Almond Paste Recipe
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Almond paste is easy to make at home with just four ingredients and a food processor. It can be used in cakes, pastries, and other baked goods.
What is almond paste?
Almond paste is a baking ingredient used for baked goods like cookies, cakes, tarts, and more. It is made from ground almonds or almond meal with sugar in equal parts and then a binder like oil, eggs, or heavy cream.
You can make a homemade almond paste with just a few ingredients!
Almond paste vs marzipan
Almond paste has more almonds than sugar and is softer than marzipan. Almond paste will hold up in baking whereas marzipan is typically used for things like decorations as it is easy to sculpt into shapes and different molds. Almond paste is primarily used as a filling in baked goods. Marzipan since it is sweeter it’s traditionally used to make candies and edible decorations.
Almond paste can be pricey so it’s easy to make it at home. If you have made an almond paste recipe definitely consider giving it a try!
Almond paste recipe ingredients
Ingredient notes
- Almond Flour – This is the base of the recipe. You could also use blanched almonds and grind them down.
- Powdered Sugar – If you don’t have powdered sugar you can easily make it by blending regular sugar in a blender or food processor.
- Egg White – This will help bind the almond paste.
- Water – Only use if your almond paste is too dry.
- Almond Extract
- Salt
Step-by-step instructions
For the full ingredient amount and full instructions on how to make almond paste see the recipe card below.
Combine almond flour and powdered sugar in a bowl and mix well.
Add the mixture to a food processor and then blend for a minute until there are no lumps remaining.
Add the remaining ingredients aside from the water and mix for another minute or two, scrape down the sides if needed.
Feel the mixture, if it seems dry add in a little water if needed. It should feel doughy.
Remove the mixture from the food processor and knead until it is nice and smooth.
Form it into a log shape and then wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Recipe tips and variations
- The mixture will look grainy and thick in the food processor. It will come together more once you start kneading the mixture.
- Don’t add too much water, if needed you can wait until you start kneading to see the texture. Depending on the flour you may or may not need it.
- It will feel firmer once you refrigerate. Just slice and use as needed.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate: Store any almond paste leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 weeks.
- Freeze: To freez almond paste you’ll want to wrap it in plastic wrap and then place into a freezer safe bag to prevent freezer burn. Use within 6 months.
How to use almond paste
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you’ll want to blanch the almonds and then blend until they become a fine meal. You’ll need to use less, about half the amount of blanched almond meal. Add more powdered sugar if needed to prevent stickiness.
Almond paste is usually in the baking section of your local grocery store.
We don’t feel comfortable eating almond paste raw. Consuming raw and lightly cooked eggs poses a risk of foodborne illness so we err on the side of caution. Keep in mind that almond paste contains raw eggs and is meant to be baked.
recipes using almond paste
Almond Paste
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups Almond Flour
- 1 3/4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 large Egg White
- 3 tablespoons Water if needed, optional
- 2 teaspoons Almond Extract
- 1 pinch Salt
Instructions
- Combine the flour and powdered sugar in a bowl and mix until combined.
- Add the mixture to a large food processor and blend for about a minute or until no lumps remain.
- Add all the remaining ingredients except the water and mix another minute or two, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed.
- If the mixture seems dry to where it won’t mold into a ball, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it takes on a doughy consistency.
- Add the mixture back to a bowl and knead until it nicely and smoothly forms into a log shape.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and place in the fridge. You can use the almond paste immediately or store it until you’re ready to use it.
Notes
Nutrition
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