19 Ideal Malt Biscuits Substitutes For Your Next Baking Adventure

Malt biscuits are a staple in many households for their versatility and satisfying crunch. Whether you are thinking of a sweet treat or looking for a satisfying snack, malt biscuits are a great choice.

However, sometimes it’s difficult to find malt biscuits or a recipe that calls for them.

Don’t worry! As an experienced home cook and chef, I have curated a list of the 19 ideal malt biscuits substitutes that you can use in all your baking needs.

In short, "What can I use instead of malt biscuit?"

Digestive Biscuits, Oat Biscuits, Shortbread Cookies, Ginger Snaps, Graham Crackers, Speculoos, Vanilla Wafers, Shortcake, Biscoff Biscuits, Arrowroot Biscuits, Oreo Cookies, Vanilla Wafers, Pretzels, Rice Krispies Cereal and many others.

What are malt biscuits, and what do malt biscuits taste like?

Malt biscuits are a type of sweet biscuit made with malt extract and flavored with cocoa powder or chocolate.

They have a sweet malty flavor similar to that found in malt loaf, Winter Barley Wine, or even Ovaltine. 

The texture is crispy on the externals but soft and chewy inside. Malt biscuits can be eaten as they are or served with butter, ice cream, jam or other spreads.

They make an excellent snack for any time of the day!

What are malt biscuits made of?

1.   Malted barley extract: This is the key ingredient that gives malt biscuits their distinct flavor.

Malted barley extract is derived from barley grains that have been sprouted, dried, and ground. It adds a rich, sweet, and slightly toasty taste to the biscuits.

2.   Flour: Typically, plain or all-purpose flour is used as the base ingredient for malt biscuits. It provides structure and texture to the biscuits.

3.   Sugar: Granulated or caster sugar is commonly used to sweeten the biscuits and enhance their flavor.

4.   Butter: Butter is added to provide moisture, richness, and a tender texture to the biscuits.

5.   Baking powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise and gives them a light and fluffy texture.

6.   Salt: A small amount of salt is often added to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the biscuits.

7.   Additional flavorings: Depending on the recipe, other flavorings like vanilla extract or spices such as cinnamon may be included to add extra taste.

Uses of malt biscuits

1.   Snacking: Malt biscuits are often eaten as a snack on their own. They can be enjoyed as a quick bite between meals or as a take with a cup of tea or coffee.

2.   Baking ingredient: Crushed malt biscuits can be used as a base for cheesecakes, pies, and desserts. They add a delicious malt flavor and provide a crunchy texture to the finished dish.

3.   Dessert crusts: Malt biscuits can be crushed and mixed with melted butter to create a flavorful crust for desserts like cheesecakes, tart bases, or ice cream cakes.

4.   Toppings: Crushed malt biscuits can be sprinkled on top of ice cream, yogurt, or pudding to add a crunchy element and enhance the overall taste.

5.   Milkshakes and smoothies: Malt biscuits can be blended with milk, ice cream, and other ingredients to make delicious malt-flavored milkshakes or smoothies. They add a unique taste and texture to the beverages.

6.   Icebox cakes: Malt biscuits can be layered with whipped cream or pudding to create a no-bake icebox cake. The biscuits absorb moisture and soften slightly, creating a cake-like texture when chilled.

7.   Pie crusts: Crushed malt biscuits can be used as a base for pie crusts, especially for flavors that pair well with malts, such as chocolate or caramel.

8.   Tiramisu: Malt biscuits can be used instead of ladyfingers in tiramisu, providing a different flavor profile and texture to the classic Italian dessert.

9.   Energy bars: Malt biscuits can be combined with other ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, and honey to make homemade energy bars. They provide a tasty and energy-rich snack option.

10.   Trifle: Crushed malt biscuits can be used as a layer in trifles, alternating with fruits, custard, and whipped cream. They add a pleasant malt flavor and a bit of crunch to the dessert.

Best malt biscuits substitutes

1. Digestive Biscuits 

digestive biscuits are great malt biscuits substitutes

This type of biscuit is a great substitute for malt biscuits, as it has a similar texture and taste. They are a great substitute for cheesecake and crust recipes.

