Description
A nostalgic trip to an old-fashioned soda fountain. Elevating a simple cake mix with malt powder and sour cream, these treats feature a soft, malty crumb topped with a cloud-like, stabilized strawberry whipped frosting that captures the essence of a thick, creamy shake.
Ingredients
The Malty Cupcake Base
- 1 box white cake mix
- 4 tbsp malt powder, 4 egg whites (room temp)
- 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp sea salt
Stabilized Strawberry Frosting
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/3 cup vanilla instant pudding mix (dry)
- 3 tbsp strawberry milk powder
Instructions
Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a muffin pan.
Mix: Beat cake mix, malt, egg whites, sour cream, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
The Thermal Trick: Fill liners 3/4 full. Place in oven and immediately drop heat to 350°F.
Bake: Bake 18–20 mins until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Frosting: In a chilled bowl, whip cold cream, sugar, dry pudding mix, and strawberry powder on high for 2–3 mins until stiff peaks form.
Decorate: Pipe onto stone-cold cupcakes and top with sprinkles.
Notes
The ‘High-to-Low’ Secret: The initial 375°F burst provides a rapid rise for domed tops, while 350°F ensures a moist crumb.
Why Pudding Mix? Dry instant pudding mix stabilizes the whipped cream, preventing weeping for up to 48 hours.
Cold is Key: Ensure the cream and bowl are chilled to prevent the frosting from separating into butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cupcakes
- Method: Stabilized Whipping / Baking
- Cuisine: American Diner Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 340
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0.2
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 45
Keywords: strawberry milkshake cupcakes, malted strawberry cupcakes, stabilized whipped cream frosting, nesquik strawberry frosting, easy cake mix hacks, soda fountain desserts