to form a crunchy mixture called “malted milk crunch.” This involves mixing the powder with a binding agent-commonly a molten sugar syrup like dextrose-that holds the particles together without adding moisture. The mixture is carefully agitated in a rotating pan to roll and bind the particles into small clusters, which gradually grow into the desired size of the crunchy centers.
During this process, temperature control is crucial. The syrup is heated to around 118-123°C before being sprayed onto the malted milk particles. A stream of air helps the syrup solidify properly and prevents moisture from affecting the texture. The rotating pan’s shape helps collect larger balls for screening, ensuring uniform size.
Step 2: Shaping the Crunch into Balls
The crunchy malted milk clusters are shaped into spherical balls by continuously adding malted milk crunch and spraying molten syrup while the pan rotates. This layering and binding method creates the iconic light and porous structure inside the malted milk balls. The porosity comes from the natural texture of the malt particles and the spaces between them, giving the candy its unique crunch.
Step 3: Chocolate Coating
Once the malted milk balls have cooled and hardened, they are ready for their chocolate coating. The balls are enrobed in a waxy milk chocolate, which adds a smooth, sweet exterior that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy center. After coating, the malted milk balls are cooled again to set the chocolate and sometimes glazed or waxed to improve their appearance and shelf life.
Alternative Methods and Variations
While the traditional method uses malted milk crunch and dextrose syrup, other binding agents like paraffin wax, beeswax, or hydrogenated vegetable oils can be used to produce different textures and flavors. Some manufacturers also create malted milk bars by molding the sticky malted crunch mixture into bars before chocolate coating.
For homemade versions, some recipes mimic the commercial process by making a honeycomb-like candy with malted milk powder and baking soda, then dipping the crunchy centers in chocolate. Another popular homemade method involves using meringue to create a lighter, airier malt center before coating it with chocolate.
Why Are Malted Milk Balls So Popular?
The combination of the nutty malt flavor and the satisfying crunch inside a smooth chocolate shell makes malted milk balls a timeless treat. They are enjoyed by children and adults alike and are often found in movie theaters, candy aisles, and gift boxes.
Fun Fact: The Origins of Malted Milk Balls
Malted milk balls trace their roots back to the invention of malted milk powder in the late 19th century. Originally developed as a nutritional supplement, malted milk powder found its way into confectionery, leading to the creation of these delicious balls that combine malt’s wholesome flavor with the indulgence of chocolate.
Malted milk balls are crafted through a careful process of mixing malted milk powder with syrup, shaping crunchy centers, and coating them in chocolate. This blend of science and art creates the delightful candy that has been enjoyed for generations. Whether you’re savoring them at the movies or sharing them with friends, now you know the sweet story behind every bite.