Ratio or measurement: 1 cup of crushed digestive biscuits is equivalent to 10 malt biscuits.

Most importantly, it’s widely available and can be found at most grocery stores.

2. Oat Biscuits 

Oat biscuits taste fantastic in cakes and other sweet recipes that require malt biscuits. Just like digestive biscuits, oat biscuits have a similar texture making them an ideal substitute.

3. Shortbread Cookies 

Shortbread cookies have a rich, buttery taste that pairs well with fruit tarts and cheesecakes. They have a similar texture to malt biscuits but are less sweet.

Ratio or measurement: 1 cup of crushed shortbread cookies is equivalent to 10 malt biscuits.

4. Ginger Snaps 

ginger snap is a great substitute for malt biscuit

Although ginger snaps have a stronger flavor than malt biscuits, they still make an excellent substitute.

They are perfect for making pie crusts or cookies with an added spicy twist.

5. Graham Crackers 

These crackers are a great substitute for malt biscuits in cheesecakes or pie crusts. They have a similar texture to malt biscuits and add a subtle sweetness to your baked dish.

Ratio or measurement: 1 cup of crushed graham crackers is equivalent to 10 malt biscuits.

Crushed graham crackers can be perfect for pie crust bases and are easy to find in grocery stores.

6. Speculoos 

This popular Belgian biscuit is a perfect substitute for malt biscuits in puddings, trifles, and cheesecakes. A hint of spice, it adds a lovely flavor to any recipe.

7. Vanilla Wafers 

Vanilla wafers can be used as an adequate substitute for malt biscuits in recipes. 

These biscuits have a smoother texture compared to malt biscuits, which makes them great for making pudding-based desserts.

8. Shortcake

shortcake is a good alternate for malt biscuit

This biscuit is soft, crumbly, and buttery, making it a great substitute for malt biscuits. It can be used for cake, pie, or even as a topping for fruit.

9. Biscoff Biscuits 

Biscoff cookies are a popular Belgian cookie that has recently achieved popularity in the United States.

They have a graham-like texture and a sweet caramel flavor. They are great in cheesecake recipes or as a topping for ice cream.

Ratio or measurement: 1 cup of crushed Biscoff cookies is equivalent to 10 malt biscuits.

10. Arrowroot Biscuits 

Arrowroot biscuits are a classic substitute for malt biscuits commonly used in custards and puddings. They have a bland taste, but their texture resembles malt biscuits.

11. Oreo Cookies 

Oreo cookies have a crunchy texture and a unique flavor, making them a superb addition to any dessert recipe that calls for malt biscuits.

The chocolatey flavor of Oreos pairs well with ice cream recipes.

Ratio or measurement: 1 cup of crushed Oreos is equivalent to 10 malt biscuits.

12. Vanilla Wafers 

vanilla wafers are nice substitute for malt biscuits

Vanilla wafers have a crunchy texture and a sweet vanilla flavor that goes well with no-bake or ice cream recipes. They have a thin texture and can be easily crushed.

Ratio or measurement: 1 cup of crushed vanilla wafers is equivalent to 10 malt biscuits.

13. Pretzels 

Pretzels offer a savory and crunchy substitute for malt biscuits. They are a great addition to pie crusts or as a topping for cheesecakes. They add a salty and crunchy texture to any dessert. 

Ratio or measurement: 1 cup of crushed pretzels is equivalent to 10 malt biscuits.

14. Rice Krispies Cereal 

Rice Krispies cereal has a light and crispy texture that makes it a perfect alternative for malt biscuits in recipes that require a crunchy texture.

They can be easily crushed and used in cheesecake crusts or as a topping for ice cream recipes. 

Ratio or measurement: 1 cup of crushed Rice Krispies is equivalent to 10 malt biscuits.

15. Teddy Grahams 

teddy grahams are good replacement for malt biscuits

Teddy Grahams are a great substitute for malt biscuits in recipes for children. They have a cute teddy bear shape and a sweet graham flavor. 

