Malted Milk Cream Pie Recipe

Learn how to make this homemade Malted Milk Cream Pie with its buttery graham cracker crust and silky malted pudding filling. This easy baking recipe transforms the nostalgic flavor of malted milk into an irresistible dessert topped with fresh whipped cream – the best weekend treat for malted milk lovers!
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
Overhead shot of a perfectly sliced malted milk cream pie on a vintage milk-glass cake stand, with one slice partially pulled away to reveal its distinct layers. Natural window light highlights the contrast between the golden-brown graham cracker crust, the caramel-toned malted milk filling, and the pillowy white whipped cream topping dusted with crushed malted milk balls. Small glasses of milk and scattered whole malted milk balls decorate the rustic wooden table surface, while the pie's smooth, glossy filling catches the light beautifully against the textured crust.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Graham Cracker Crust:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g graham crackers (or digestive biscuits)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">85g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Malted Milk Filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">45g cornstarch</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">700ml whole milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80g malted milk powder (such as Horlicks or Ovaltine)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large egg yolks, room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g unsalted butter, cubed and softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Whipped Cream Topping:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300ml heavy cream, cold</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g powdered sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">25g malted milk powder (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80g malted milk balls, crushed, for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) pie dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Food processor</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Medium saucepan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine-mesh sieve</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer or electric hand mixer</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C. Start by preparing the graham cracker crust. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they form fine crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the sugar and salt, then pour in the melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed between your fingers. The butter acts as both binder and flavoring here, so ensure it's evenly distributed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your pie dish. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crust – this ensures it won't crumble when sliced. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. The brief baking time helps set the crust and enhances its nutty flavor. Cool completely on a wire rack.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>For the malted milk filling, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. This dry mixture will help prevent lumps when the liquid is added. Gradually whisk in the milk, followed by the malted milk powder, ensuring there are no lumps. The cornstarch is your thickening agent, so it needs to be fully dissolved before heating.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken, about 6-8 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear path when you run your finger through it. The continuous whisking prevents scorching and ensures even cooking of the cornstarch.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Temper the yolks by slowly adding about 240ml of the hot milk mixture while whisking constantly. This gradually brings up the temperature of the yolks without scrambling them. Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously, until the filling is thick like pudding.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and butter pieces until completely melted and incorporated. The butter enriches the filling and gives it a silky-smooth texture. Pass the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any lumps. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the filling (to prevent a skin from forming) and let cool for 15 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Pour the slightly cooled filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Cover again with plastic wrap directly touching the surface and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the filling to set properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>For the whipped cream topping, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes (cold equipment helps achieve maximum volume). Combine the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and malted milk powder (if using) in the chilled bowl. Beat on medium-low speed until small bubbles form, then increase to medium-high and beat until soft peaks form. Don't overbeat or you'll make butter!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie, creating decorative swirls with a spoon or piping it on with a pastry bag. Sprinkle crushed malted milk balls over the top. The contrast between the smooth cream and crunchy candy adds wonderful textural interest.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Return the pie to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the topping to set. For the cleanest slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. The pie will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the crust may soften slightly over time.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Malted Milk Cream Pie?

This pie features graham crackers, butter, sugar, cornstarch, whole milk, malted milk powder, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. The distinctive flavour comes from malted milk powder, while crushed malted milk balls add a decorative crunchy garnish.

How to cook Malted Milk Cream Pie at home?

Learn how to cook Malted Milk Cream Pie by first baking a graham cracker crust, then preparing a stovetop malted milk pudding filling that needs proper tempering of egg yolks. After the filling sets in the refrigerator, top with freshly whipped cream and crushed malted milk balls for a nostalgic dessert that balances silky and crunchy textures.

Can I use chocolate malted milk powder instead of plain?

Yes, chocolate malted milk powder works beautifully in this recipe for a chocolate twist. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly (by about 15-20g) as chocolate versions tend to be sweeter. This variation creates a delicious chocolate malt flavour while maintaining the pie's creamy texture.

Why did my malted milk filling not set properly?

Undercooked filling is the most common cause. The mixture must reach a proper simmer and thicken until it coats the back of a spoon. Also ensure you're using the correct amount of cornstarch and allow sufficient chilling time (minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight) for it to set completely.

How far in advance can I make this cream pie?

You can prepare the crust and filling up to 2 days ahead, keeping them refrigerated. Add the whipped cream topping no more than 24 hours before serving for best results. The fully assembled pie keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, though the crust may soften slightly.

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This dry mixture will help prevent lumps when the liquid is added. Gradually whisk in the milk, followed by the malted milk powder, ensuring there are no lumps. The cornstarch is your thickening agent, so it needs to be fully dissolved before heating." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cook Filling", "text": "Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken, about 6-8 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear path when you run your finger through it. The continuous whisking prevents scorching and ensures even cooking of the cornstarch." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add Egg Yolks", "text": "In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Temper the yolks by slowly adding about 240ml of the hot milk mixture while whisking constantly. This gradually brings up the temperature of the yolks without scrambling them. Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously, until the filling is thick like pudding." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Finish Filling", "text": "Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and butter pieces until completely melted and incorporated. The butter enriches the filling and gives it a silky-smooth texture. Pass the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any lumps. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the filling (to prevent a skin from forming) and let cool for 15 minutes." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Assemble Pie", "text": "Pour the slightly cooled filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Cover again with plastic wrap directly touching the surface and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. 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The contrast between the smooth cream and crunchy candy adds wonderful textural interest." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Chill and Serve", "text": "Return the pie to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the topping to set. For the cleanest slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. The pie will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the crust may soften slightly over time." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sophia Chen", "datePublished": "2023-06-25", "reviewBody": "This malted milk pie has the perfect nostalgic flavor! I've tried several malted milk desserts but this one truly captures that classic malt shop taste. The silky texture of the filling contrasts beautifully with the crunchy crust. Worth every calorie!", "name": "Nostalgic Perfection", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Eduardo Fernandez", "datePublished": "2023-07-12", "reviewBody": "The silky texture of this malted milk filling is incredible! I was worried it might be too sweet but the malt flavor comes through perfectly. I used Horlicks for the filling and it created that distinctive taste that reminds me of childhood treats. My new favorite pie recipe!", "name": "Silky Smooth Delight", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Amara Okafor", "datePublished": "2023-08-05", "reviewBody": "My husband absolutely loved this pie! He's a huge fan of malted milk and this dessert didn't disappoint. The graham cracker crust held together perfectly when sliced, which is sometimes a challenge with cream pies. He's already requested it again for Father's Day next year!", "name": "Husband's New Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Johansson", "datePublished": "2023-09-18", "reviewBody": "This pie definitely beats any diner malted milkshake I've ever had! The combination of the creamy filling with the crunchy malt balls on top creates the perfect texture contrast. I added a bit more malt powder to the whipped cream for extra flavor and it was divine.", "name": "Better Than A Milkshake", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Miriam Goldstein", "datePublished": "2023-10-30", "reviewBody": "I'm usually intimidated by custard-based pies but this recipe was straightforward and turned out perfectly! The kids demolished it in minutes and are already asking when I'll make it again. The graham cracker crust was especially delicious with the malted filling.", "name": "Family Pleaser", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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