Maltesers Chocolate Cake

A decadent and indulgent dessert, the Maltesers Chocolate Cake combines rich chocolate flavors with the crunch and maltiness of Maltesers candies. This cake is ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you’re craving a chocolatey treat that’s both fun and luxurious. With a moist chocolate sponge, creamy frosting, and a topping of crunchy Maltesers, this cake delivers on both texture and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Maltesers Chocolate Cake offers the perfect balance between richness and playfulness. The moist chocolate cake layers are paired with a smooth, chocolate-malt frosting and decorated with crushed and whole Maltesers for added crunch and visual appeal. It’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike, and is sure to become a favorite for any special occasion. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, with ingredients you can easily find at any supermarket.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Eggs

• Milk

• Vegetable oil

• Vanilla extract

• Boiling water

• Malted milk powder

• Butter

• Powdered sugar

• Heavy cream

• Maltesers (whole and crushed for decoration)

directions

1. Preheat the oven and grease two round cake pans. Line with parchment paper for easy release.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well-combined.

4. Slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing carefully. The batter will be thin—this ensures a moist cake.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the butter until light and fluffy, then add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, malted milk powder, and cream. Beat until smooth and spreadable.

8. Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, then place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.

9. Decorate with crushed and whole Maltesers, pressing them gently into the frosting.

10. Chill the cake slightly before serving for neater slices.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 12 people.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 1 hour
Total time: Approximately 2 hours

Variations

• Mini Cakes: Bake the batter in cupcake tins for individual-sized treats.

• White Chocolate Version: Substitute the cocoa powder in the frosting with melted white chocolate and use white Maltesers for decoration.

• Extra Malt Flavor: Add an extra tablespoon of malted milk powder to the cake batter for a more intense flavor.

• Layered Effect: Create a triple-layer version for added height and drama.

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped hazelnuts or almonds between the layers along with the frosting for a nutty twist.

storage/reheating

Store the Maltesers Chocolate Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving if chilled.

To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

How do I keep the Maltesers from going soft on the cake?

Decorate the cake with Maltesers just before serving to maintain their crunch, or store the cake uncovered in a cool room for short periods.

Can I use store-bought cake mix for the base?

Yes, a chocolate cake mix can be used for convenience. Just add malted milk powder to the mix for that signature Maltesers flavor.

What is malted milk powder and where can I find it?

Malted milk powder is a mix of malted barley, wheat flour, and milk. It’s often found in the baking aisle or near hot chocolate mixes.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, the cake layers can be baked a day ahead and stored tightly wrapped at room temperature. Frost and decorate the next day.

Are there gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely. A chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting would pair well, though the malted chocolate frosting complements the Maltesers theme best.

How do I crush Maltesers without making a mess?

Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush gently. Avoid over-crushing to preserve texture.

Can this cake be made without eggs?

Yes, you can use egg substitutes like applesauce or yogurt (1/4 cup per egg) to make the recipe egg-free.

How should I serve this cake?

Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Serve at room temperature for best texture and flavor.

Can I add a layer of ganache on top?

Yes, a thin layer of chocolate ganache over the frosting adds extra richness and helps the Maltesers stick better.

Conclusion

The Maltesers Chocolate Cake is a rich and fun dessert that blends the nostalgia of malted milk candies with the decadence of chocolate cake. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or simply to satisfy a craving, this cake delivers both on taste and visual appeal. With its moist layers, creamy frosting, and irresistible crunch, it’s bound to become a regular feature on your dessert table.