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    You are here: Home / Desserts / Malted Cheesecake

    Malted Cheesecake

    June 26, 2015 Updated September 6, 2022 BySam 46 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Thick creamy malted cheesecake jam-packed with malted milk ball bits is baked over a malted shortbread crust and blanketed with dark chocolate ganache then topped with a sprinkling of crushed malted milk balls.  This cheesecake is a unique spin on the classic milkshake and candy.  

    Malted Cheesecake slice on plate

    When I think of malted desserts I think of malt shakes, which I have never tasted and have only have ever existed to me in 1950’s based books and movies from back when drive-in movies were still popular and boys and girls “went steady” (I watched a lot of “Happy Days” as a child).  I think of girls in skirts embroidered with poodles and silky ponytails tied up high on their heads with ribbon leaning over formica diner tabletops and sipping thick, chocolate-hued milkshakes through striped straws.

    The only malted dessert I’ve really ever actually tasted comes in the form of malted milk balls, which I love with their soft, milk chocolate shells and their crunchy malted interiors.  The flavor pairings and textural differences between exterior and interior are so simple, but so perfectly complementary and, though I’m certainly not a child of the 1950’s, there is still something so nostalgic about them.

    Malted Cheesecake covered with ganache

    This spin on a classic cheesecake recipe takes simple malted milk balls and malted milk power and transforms them into something far less 1950’s and much more modish.  The crust is made of shortbread and heavily malted to provide a subtle crunch that you might expect when biting into a Whopper (The candy that is, not the Burger King special.  I think my brother was a little disappointed [or relieved] when I clarified exactly what kind of Whopper-infused cheesecake I was bringing over).

    What I really love about this cheesecake is that despite the fact that it is clearly malted themed, the malted flavor is not overpowering.  It is just enough; the flavor is clear in the crisp shortbread crust, softly expressed among the tang of the cheesecake filling yet attention-grabbing with surprise pops of malted milk balls.  If you wish to stay true to the malted milk ball theme throughout, you can certainly use a milk chocolate ganache instead, but I felt this made the cheesecake too sweet and the rich, dark chocolate ganache added yet another layer of complexity to this ridiculously delicious cheesecake.  All in all the flavors balance extraordinarily well.

    Malted Cheesecake slice on plateMalted Cheesecake slice on plate

    I’ve found that a significant number of people hesitate to make cheesecake because they worry it is too difficult, and I think this is a shame.  Let me leave you with some tips on how to make sure any cheesecake is a success:

    • Allow your cream cheese to soften to room temperature before beginning (otherwise you’ll have lumps).
    • Make sure ingredients are well-combined, but don’t over-beat the eggs, otherwise you’ll have cracks.  This cheesecake is very forgiving because any cracks will be covered by the thick ganache, but this is still a good rule to follow.
    • Don’t open the oven while your cheesecake is cooking, this will allow heat to escape and will cause your cheesecake to sink.  Wait until you think the cheesecake is done, though it is OK to err on the side of checking slightly sooner to make sure your cheesecake is not overdone.
    • I personally feel that the trickiest part is knowing when your cheesecake is finished baking.  For this, look for edges that are set but a center that is still slightly jiggly, though it should be firm enough that it bounces back when lightly touched.  The edges should ideally not be more than lightly golden brown.

    Voila: perfect malted cheesecake.

    Happy Friday!

    More Cheesecake Recipes to Try:

    • Mini Cheesecakes
    • Oreo Cheesecake
    • Pumpkin Cheesecake
    • No-Bake Cheesecake
    slice of malted cheesecake on plate

    Malted Cheesecake

    This cheesecake is a unique spin on the classic milkshake and candy.  
     