Ratio or measurement: 1 cup of crushed Teddy Grahams is equivalent to 10 malt biscuits.

16. Animal Crackers 

Animal crackers are a fun and playful substitute for malt biscuits. They come in various shapes and flavors and can be used in no-bake recipes or as a topping for ice cream.

Ratio or measurement: 1 cup of crushed animal crackers is equivalent to 10 malt biscuits.

vegan substitute for malt biscuits

Malt biscuits are a popular sweet treat, often made with dairy and eggs. For vegans looking for a delicious alternative, there are several fantastic options that provide the same level of sweetness and crunch as malt biscuits.

Here are three of the best vegan substitutes for malt biscuits, along with their recommended ratios:

1. Date-Walnut Biscuits

This vegan version of malt biscuits uses dates, walnuts and flaxseed meal as its main ingredients.

Ratio or measurement: For every cup of chopped dates, combine one cup of chopped walnuts, one tablespoon of flaxseed meal and two tablespoons of water to make a dough.

Roll into thin logs, cut into desired shapes and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit temperature for about 15 minutes.

2. Coconut-Oat Biscuits

This flavorful vegan biscuit is made with coconut flakes, oats and maple syrup.

Ratio or measurement: Combine one cup of coconut flakes with two cups of oats in a food processor until coarsely ground.

Add three tablespoons of maple syrup to make a dough; roll into narrow logs and cut into desired shapes before baking in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes.

3. Chocolate-Almond Biscuits

These deliciously indulgent vegan malt biscuits use cocoa powder, coconut oil and almond flour to create an irresistible treat that’s sure to please all tastes!

Ratio or measurement: Mix together one cup of almond flour with one tablespoon each of cocoa powder and coconut oil to make a dough; roll into thin logs and cut into desired shapes before baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.

Substitute for malt powder in bread

Malt powder is a key ingredient used to add flavor and texture to bread, as well as aiding in the rise of dough. Despite its importance, a number of substitutes can easily be used in place of malt powder when baking bread.

Here are some of the great options for malt powder in bread recipes:

1. Honey

Honey has a mild sweetness that can mimic the flavor that malt powder provides. It also helps to tenderize gluten strands and helps to promote a golden color in the final product.

Ratio or measurement: The ratio for substituting honey for malt powder is 1 cup of honey for every ¼ cup of malt powder.

2. Molasses

Molasses has a strong sweet flavor which works as an alternative to malt powder. It will enrich the dough’s color and provide added moisture while allowing the yeast to rise properly.

Ratio or measurement: Use ½ cup molasses per ¼ cup malted barley extract or other malted extracts if you opt for this substitution.

3. Agave Syrup

Agave syrup is naturally derived from agave plants, and it brings a subtle sweetness to your bread dough when used instead of malt powder.

This syrup provides extra moisture while helping with browning, and it also aids in making your bread less crumbly.

Ratio or measurement: The ratio for using agave syrup instead of malt powder is 1 cup agave syrup per ¼ cup malt powder.

4. Maple Syrup

Like agave syrup, maple syrup has a rich and complex taste that makes it perfect for replacing malt powder in bread without compromising quality or flavor too much (just make sure you use real maple syrup!).

Ratio or measurement: The ratio for substituting maple syrup for malt is 1/3 cup maple syrup for every ¼ cup of malt powder required by your recipe.

5. Brown sugar

Brown sugar adds flavor, texture, and color all at once when used as a substitute in place of malt extract or meal, even though it doesn’t have quite as much flavor potency as some other substitutes, like honey or molasses, do.

So if you need more sweetness, consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg as well!

Ratio or measurement: To replace one quarter-cup (60ml) of barley extract or other malted extracts, use half a cup (120ml) packed brown sugar instead with similar results but different flavors!

Find More- Diastatic Malt Powder Substitute

malt powder substitute bagels

Malt powder is commonly used in bagel recipes to add flavor, color, and a chewy texture. Here are some alternatives you can try:

1. Barley Malt Syrup

Barley malt syrup is a liquid sweetener made from sprouted barley grains. It has a similar flavor to malt powder and can provide the characteristic sweetness and maltiness desired in bagels.

