Chocolate Malt Bars
Rich chocolate malt bars with crunchy malted milk balls and a tender crumb, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and ideal for snack time or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, stir flour and baking powder together.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat margarine with electric mixer on medium about 30 seconds or until softened.
- Add sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Add the egg, malted milk powder, milk, and vanilla. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes until thoroughly combined, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture to the margarine mixture, beating for 2 to 3 minutes until thoroughly combined.
- Fold in 1 cup malted milk balls.
- Spread into a greased 9 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- If desired, frost cooled bars with Quick Fudge Frosting and sprinkle with 1/3 cup of milk balls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you prefer a different flavor, try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the flour mixture. Make sure to check the bars a few minutes earlier to avoid overbaking, as oven temperatures can vary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Chocolate Malt Bars as a delightful dessert after a hearty meal or as a sweet snack during the day. For a fun twist, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside Hurley Gurley Cookies or No Bake Chocolate Clusters.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chocolate Malt Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until warm, to enjoy a soft, melty treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Malt Bars contains roughly 167 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with any non-dairy alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but they'll all work well in this recipe. Just make sure the non-dairy milk is unsweetened if you want to control the sweetness level.
What can I use instead of malted milk powder?
If you don't have malted milk powder, you can replace it with an equal amount of powdered milk mixed with a teaspoon of malt extract. Alternatively, using vanilla pudding mix can give a similar creamy texture, though it won't have the same malt flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly. Let them cool in the pan for best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).