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    chill time: 6 hours 10 minutes
    Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
    Servings: 12 slices
    Calories: 279kcal
    Author: Sam Merritt

    Ingredients

    Malted Shortbread Crust

    • 8 Tbsp butter softened
    • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
    • 3 Tbsp malted milk powder
    • 1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

    Malted Cheesecake

    • 24 oz packages cream cheese softened
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup malted milk powder
    • 3 eggs
    • ⅓ cup sour cream
    • 2 cups semi-crushed malted milk balls (I place the milk balls in a large resealable plastic bag and then smash repeatedly with rolling pin until they are crushed into pieces but not finely crushed--you want to have some larger pieces of the milk balls in your cheesecake).

    Dark Chocolate Ganache

    • 1 ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips (if you prefer to have a milk chocolate topping simply substitute the dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate ones), 8 oz
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • ½ cup Additional semi-crushed milk balls to sprinkle on top
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Malted Shortbread Crust

    • Preheat oven to 400F
    • In stand mixer (or with electric hand mixer) cream together butter and sugar.
    • Add malt powder and stir until combined
    • Gradually stir in flour until all ingredients are combined.
    • Line bottom of 10" springform pan with parchment paper (remove the bottom, line with paper so that paper hangs over edges of pan, then replace sides of springform pan and snap on)
    • Press shortbread crust into bottom of springform pan.
    • Poke crust all over with tines of fork.
    • Bake at 400F for 15 minutes then remove from oven and set aside while you finish preparing the cheesecake.
    • Reduce oven to 350F

    Malted Cheesecake

    • In KitchenAid mixer (or with electric hand-mixer) cream together cream cheese, sugar and malted milk powder on medium speed, pausing to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, until ingredients are well-combined.
    • Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition.
    • On low speed stir in sour cream until just combined.
    • Using rubber spatula, fold in crushed milk balls.
    • Pour cheesecake batter into prepared springform pan/over malted shortbread crust
    • Bake on 350F for 45 minutes/until cheesecake is mostly set, slightly jiggly in the center still but firm to the touch when lightly touched with fingertips. Edges may be slightly golden.
    • Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Transfer to fridge and allow to chill at least 6 hours or overnight.

    Dark Chocolate Ganache

    • Once cheesecake has completely chilled, run a sharp knife around the sides of the springform pan and release the edges (sides of springform pan should no longer be attached)
    • Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in medium saucepan and set to medium heat.
    • Stir frequently until chocolate is completely melted and well-combined with the cream.
    • Remove from heat and allow to set for about 1-2 minutes before pouring over cheesecake.
    • Within several minutes of pouring ganache, sprinkle additional chopped milk balls over the top of the cheesecake.
    • Return to fridge and allow to chill for at least 10 minutes so the ganache can set before cutting and serving.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 96mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 493IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!
    Whopper candy stuffed malted cheesecake www.SugarSpunRun.com
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen

      June 29, 2015 at 8:43 am

      Oh my goodness! What a stunning looking malted cheesecake, Sam! I have never tried it before, and you have tempted me enough to try it ASAP! Delicious share! 🙂

      Reply
      • Sam

        July 03, 2015 at 9:55 am

        🙂 Thank you Anu!

        Reply
    2. Harriet Emily

      June 29, 2015 at 7:38 am

      5 stars
      Oh my gosh Sam! This has to be the best cheesecake ever! I’m in love with everything about it! My mouth is seriously watering, it looks stunning! The malted milk balls on top look so tasty too! I love this recipe! I want to eat it all – yum!

      Reply
      • Sam

        July 03, 2015 at 9:56 am

        Haha, thank you so much!!

        Reply
    3. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

      June 29, 2015 at 7:30 am

      Oh I love this malted cheesecake, Sam! And I always think of 1950s diners whenever I hear malts too. I’ve never tried the flavor in a cheesecake. Sounds amazing!

      Reply
      • Sam

        July 03, 2015 at 9:56 am

        😀 Thanks Gayle!

        Reply
    4. Jess @ whatjessicabakednext

      June 29, 2015 at 6:39 am

      Sam – this cheesecake looks divine! Love malted chocolate, they’re my favourite! Definitely need to try this soon! 😀

      Reply
      • Sam

        July 03, 2015 at 9:56 am

        Thank you so much Jess!

