I am always looking for new cake ideas and this is a fun idea for a birthday cake using malt candies and malt powder. This is a chocolate cake with a malt filling and is topped with a thick chocolate ganache.

Chocolate Cake

In a large mixing bowl, sift together dry ingredients:

• 2 and 1/2 cups flour
• 1 and 1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder 
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt

Mix together wet ingredients and then add into dry:

• 3/4 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
• 1 and 1/4 cups milk mixed with 1 and 1/2 tsp vinegar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla

Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 30 minutes in two 9 inch round parchment lined baking pans. Cool.

Malt Filling:

Whip together:

• 3/4 cup softened butter
• 3/4 cup malt powder
• 2 and 1/2 cups icing sugar
• pinch salt
• 2 tbsp milk

Once whipped, add prepared chocolate ganache (recipe below) and whip again:

• 2 tbsp chocolate ganache

Chocolate Ganache

In a small saucepan, heat until just simmering:

• 1/2 cup whipping cream

The pour over chocolate and whisk:

• 1 and 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Whisk ganache until smooth and let come to room temperature. It will turn thick, glossy and spreadable.

Slice each layer into two so you have 4 layers. Spread a thin layer of malt filling in between each layer and spread a little around the sides as well to smooth the edges. Refrigerate for an hour. Spread the ganache evenly over the sides and top and decorate with malt candies.