Turn a boxed cake mix into a special Strawberry Malted Milkshake Cake. Homemade strawberry buttercream frosts the inside and out of this vanilla malted milk cake. Decorate quickly and easily with Strawberry Whoppers!
Welcome, fellow dessert enthusiasts! We are Julie and Maddie, the mother-daughter duo behind Tastes of Lizzy T, and we are absolutely thrilled to share one of our most beloved creations with you today. If you’ve ever explored our corner of the internet, you’ll know that our passion for baking, especially cakes, runs deep. Our mission is to craft fun, visually stunning, and undeniably delicious cakes that are not only easy to decorate but also guarantee a “wow” from your guests.
When Carrian extended the invitation to share a recipe, our minds immediately turned to the flavors of spring. This time of year always sparks a craving for fresh fruit desserts, with strawberries being a top favorite. Here in Ohio, we still anticipate a few months before our gardens yield those perfectly juicy, homegrown strawberries. However, thanks to the wider availability of beautiful, ripe berries from other regions, we can indulge our strawberry desires year-round, making the wait for local produce a little sweeter.
This Strawberry Malted Milkshake Cake has been a dream dessert of ours for quite some time, and we knew it was the perfect recipe to unveil to you. What makes this recipe truly fantastic is its simplicity—it begins with a humble boxed cake mix. We chose Betty Crocker’s vanilla cake mix for its consistent quality, but feel free to experiment with traditional white, French vanilla, or even a strawberry-flavored mix to deepen the berry notes. To infuse that classic malted milkshake flavor into the cake, we simply incorporated ¾ cup of malted milk powder, easily found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. This addition transforms an ordinary cake mix into something extraordinary, adding a depth of flavor that is both nostalgic and incredibly delicious.
While the cake itself is a delight, the homemade strawberry buttercream frosting truly steals the show. This frosting is so velvety smooth and rich, it will literally melt in your mouth, leaving a burst of fresh strawberry flavor. The secret to its intense berry taste lies in the generous use of strawberry jam. We also added a touch of malted milk powder to the buttercream, harmonizing it beautifully with the cake layers. For that appealing milkshake-pink hue, a few drops of red food coloring were added, though you can certainly omit this step if you prefer a more natural cream color. This frosting isn’t just a topping; it’s an experience, turning every bite into a moment of pure bliss.
If you’re simply aiming for an incredible cake to savor at home, you could stop right after frosting it. But if you’re looking to elevate your dessert to a show-stopping “wow factor,” consider decorating the outside with Whoppers Strawberry Milkshake candies. Using store-bought candies and cookies as decorations is not only incredibly fun but also incredibly forgiving. Even if you’re a novice baker worried about perfectly smooth frosting, these candies work wonders at concealing any imperfections. Once those delightful Whoppers are arranged on top, your cake will instantly transform into an A+ masterpiece, with any minor frosting mishaps cleverly hidden from view. This easy decorating trick ensures a stunning presentation every time, making it ideal for birthdays, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal stress.
We believe that baking should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, and this Strawberry Malted Milkshake Cake embodies that philosophy. From the convenience of a boxed mix to the luxurious homemade buttercream and the playful Whoppers topping, every element is designed for maximum flavor and visual appeal with approachable steps. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for seasoned bakers and beginners alike. Imagine the smiles on faces as they taste the delicate balance of vanilla, the subtle malted notes, and the vibrant strawberry goodness, all crowned with crunchy, candy-coated perfection. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration in every slice, promising a memorable experience for everyone at your table.
We would love for you to join our community and follow along with us at Tastes of Lizzy T. You can find us sharing more delicious recipes, baking tips, and culinary adventures on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. Stop by, say hello, and let us know what you’re baking next!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking and Ingredients
Can Cake Be Frozen?
Yes, cakes freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers for later indulgence. To ensure your cake retains its freshness and flavor in the freezer, first allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent condensation, which can lead to a soggy cake upon thawing. Once cool, wrap the cake tightly in at least two layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This triple-layer protection helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps unwanted odors from seeping in. Properly wrapped, a cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours, depending on its size.
Are Malted Milk Candies Gluten-Free?
Unfortunately, malted milk candies are generally not gluten-free. Malt powder, the key ingredient that gives malted milk its distinctive flavor, is typically derived from barley malt. Barley, along with wheat and rye, contains gluten. Therefore, any product containing malted milk powder, including popular malted milk candies, will contain gluten. Individuals following a gluten-free diet should always check ingredient labels carefully and look for certified gluten-free alternatives if they wish to enjoy similar flavors.
Can You Use Margarine Instead of Butter in Cake?
While margarine can sometimes be substituted for butter in baking, the results may vary, especially in cakes. If a recipe calls for melted butter, melted margarine can often work as a direct substitute without significantly altering the outcome. However, for recipes that specify softened butter, such as most cake and buttercream recipes, swapping in margarine can lead to noticeable differences in texture and flavor. Margarine has a higher water content and different fat composition than butter, which can result in cakes that are less tender, lighter in texture, and sometimes even crumbly. In cookies, margarine tends to make them spread out more and become less crisp. For the best flavor and texture in delicate baked goods like cakes, butter is generally the preferred choice due to its rich flavor, lower water content, and consistent performance in creaming and emulsifying.
Strawberry Malted Milkshake Cake Recipe
Strawberry Malted Milkshake Cake
Sweet Basil
5 mins
26 mins
1 hr 1 min
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
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius).
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the dry cake mix and the malted milk powder.
-
Add the milk, canola oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients.
-
Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes, ensuring to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
-
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly.
-
Divide the prepared cake batter evenly between the two greased and floured cake pans.
-
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius) for 24-26 minutes. To test for doneness, gently touch the center of the cake; it should spring back when lightly pressed.
-
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully loosen the edges of the cakes with a knife before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cakes are completely cool, prepare the strawberry buttercream.
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the softened butter for 2-3 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and almost white in color.
-
Add the vanilla extract, strawberry jam, and malted milk powder to the whipped butter.
-
Mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
-
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated.
-
If the buttercream appears too stiff, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, beating the frosting between each addition until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
-
Continue adding milk as needed until the frosting is easily spread on the cake.
-
For a lovely pink color, add a few drops of red food coloring, mixing until the desired shade is achieved. This step is optional.
-
Place one cooled cake layer on your chosen cake plate or serving stand.
-
Spread a thick, even layer of strawberry buttercream on top of the first cake layer.
-
Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted first layer.
-
Proceed to frost the top and sides of the entire cake, working to smooth the frosting as you go and ensuring the cake is evenly covered and level.
-
Decorate the top of the cake with Strawberry Whoppers candies as desired. For an appealing presentation, you can create a border of Whoppers along the bottom edge of the cake. On the top, place three clean and dry fresh strawberries in the center, then generously cover the remaining surface with more Strawberry Whoppers.
-
Refrigerate the cake until it’s time to serve to allow the frosting to set.
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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If you’re looking for more delightful dessert ideas, check out these other favorites:
Cherry Almond Cake
Nutter Butter Peanut Butter Cake
Deep Fried Strawberry Shortcake Donuts
Strawberry Cake