        Reply
    5. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      June 28, 2015 at 9:17 am

      What a fun dessert! I love malted milk balls and they look perfect in cheesecake! Yum!!!

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 28, 2015 at 6:49 pm

        🙂 Thanks Kathy!!

        Reply
    6. Emanuele @ guyslovecooking

      June 28, 2015 at 6:32 am

      I have got say, I am not expert in malted deserts. To be honest I have been trying to recall if I have ever had one, I think I haven’t. I guess it’s time to give it a go. It looks great and the pictures are beautiful too

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 28, 2015 at 6:48 pm

        Thank you Emanuele! If you try it out let me know how you like it! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Beeta @ Mon Petit Four

      June 27, 2015 at 10:50 pm

      What a unique and gorgeous cheesecake! I’ve only ever tasted the malted milk ball flavor from eating whoppers, but I can imagine it would be lovely in cheesecake (especially the crust!). Great tips too for making cheesecake. I always bake mine at a somewhat low temp (325) for an hour or so, which helps the cheesecake set without getting too dark in color or becoming overdone. But then it takes forever to bake, so waiting is the hard part! 🙂

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 28, 2015 at 6:48 pm

        Haha I’m never patient enough to bake on that low of a temp but I should really try that! My patience is always in short supply when there are desserts around 😉

        Reply
    8. Medha @ Whisk & Shout

      June 27, 2015 at 5:52 pm

      This looks utterly fabulous! Pinned and I am d r o o l i n g 🙂

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 28, 2015 at 6:47 pm

        🙂 Thank you Medha, and thanks for the Pin!! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Lisa | Sweet 2 Eat Baking

      June 27, 2015 at 1:29 pm

      This looks absolutely fantastic, Sam. I also think of the 50’s when I think of malt – either that or the bedtime drink (which I think tastes like drinkable cookies, LOL)

      Love how you’ve put the malt powder inside both the cheesecake and the crust. And love the malted balls on the top too. We have them here too, they’re called Malteasers. 🙂

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 28, 2015 at 6:47 pm

        Thank you Lisa! I like the name “Malteasers”, never heard of them before!

        Reply
    10. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter

      June 27, 2015 at 8:42 am

      What a gorgeous cheesecake! I am a big fan of malted desserts and this one sounds so decadent and delicious! Love the dark chocolate ganache!

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 28, 2015 at 6:46 pm

        Thank you Kelly! I definitely “sampled” way too much of the ganache while I was making it!

        Reply
    11. Prash @ YummilyYours

      June 26, 2015 at 6:23 pm

      Sam, the introduction had me craving for it this instant! So yum!

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 28, 2015 at 6:45 pm

        🙂 Thank you Prash!

        Reply
    12. Kimberly@The Little Girl's Bakery

      June 26, 2015 at 1:10 pm

      I love Whoppers! After seeing this cheesecake, I think I finally need to go and buy a springform pan…

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 28, 2015 at 6:45 pm

        Definitely do it! I use mine soooo much!

        Reply
    13. Ana | Espresso My Kitchen

      June 26, 2015 at 12:44 pm

      Sam, what a nice looking cheesecake! I’m drooling over that Dark Chocolate Ganache! I like your tips on how to make a cheesecake a success. 🙂

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 28, 2015 at 6:45 pm

        Thank you Ana! 🙂

        Reply
    14. Ashley

      June 26, 2015 at 10:48 am

      It has been so so long since I’ve had malted anything! This cheesecake looks so good! Making me hungry for lunch … or dessert?? haha

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 28, 2015 at 6:45 pm

        Why not both!? 😉 Thanks Ashley!

        Reply
    15. Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen

      June 26, 2015 at 9:52 am

      OMGosh Sam, this totally made my mouth-water this morning. It looks incredibly good and I love anything malted OR cheesecake, so this is a winner in my book. Totally pinned!

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 28, 2015 at 6:44 pm

        😀 Thank you Kristi!! 🙂

        Reply
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    The author (Sam) in blue shirt holding donut Hi, I'm Sam! I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate). Read more about me.

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