Can malted milk be used in baking?

Can you bake with malted milk powder?

Yes. Malted milk powder is a flavoring that is used in baking and desserts. It gives baked goods a toasty, slightly nutty taste. There is no official formula, so follow a recipe written for it, or use the general guidance below.

Which baked goods suit it?

• Cookies: cooks mention chocolate chip cookies and coffee-flavored malted cookies.
• Pancakes and waffles: a small amount in the batter is an easy first try.
• Bread pudding and banana pudding: mix it into the custard.
• Brownies and cakes: the effect can be subtle, especially in chocolate bakes.
• Ice cream and frozen desserts: homemade bases take it well.

How much should you use?

As general guidance, add a tablespoon or two to a small batch and increase only if you want more flavor. Because the powder contains sugar, you may want slightly less sugar in the recipe. Whisk it with the flour and other dry ingredients so it spreads evenly.

How do you stop it from clumping?

Break up lumps before measuring. For batters, you can stir the powder with a little of the milk first to make a paste, then add the rest.

Is it a substitute for sugar, cocoa or butter?

Not a reliable one. It adds flavor and some sweetness but behaves differently from cocoa, sugar or fat, so do not swap it in without a tested recipe.

Check the label

• Many brands contain barley malt, wheat flour and milk. They are not gluten-free or dairy-free unless the label says so.
• Do not mix up plain malt powder with malted milk powder.

Storage

Keep the container sealed in a cool, dry spot so the powder stays loose.