Delicious Strawberry Malted Milkshake Cake: Your Easy-Bake Masterpiece
Transform a simple boxed cake mix into an extraordinary culinary delight with this incredible Strawberry Malted Milkshake Cake recipe. This delightful dessert features a light and airy vanilla malted milk cake, generously frosted both inside and out with a luscious homemade strawberry buttercream. For a quick and charming decoration that truly makes it pop, garnish effortlessly with Strawberry Whoppers!
Hello, baking enthusiasts! We’re Julie and Maddie, the mother-daughter duo behind Tastes of Lizzy T, and we’re absolutely thrilled to share one of our favorite creations with you today. If you’ve visited our corner of the internet before, you’ll know that our passion for cake runs deep! We’ve dedicated ourselves to crafting fun, visually stunning, and undeniably delicious cakes that are surprisingly easy to decorate, ensuring they always impress your guests without the stress.
When our dear friend Carrian invited us to share a signature recipe, our minds immediately turned to seasonal cravings. As the days begin to lengthen, our thoughts invariably drift to fresh, vibrant fruit desserts, with strawberries holding a special place in our hearts. While we Ohioans still eagerly await our local strawberry-picking season, we’re fortunate to have access to beautiful, ripe berries from other regions. These juicy treasures perfectly tide us over until our own gardens are overflowing with their sweet bounty, making them ideal for today’s show-stopping cake.
Unveiling the Strawberry Malted Milkshake Cake: A Dream Come True
The concept for this Strawberry Malted Milkshake Cake has been swirling in my dreams for quite some time, and I knew it was the perfect recipe to share with our amazing community. You’ll fall in love with this recipe not just for its incredible flavor profile, but also for its sheer simplicity, thanks to starting with a humble boxed cake mix. We typically opt for Betty Crocker’s vanilla cake mix, but feel free to experiment with traditional white, French vanilla, or even a strawberry cake mix for an extra berry boost. The secret to elevating this standard mix into a “malted milk” masterpiece lies in the addition of ¾ cup of malted milk powder, easily found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. This simple ingredient infuses the cake with that nostalgic, creamy, slightly nutty malt flavor that makes milkshakes so irresistible, transforming a basic cake into something truly special.
The Irresistible Heart: Homemade Strawberry Buttercream
While the malted cake provides a delightful foundation, the true star of this show-stopping dessert is undeniably the homemade strawberry buttercream. This frosting is so velvety and rich, it will literally melt in your mouth, leaving behind a burst of vibrant strawberry flavor. The secret to its intense berry essence? A generous ¾ cup of good quality strawberry jam. This not only imbues the buttercream with deep fruit flavor but also contributes to its wonderfully smooth texture. To further enhance that signature milkshake taste, we’ve also incorporated a touch of malted milk powder into the frosting, creating a harmonious blend with the cake layers.
For those who love a visually appealing dessert, a few drops of red food coloring can transform this delectable buttercream into a stunning, pretty pink hue. However, if you prefer to keep things natural, feel free to omit the food coloring – the flavor will be just as sensational. This homemade buttercream is incredibly versatile, perfect for piping intricate designs or simply spreading generously for a rustic, charming look. It’s the kind of frosting that makes every bite of this cake an unforgettable experience, striking the perfect balance between sweet, fruity, and malted goodness.
The “Wow Factor”: Easy and Impressive Decorations
If you’re simply aiming for an amazing cake to savor yourself or share with your immediate family, you could honestly stop right after frosting it – the flavors are that good! However, if you’re looking to achieve that coveted “Wow Factor” and truly elevate this dessert for a special occasion, decorating with Whoppers Strawberry Milkshake candies is an absolute game-changer. Using store-bought candies and cookies for decoration is not only incredibly fun but also wonderfully forgiving, especially if you’re a bit nervous about achieving perfectly smooth frosting or intricate piping.
These malted milk candies add a delightful crunch and an extra layer of milkshake flavor that complements the cake perfectly. The beauty of decorating with candies like Whoppers is that they effortlessly hide any minor imperfections in your frosting, instantly making your cake look professionally finished and absolutely A-plus! We love creating a whimsical border along the bottom edge and then filling the top with a vibrant array of Strawberry Whoppers, perhaps even adding a few fresh strawberries for a touch of elegance. This simple decorating trick allows anyone, regardless of their baking skill level, to create a stunning centerpiece that tastes as fantastic as it looks, guaranteeing gasps of delight from your guests.
We absolutely love connecting with fellow bakers and dessert lovers! We invite you to follow along with our baking adventures and find more delicious recipes over at Tastes of Lizzy T. You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. Drop by, say hello, and let us know what amazing treats you’re whipping up!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking and This Cake
Can Cake Be Frozen?
Yes, cakes freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or saving leftovers for a later indulgence! To freeze a cake successfully, ensure it is completely cooled to room temperature first. Then, wrap it thoroughly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-wrapping technique helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the cake’s moisture and flavor. Store the wrapped cake in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. For best results, allow frosted cakes to come to room temperature before serving to ensure the buttercream is soft and spreadable.
Are Malted Milk Candies Gluten-Free?
