4 Vanilla Malt Shake Variations You'll Love
A vanilla malt shake is a scrumptious treat to enjoy on its own or as a cooling drink to accompany savory dishes, like a steakburger or spicy chicken sandwich. From diners to fast casual restaurants like your local Freddy’s, this selection is a frequent menu staple and one that lends itself to customization. Keep reading to learn more about vanilla malt shakes and variations on this treat to try!
What is a vanilla malt shake?
A vanilla malt shake is a sweet, cool, and creamy treat, which may also be referred to as a vanilla malt or a vanilla malted milkshake. To make it, vanilla ice cream or frozen custard, milk, malted milk powder and sometimes additional vanilla flavoring are blended together. With or without whipped cream and a cherry or any other ingredient additions, this indulgent and perhaps nostalgic treat is one you may be eager to put your straw into.
What’s the difference between a vanilla malt and a vanilla shake?
Especially if referred to as a vanilla malt shake, there may be some confusion about what to expect from a malt vs. a shake. However, it’s the addition of malted milk powder that differentiates a vanilla (or any other flavor) malt from a shake. The use of this powder often brings toastier or nuttier notes to a malt and perhaps an even creamier consistency. Otherwise, both types of frozen treats are typically made with similar ingredients and in a similar fashion.
How to Create Delicious Vanilla Malt Shakes
A basic vanilla malt shake requires just a few simple ingredients. In fact, aside from the malted milk powder, you may already have everything you need at home to prepare this cool, creamy treat, like a container of milk and a quart of Freddy’s vanilla frozen custard. To make your own vanilla malt, you might check out the recipe shared by The Spruce Eats. When ordering this treat from a restaurant, a vanilla malt may already appear on the menu, or you may need to request including malt powder in your shake order, as at Freddy’s.
Also, this treat is pretty versatile, so it can be customized to suit your preferences. For example, you might opt to use whole milk or frozen custard for richer shakes with a thicker consistency. Varying the amount of malted milk powder is another way to adjust the intensity of the malt taste. To create even more vanilla malt variations, try incorporating other ingredients into it, such as the recommendations listed below.
4 Vanilla Malt Shake Variations to Try
While these frozen drinks can be made and customized at home, treating yourself to a vanilla malt shake at the Freddy’s near you means less clean-up, no special ingredient ordering and abundant opportunities for sweet experimentation. Whether you order on the Freddy’s app or at one of our restaurants, there are several ways to vary your vanilla malt. As you contemplate your next frozen custard creation, here are 4 ingredients to consider mixing into your malt:
1. Vanilla Fruit Malt Shake
Swirl in strawberry puree or add a drizzle of cherry syrup for a tasty and slightly tart contrast to the rich creaminess of a vanilla malt. During peak peach season, amp up the sweetness of your treat with some finely diced peaches. Alternatively, consider grilling, roasting or bruléeing fruit to further enhance the toasty nuances of this malt.
2. Vanilla Caramel Malt Shake
Another vanilla malt shake variation to consider is one that features caramel. Whether you opt for caramel sauce or pieces of caramel candy, this addition may bring a buttery sweetness to your malt.
3. Vanilla & Nuts Malt Shake
Toasted pecans and subtly sweet pistachios help create even more layers of flavor in your vanilla malt. If you like some texture in your treats, then nuts are a delicious way to achieve it. However, you could also incorporate ribbons of a nutty sauce, like peanut butter sauce.
4. Vanilla & Other Spices Malt Shake
For even more unique flavors to blend into your vanilla malt, turn to your spice cabinet! Tasting Table highlights cardamom as a choice that works well with vanilla in all types of desserts. Another appealing and potentially more familiar choice is cinnamon, which can be sprinkled in or incorporated in the form of a cinnamon streusel (as available at Freddy’s).
Wondering how to order a vanilla malt shake or variations on this treat at Freddy’s? Select your preferred size of vanilla shake or an existing frozen custard item on our menu, like the Strawberry Dreamcake, and then add malt powder (or any other toppings) during the customization process. Alternatively, you can just build a vanilla malt shake and more via the create your own treat feature. Don’t forget to join Freddy’s Rewards so that you can earn points toward FREE rewards whenever you enjoy a malt or any other menu item at Freddy’s!