Black and White Malt Shoppe Cupcakes: A Nostalgic Twist on Classic Flavors

Step back in time to the golden age of malt shoppes and soda fountains with these Black and White Malt Shoppe Cupcakes. Inspired by the rich, creamy flavors of a classic chocolate malt and vanilla milkshake, these cupcakes are the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence. The moist chocolate malt cake is topped with a luscious swirl of vanilla malt buttercream, bringing together the best of both worlds in every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a retro-themed party, craving a unique cupcake flavor, or simply want to impress with a dessert that looks as good as it tastes, these cupcakes will not disappoint. The balance of deep cocoa notes with the creamy, slightly tangy malted milk powder makes this a treat that transports you straight to an old-school diner.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
For the Chocolate Malt Cupcakes
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
Unsweetened cocoa powder	½ cup
Malted milk powder	½ cup
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Baking soda	½ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter, softened	½ cup (1 stick)
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Brown sugar	¼ cup
Eggs	2
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Whole milk	½ cup
Sour cream	¼ cup
Hot water or brewed coffee	¼ cup
For the Vanilla Malt Buttercream
Unsalted butter, softened	1 cup (2 sticks)
Powdered sugar	4 cups
Malted milk powder	¼ cup
Heavy cream	¼ cup
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Pinch of salt	–
For Garnish
Mini malted milk balls	½ cup
Chocolate syrup (optional)	For drizzling
Maraschino cherries	12

Ingredient Notes

• Malted milk powder: Look for classic malted milk powder like Carnation or Ovaltine to achieve the authentic malt shoppe flavor.
• Brewed coffee: Enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cupcakes taste like coffee. If preferred, replace with hot water.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and richness to the cupcakes, making them soft and tender.

Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer or hand mixer – for creaming the butter and making the frosting.
• Mixing bowls – for dry and wet ingredients.
• Cupcake pan – standard 12-cup size.
• Cupcake liners – for easy cleanup and perfect cupcake shape.
• Piping bag with a large tip – for frosting the cupcakes beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Chocolate Malt Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, malted milk powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix in the sour cream and half of the milk, alternating with the dry ingredients, until just combined.
5. Finally, stir in the hot water or coffee to create a smooth, pourable batter.
6. Fill the cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Making the Vanilla Malt Buttercream

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter on medium-high speed until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and malted milk powder, beating until combined.
3. Pour in the vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and heavy cream. Beat for 3-4 minutes until fluffy and smooth. If needed, add more heavy cream to reach desired consistency.

3. Decorating the Cupcakes

1. Transfer the buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
2. Pipe tall swirls of frosting onto each cooled cupcake, mimicking the look of a classic milkshake.
3. Garnish with mini malted milk balls, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a maraschino cherry on top.

Tips and Variations

• Make it extra chocolatey: Add a small amount of melted chocolate to the batter for a richer taste.
• Switch up the frosting: Try a chocolate malt buttercream instead by adding ¼ cup cocoa powder to the frosting.
• Mini cupcakes: Make bite-sized versions by adjusting the baking time to 10-12 minutes.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute butter with vegan butter, milk with almond or oat milk, and sour cream with coconut yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes look fantastic when served on a retro-style cake stand with colorful striped straws for that authentic soda shop feel. You can also pair them with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent experience.

Pairings

For an ultimate malt shoppe experience, serve these cupcakes with:

• Classic chocolate malt – The flavors will complement each other perfectly.
• Root beer float – The vanilla buttercream pairs beautifully with root beer’s spiced sweetness.
• Espresso or iced coffee – Balances the sweetness with a touch of bitterness.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
• Reheating: While these cupcakes don’t need reheating, if you want them warm, microwave for 5-10 seconds before adding frosting.

Nutritional Information

Per cupcake (approximate):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 30g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

These Black and White Malt Shoppe Cupcakes are the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence, bringing the flavors of an old-fashioned soda fountain straight to your kitchen. With their rich chocolate malt base and creamy vanilla malt buttercream, every bite delivers a delightful contrast of flavors—just like a classic black and white milkshake. The playful garnishes, from the chocolate drizzle to the cherry on top, make these cupcakes as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Whether you’re making them for a themed party, a special celebration, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Their unique flavor profile sets them apart from traditional chocolate or vanilla cupcakes, making them a conversation starter at any gathering. Try this recipe, share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to snap a picture of your beautifully decorated cupcakes—because desserts this fun deserve to be shown off!