Easy Homemade Marzipan (Almond Paste)

This recipe for Easy Homemade Marzipan is a game-changer, showing you how to create the classic sweet almond confection right in your own kitchen with just a few simple ingredients. This no-cook recipe results in a smooth, pliable, and incredibly flavorful marzipan that is far superior to any store-bought version. It has a pure, rich almond flavor that’s perfect for candy-making, baking, or simply enjoying on its own.

Often confused with almond paste, marzipan is sweeter and smoother, making it ideal for shaping into delicate figures or covering cakes. This foolproof recipe comes together in minutes using a food processor and is the perfect entry into the world of classic European confectionery.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better Than Store-Bought: Has a fresher, more authentic almond flavor without any artificial additives.
• Incredibly Easy & Quick: A simple, no-cook recipe that comes together in less than 10 minutes.
• Versatile Confection: The perfect base for making candies, covering cakes, or using as a filling in baked goods.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: A delicious treat that’s naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Blanched Almond Flour
• 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
• 2 Egg Whites (pasteurized recommended) or 3-4 tablespoons of corn syrup/honey for an egg-free version
• 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Rose Water (optional, for a classic European flavor)
• Optional: Gel food coloring

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor, add the almond flour and powdered sugar. Pulse a few times to combine and break up any lumps.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg whites, almond extract, and rose water (if using) to the food processor.
3. Process Until Smooth: Process the mixture on high for 1-2 minutes. The mixture will first look crumbly, but will eventually come together to form a smooth, thick paste. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Knead and Shape: Turn the marzipan out onto a surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Knead it a few times until it is completely smooth. Shape it into a log or a disk.
5. Store: Wrap the marzipan tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Store in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

• Pro Tip: For the smoothest marzipan, sift your almond flour and powdered sugar before adding them to the food processor to remove any lumps.
• Egg-Free Version: For an egg-free marzipan, you can use light corn syrup, glucose, or honey instead of egg whites. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more, a teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
• Coloring Marzipan: To color your marzipan, add a tiny drop of gel food coloring and knead the dough until the color is uniform. It’s perfect for making little marzipan fruits and figures.
• Marzipan vs. Almond Paste: Marzipan is smooth, sweet, and pliable, ideal for candy and decoration. Almond paste is coarser, less sweet, and is typically used as an ingredient or filling in baked goods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Do I have to use blanched almond flour?
  • Yes, blanched almond flour (made from almonds with their skins removed) is essential for the smooth texture and pale color of classic marzipan. Almond meal, which contains the skins, will result in a darker, coarser paste.
• How do I store homemade marzipan?
  • Wrapped tightly, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to a month. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
• Is it safe to use raw egg whites?
  • For safety, it’s best to use pasteurized egg whites, which are available in cartons at most grocery stores. This eliminates any risk of salmonella.

Serving Suggestions

• Use your homemade marzipan to create classic treats like marzipan-stuffed dates or chocolate-covered marzipan candies. It’s also a fantastic filling for pastries like croissants or stollen. For a simple treat, just slice a piece from the log and enjoy!

Abby

Homemade Marzipan (Almond Paste)

This easy homemade marzipan (almond paste) recipe saves money and tastes incredible! With just almonds, sugar, and flavorings, you can whip it up in 5 minutes for candies, decorations, or desserts.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Candy, Condiment, Dessert

Cuisine: German, Italian

Calories: 281

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups very finely ground blanched almond flour
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (or Swerve Confectioner Sweetener for sugar-free)
• 2 teaspoons pure almond extract
• 1 teaspoon food grade rose water

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap

Method

 

1. Place the almond flour and powdered sugar in a food processor. Pulse until combined and lumps are broken up.
2. Add almond extract and rose water. Pulse to combine.
3. Add the egg white or water/liquid sweetener. Process until a thick dough forms. Adjust texture with more almond flour (if too wet) or water (if too firm).
4. Turn dough onto a work surface and knead a few times. Shape into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate.

Notes

✅ Add extra powdered sugar for a firmer marzipan if shaping figures.
✅ Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or in the freezer for 6 months.
✅ Bring to room temperature before using.
✅ You can make this sugar-free by substituting Swerve Confectioner Sweetener.
✅ Use pasteurized egg whites or reconstituted powdered egg whites if preferred.