Unfortunately, most traditional malted milk candies, including Whoppers, are not gluten-free. Malt powder, which is a key ingredient in these candies and provides their distinctive flavor, is typically made from barley malt. Barley, along with wheat and rye, contains gluten. Therefore, if you or your guests have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, it’s important to avoid malted milk candies and products containing malt powder. Always check ingredient labels carefully for specific dietary needs. For this recipe, if you require a gluten-free option, you would need to use a certified gluten-free vanilla cake mix and omit the malted milk powder from both the cake and the buttercream, as well as the Whoppers decoration. You could substitute with gluten-free strawberry candies or fresh berries for decoration.
Can You Use Margarine Instead of Butter in Cake?
While margarine can sometimes be used as a substitute for butter, it’s generally not recommended for cakes where butter’s unique properties contribute significantly to the final texture and flavor. Margarine, particularly those high in water content, can alter the outcome of your cake. In recipes that call for melted butter, melted margarine might work as a direct substitute. However, for recipes that specify softened butter (like in this Strawberry Malted Milkshake Cake), swapping in margarine can lead to noticeable differences.
Cakes made with margarine may be less tender, often having a slightly tougher or drier crumb. Butter contributes to richness, flavor, and a fine, delicate texture that margarine struggles to replicate. Additionally, margarine can cause cookies to spread more and become less crisp. For the best possible flavor and texture in this Strawberry Malted Milkshake Cake, we highly recommend using high-quality salted butter, especially for the buttercream, where its creamy consistency and rich taste are paramount.
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Strawberry Malted Milkshake Cake
Sweet Basil
5 minutes
26 minutes
1 hour
1 minute
12
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 Box Vanilla Cake Mix, 15.25 ounces Betty Crocker
- ¾ Cup Malted Milk Powder
- 1 Cup Milk
- ½ Cup Canola Oil
- 3 Eggs
Buttercream:
- 4 Sticks Salted Butter, 1 pound, softened
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla
- ¾ Cup Strawberry Jam
- 8 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 3 Tablespoons Malted Milk Powder
- 3-4 Tablespoons Milk, if needed
- Few Drops of Red Food Coloring, if desired
- 5 Boxes Whoppers, 4 ounces each Whoppers Strawberry Milkshake candies
Metric
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the dry cake mix and the malted milk powder. This step ensures an even distribution of the malt flavor throughout the cake.1 Box Vanilla Cake Mix, ¾ Cup Malted Milk Powder
-
Add the milk, canola oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients.1 Cup Milk, ½ Cup Canola Oil, 3 Eggs
-
Beat the mixture on low speed for 30 seconds to incorporate all ingredients, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl thoroughly as needed to ensure everything is well combined and lump-free.
-
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents sticking and ensures your cakes release cleanly.
-
Evenly divide the prepared cake batter between the two greased and floured cake pans.
-
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 24-26 minutes. To test for doneness, gently touch the center of the cake; it should bounce back. Alternatively, insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.
-
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the cakes firm up before removal. After 10 minutes, carefully loosen the edges of the cakes with a knife.
-
Invert the cakes onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. It’s crucial that the cakes are entirely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
Once the cakes are completely cool, prepare the strawberry buttercream.
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the softened salted butter for 2-3 minutes on medium-high speed until it becomes pale in color and fluffy. This aeration is key for a light buttercream.4 Sticks Salted Butter
-
Add the vanilla extract, strawberry jam, and malted milk powder to the whipped butter.2 teaspoons Vanilla, ¾ Cup Strawberry Jam, 3 Tablespoons Malted Milk Powder
-
Mix well on low speed until combined, then increase to medium and beat for another minute.
-
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated. Continue until all 8 cups of powdered sugar have been added.8 Cups Powdered Sugar
-
If the buttercream appears too stiff or thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, beating the frosting thoroughly between each addition until it reaches your desired spreadable consistency.3-4 Tablespoons Milk
-
Continue adding milk until the frosting is light, fluffy, and can be easily spread onto the cake without tearing the delicate layers.
-
For a beautiful, vibrant pink color, add a few drops of red food coloring to the buttercream and mix until evenly distributed. This step is entirely optional based on your preference.Few Drops of Red Food Coloring
-
Place one cooled cake layer onto your desired cake plate or serving stand.
-
Spread a generous, thick layer of the strawberry buttercream evenly over the top of the first cake layer.
-
Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted first layer, gently aligning it to create an even stack.
-
Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining strawberry buttercream. Use an offset spatula or bench scraper to smooth the frosting as you go, ensuring a level and appealing finish.
-
Decorate the top and sides of the cake with Whoppers Strawberry Milkshake candies as desired. For a classic look, we recommend placing a border of Whoppers along the bottom edge of the cake. For the top, arrange three clean, fresh strawberries in the center, then generously cover the remaining surface with more of the delightful strawberry Whoppers.5 Boxes Whoppers
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Refrigerate the finished cake until you are ready to serve it. Chilling helps the frosting set and makes for easier slicing.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Serving:
1
g
,
Calories:
955
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
137
g
,
Protein:
6
g
,
Fat:
44
g
,
Saturated Fat:
22
g
,
Cholesterol:
127
mg
,
Sodium:
639
mg
,
Potassium:
169
mg
,
Fiber:
1
g
,
Sugar:
112
g
,
Vitamin A:
1057
IU
,
Vitamin C:
2
mg
,
Calcium:
168
mg
,
Iron:
1
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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