Ratio or measurement: Replace the malt powder with an equal quantity of barley malt syrup in the recipe.

But keep in mind that the syrup has a higher moisture content, so you may need to adjust the liquid or flour amounts.

2. Honey

Honey is used as an alternative to malt powder in bagel recipes. While it doesn’t have the exact same flavor profile, it can add a touch of sweetness and contribute to the browning of the bagels.

Ratio or measurement: Use an equal amount of honey as a replacement for the malt powder.

Keep in mind that honey has a distinct flavor, so the bagels may have a slightly different taste.

3. Molasses

Molasses are used as a replacement for malt powder in bagels. It has a rich, robust flavor and can provide a similar depth to the bagels. 

Ratio or measurement: Replace the malt powder with an equal amount of molasses.

Keep in mind that molasses has a strong flavor, so the bagels may have a slightly different taste and color.

4. Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is used as a replacement for malt powder in bagels. While it won’t provide the exact malt flavor, it can add sweetness and contribute to the browning of the bagels.

Ratio or measurement: Replace the malt powder with an equal amount of brown sugar.

Ingredients similar to malt biscuits

Malt biscuits are popular for their rich, malty flavor and satisfying crunch. The core ingredients typically include:

1.   Flour: The base of the biscuit, often plain or all-purpose flour.

2.   Sugar: For sweetness, usually granulated or brown sugar.

3.   Malt Extract: This gives malt biscuits their distinct flavor. It is usually available in liquid or powder form.

4.   Butter: Used for its rich flavor and to provide a tender crumb.

5.   Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise.

6.   Milk or Water: To bind the ingredients together and add moisture.

If you’re looking for ingredients similar to those in malt biscuits for a similar end result, here are some possible substitutes:

1.   For Flour: Whole wheat flour, spelled flour, or gluten-free flour blends could be used for different dietary needs.

2.   For Sugar: Honey, maple syrup, or other sweeteners like stevia or erythritol could be used. Note that liquid sweeteners may alter the texture of the biscuit.

3.   For Malt Extract: If you don’t have malt extract, you could use malted milk powder (like Ovaltine), barley malt syrup, or brown rice syrup.

These will give a slightly different, but still malty, flavor. You could also use molasses for a deep, rich flavor, though it won’t be as malty.

4.   For Butter: Other fats like coconut oil, margarine, or shortening could be used, though this may alter the savor and texture of the biscuit.

5.   For Baking Powder: You can make your own by combining cream of tartar and baking soda, or use baking soda alone if you have another acidic ingredient in your recipe.

6.   For Milk/Water: Any non-dairy milk (like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk) could be used, or even yogurt or buttermilk, for a different flavor and texture.

Conclusion on malt biscuits substitute

You can see plenty of variety when it comes to malt biscuit substitutes, and it’s easy to find these substitutes at your local store. 

When selecting a substitute, it’s essential to keep in mind the recipe you’re making and the properties that the malt biscuits bring in terms of texture and taste. 

These substitutes help you create the perfect dessert without sacrificing the original recipe’s flavor or texture. Happy baking!

FAQs on malt biscuits substitute

Q1. What is similar to malt biscuits?

Similar to malt biscuits are crackers, cookies, scones, biscotti, rusks, and shortbread. These snacks usually contain flour or other grains, such as oats and barley, which are mixed with sweeteners like sugar or honey. They can also feature additions like nuts and spices for flavor.

Q2. How old are malted milk biscuits?

Malted milk biscuits are a type of biscuit with a sweet, malty taste that has been appreciated by people of all ages since they were 1st created in the late 19th century.

The original recipe for the malted milk biscuit included malt extract, which gave it its characteristic flavor, as well as wheat flour, baking soda, and other ingredients. Today’s versions typically include cocoa powder, chocolate chips or chunks, and other additions to give them a more modern twist.

While there is no particular answer to how old malted milk biscuits are, it is believed that these treats have been around for over 100 years. Their popularity continues today, and they can be found in many different forms, from baked goods to ice cream toppings.

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