Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (2024)

  • Recipes
  • Desserts

Marzipan is a soft almond paste eaten as candy or used in cakes and pastries. It’s full of sweet almond flavor and a lot easier to make at home than you might think.

By

Mark Beahm

Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (1)

Mark Beahm

Mark is the head baker at Hjem Kensington, a Danish café in London. He has been developing recipes for home bakers for the last two years.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated January 24, 2024

Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (2)

Trending Videos

Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (3)

In This Recipe

  • Marzipan Origins

  • Marzipan Vs. Almond Paste Vs. Frangipane

  • Use Almond Flour

  • Marzipan Uses

Marzipan is a soft, sweet, paste made with almonds and sugar. It can be eaten on its own, usually shaped into small fruits or cute animals, or used as a filling or covering for cakes and pastries. It’s full of sweet amaretto flavor and irresistible.

Marzipan is commonly bought ready-made, but sometimes marzipan can be hard to find in the grocery store or some brands may have ingredients or additives that you want to avoid. It turns out that making marzipan at home is actually incredibly easy and fast. It just takes about 5 minutes and a few ingredients you probably already have at home: almond flour, powdered sugar, and almond extract.

Marzipan, A Dessert Centuries Old

Marzipan has been around for many centuries and so the origins are a bit unclear. It most likely originated from China or the Middle East and was introduced to Europe through trade routes with the East. Several European cities have a long tradition of marzipan production, most notably Lübeck, Germany; Palermo, Italy; and Toledo, Spain.

Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (4)

The Difference Between Marzipan, Almond Paste, and Frangipane

Understandably, there’s a lot of confusion out there among the various almond fillings used in desserts like marzipan, almond paste, and frangipane. While they’re all made with almonds, they have major differences and applications in baking.

  • Marzipan is a paste made with finely ground almonds and sugar. While there are no standards in the US for almond content in marzipan, it tends to be between 25 and 30 percent by weight. Marzipan can be eaten raw and is used to make candies, ice cakes, or as a filling.
  • Almond paste is similar to marzipan, but it has more almonds and less sugar. Almond paste is generally 50 percent almond by weight. Almond paste can also be eaten raw and is generally used as an ingredient in cake batters, cookies, or fillings.
  • Frangipane is an almond cream for tarts and pastries made with butter, sugar, eggs, and almond flour or almond paste. It cannot be eaten raw and bakes into a nutty, velvety filling.

When a recipe calls for one of these ingredients, it’s best to stick with the ingredient specified.

Simple Tip!

While almond paste and marzipan are similar, the differing almond and sugar content will cause a significant difference in results when baking.

Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (5)

Use Ground Almond Flour for Marzipan

When making marzipan at home I always get the best, smoothest results when using finely ground almond flour. Almond meal, which is similar to almond flour but includes the almond skin, will also work well, but the marzipan will be a darker color. I have tried using whole blanched almonds, but I can never grind the almonds finely enough in my food processor.

Uses for Homemade Marzipan

Marzipan is a delicious candy on its own shaped or sculpted into various figures like small fruits or animals, which are especially popular around Christmas and Easter. You can also dip small mounds of marzipan in chocolate. It's especially good with dark chocolate to balance some of the sweetness.

It can also be used similarly to fondant as icing for cakes. You can use this homemade version without any adjustments in any cake or other pastry recipe that calls for marzipan.

Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (6)

More Almond Desserts

  • Marzipan Shortbread Cookies
  • Flourless Lemon Almond Cake
  • Homemade Almond Roca
  • Chinese Almond Cookies
  • Almond Shortbread Cookies

Easy Homemade Marzipan

Prep Time5 mins

Total Time5 mins

Servings12 servings

Yield12 ounces

For the best results, use finely ground almond flour. Almond meal, which is similar to almond flour but includes the almond skin, will also work well, but the marzipan will be a darker color.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (96g) almond flour (see recipe note)

  • 2 cups (227g) powdered sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

  • 2 tablespoons water

Method

  1. Combine the almond flour and powdered sugar:

    Place the almond flour and powdered sugar in a food processor and process until fully combined and finely powdered, about 2 minutes. Pause a couple of times to scrape the sides and corners with a rubber spatula.

    Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (7)

  2. Add the almond extract and water:

    Add the almond extract and water and run the food processor until the mixture comes together into a smooth ball, 1 to 2 minutes. If the mixture is still too dry to come together after 2 minutes of processing, add extra water, a teaspoon at a time, processing for a minute after each addition. It should come together into a thick paste resembling fondant icing or playdough.

    Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (8)

  3. Knead the marzipan:

    Remove the marzipan from the food processor onto a clean surface, using a spatula to get any bits under the blades that weren’t incorporated. Use your hands to gently knead the marzipan on the counter for about 30 seconds, just to ensure everything is evenly combined and smooth.

    Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (9)

  4. Roll the marzipan into a log:

    Roll the marzipan into a log, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate until ready to use. The marzipan will firm up slightly in the refrigerator.

    Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (10)

    Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (11)

    Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (12)

  5. Storage:

    Store the marzipan in the refrigerator wrapped air-tight in plastic wrap for up to 10 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

    To defrost the marzipan, leave in in the refrigerator, wrapped, overnight or for at least 3 to 4 hours before using.

    Did you love this recipe? Give us some stars below!

    Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (13)

  • Desserts
  • Candy
  • Recipes
  • Gluten-Free
  • Gluten-Free Desserts
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
120Calories
4g Fat
21g Carbs
2g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories120
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g5%
Saturated Fat 0g2%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 1mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 21g7%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Total Sugars 19g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 22mg2%
Iron 0mg2%
Potassium 59mg1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Marzipan Lovers, Unite: Make This Easy Marzipan Recipe at Home (2024)

FAQs

How is marzipan made from scratch? ›

Mix the sugars and almonds in a large bowl, then rub in the vanilla seeds until even. Make a well in the middle, then tip in the eggs and citrus juice. Cut the wet ingredients into the dry with a cutlery knife. Dust the surface with icing sugar, then knead the marzipan briefly with your hands to a smooth dough.

What is the difference between almond paste and marzipan? ›

Almond paste has twice the amount of almonds in it compared to marzipan, making it coarser in texture and less sweet than its counterpart. Their consistency also differs as marzipan is smooth and pliable, almost clay-like, while almond paste is somewhat gritty and spreadable, almost like a cookie dough.

Is it safe to use raw eggs in marzipan? ›

As it contains raw eggs it shouldn't be given to anyone in an at-risk group, including pregnant women, the elderly, the unwell and the very young.

What is German marzipan made of? ›

Marzipan is a confection consisting primarily of sugar and almond meal (ground almonds), sometimes augmented with almond oil or extract.

Why is marzipan so expensive? ›

Marzipan comes from nuts—it's traditionally made with ground almonds. In order to maintain quality standards, many countries regulate the percentage of almonds a recipe must have for it to be legally called "marzipan." This discourages the use of apricot kernels as a cheap substitute for almonds.

What is the best marzipan in the world? ›

The World's Finest Marzipan

Lubeca has been producing marzipan since 1904. The company continues to use traditional methods of production and is recognized by bakers, pastry chefs and chocolatiers as one of the leading producers of high quality almond paste marzipan.

What is marzipan called in America? ›

Also called almond candy dough, marzipan is an agreeable, multi-purpose combo of the first two, with a subtle almond flavor and unmatched malleability. Be sure to try these marzipan cake recipes.

What is so special about marzipan? ›

The glory of marzipan is because it holds a shape easily, you can cut out or mold your own figures to decorate holiday pastries. It's also used as a kind of heavy-duty frosting for Christmas cakes because it helps long-keeping cakes (like fruitcakes) retain their moisture instead of going stale.

What is a substitute for marzipan paste? ›

You can use store-bought almond paste to make marzipan but you cannot make almond paste from marzipan. In a pinch, you can substitute marzipan for almond paste, but be sure to reduce the amount of sugar called for in the recipe because marzipan is sweeter than almond paste.

How long will homemade marzipan keep? ›

How long does homemade marzipan keep? It will keep in the fridge for up to 6 weeks. If using it to cover a cake, the marzipan must be allowed to fully dry on the cake for 2-3 days before applying the sugarpaste. Dry marzipan kept it in a cool dry place should be fine for 2-3 months.

Do you leave a marzipan cake uncovered? ›

Once the cake has been covered with marzipan, the marzipan needs to dry out. Otherwise the oils from the marzipan can seep into the icing, causing discolouration. As you need the marzipan to dry out, we do not recommend wrapping the cake at this point or storing in an airtight container.

