The Extra Powder Your Pancake Mix Has Been Missing

Pancakes are already amazing, but if you're looking to elevate them to unforgettable, the secret ingredient is malted milk powder. Known for adding a touch of nostalgic flavor to everything from milkshakes to waffles, this powder can transform ordinary pancakes into something truly special. Created in the 19th century as a nutritional supplement, malted milk powder found its way into bakeries and diners thanks to its unique, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. Now, it's also the not-so-secret weapon in the kitchens of those in the know — and it's not just for beer and milkshakes

Adding malted milk powder to your pancake mix isn't complicated, but the impact it has on flavor is profound. Even a small scoop of this barley malt, wheat, and milk solids mix brings out a hint of caramel and gives pancakes a creamier texture compared with regular batter. In the same way that malt powder elevates a classic chocolate milkshake, it also adds richness to pancakes and helps balance sweetness, making it ideal if you love to top your stack with syrup, fruit, or even chocolate chips. Ready to try it? Just add malted milk powder to your dry pancake mix, and watch your breakfast reach new heights in flavor and fluffiness.

How to use malted milk powder in pancakes

To use malted milk powder in pancakes, add one tablespoon per cup of flour directly to your dry ingredients, mixing evenly before whisking in the wet ingredients. The barley malt in the powder adds an extra source of sugar, which helps the pancakes brown more evenly and achieve that perfect golden color. If you don't like things too sweet though, you may want to add less sugar to your recipe. Malt powder also brings out a slightly toasty flavor in the batter that's a bit like what you'd find in a really good homemade dark chocolate ice cream — warm, balanced, and irresistibly smooth.

Not only does malted milk powder add depth of flavor, but it also contributes to the texture, giving pancakes a fluffier, more substantial bite. The milk solids in the powder help bind the batter, creating a bouncier consistency associated with classic diner breakfasts. Whether you're whipping up pancakes for a weekday breakfast or a leisurely brunch, adding malted milk powder gives you that luxurious, made-from-scratch feel without any extra hassle. 

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