Can you freeze marzipan? ›

A: If you have only used part of a packet of marzipan and have no immediate use for the left overs, you can tightly wrap the unused marzipan in freezer bags and freeze for up to 6 months. If your packets are unopened you will probably find you don't need to as marzipan naturally has a long shelf life.

What is the marzipan capital of the world? ›

Lübeck, as the capital of the Hanseatic League, was an important trading hub, which ensured a steady supply of ingredients. Consequently, in the 18th century, the marzipan produced in Lübeck started becoming well known for its high quality, due to its high almond content.

Why is my marzipan cracking? ›

Don't roll it out on too much icing sugar, as it gets drier and cracks more. If not using immediately, store it in the fridge tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or clingfilm.

What is marzipan made of in Mexico? ›

Almonds, sugar, and eggs are the ingredients of this delicious dessert. It's very traditional in Toledo, Spain, and known worldwide, especially in Mexico.

Is marzipan healthy? ›

Is marzipan good for health? Marzipan contains almonds which are a good source of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, plus vitamin E. However, bought marzipan also contains a lot of sugar.

Why is marzipan so tasty? ›

For starters, it's hard to ignore the difference in taste. Fondant is primarily made with icing sugar, so you'll need to add extra ingredients if you want it to have a distinct flavour. On the other hand, the ground almonds in marzipan contribute to its unmistakable almond aroma and taste.

References

Top Articles
The Healthcare Interoperability Road Trip – “Are We There Yet?” - MedCity News
For Nurses | Medical City Healthcare
Metra Union Pacific West Schedule
What is Mercantilism?
The Definitive Great Buildings Guide - Forge Of Empires Tips
Tj Nails Victoria Tx
EY – все про компанію - Happy Monday
New Day Usa Blonde Spokeswoman 2022
Erskine Plus Portal
Geometry Escape Challenge A Answer Key
Chastity Brainwash
Skylar Vox Bra Size
Jesus Calling Oct 27
Kiddle Encyclopedia
Nine Perfect Strangers (Miniserie, 2021)
Craigslist Southern Oregon Coast
Ein Blutbad wie kein anderes: Evil Dead Rise ist der Horrorfilm des Jahres
Marine Forecast Sandy Hook To Manasquan Inlet
Vegas7Games.com
Encore Atlanta Cheer Competition
Cable Cove Whale Watching
Ordensfrau: Der Tod ist die Geburt in ein Leben bei Gott
My Reading Manga Gay
What is Software Defined Networking (SDN)? - GeeksforGeeks
Ehome America Coupon Code
49S Results Coral
Swimgs Yuzzle Wuzzle Yups Wits Sadie Plant Tune 3 Tabs Winnie The Pooh Halloween Bob The Builder Christmas Autumns Cow Dog Pig Tim Cook’s Birthday Buff Work It Out Wombats Pineview Playtime Chronicles Day Of The Dead The Alpha Baa Baa Twinkle
Restaurants Near Calvary Cemetery
Little Caesars Saul Kleinfeld
Vistatech Quadcopter Drone With Camera Reviews
Shiftwizard Login Johnston
Southern Democrat vs. MAGA Republican: Why NC governor race is a defining contest for 2024
Exploring TrippleThePotatoes: A Popular Game - Unblocked Hub
Kips Sunshine Kwik Lube
Samsung 9C8
Telegram update adds quote formatting and new linking options
Regis Sectional Havertys
Oxford House Peoria Il
2023 Fantasy Football Draft Guide: Rankings, cheat sheets and analysis
Cpmc Mission Bernal Campus & Orthopedic Institute Photos
Updates on removal of DePaul encampment | Press Releases | News | Newsroom
Beaufort SC Mugshots
Cnp Tx Venmo
Florida Lottery Claim Appointment
Craigslist Food And Beverage Jobs Chicago
Expendables 4 Showtimes Near Malco Tupelo Commons Cinema Grill
Ehc Workspace Login
Bbwcumdreams
Craigslist Com Brooklyn
Nfl Espn Expert Picks 2023
E. 81 St. Deli Menu
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. An Powlowski

Last Updated:

Views: 6427

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. An Powlowski

Birthday: 1992-09-29

Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

Phone: +26417467956738

Job: District Marketing Strategist

Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.