Making homemade almond paste is an easy and rewarding process that results in a rich, flavorful ingredient perfect for pastries, cookies, or cakes. Whether you’re using it for marzipan, frangipane, or as a filling for baked goods, homemade almond paste offers superior taste and texture compared to store-bought versions. Here’s the best way to make it from scratch with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (150 grams) of raw almonds: You can use blanched almonds (with skins removed) for a smoother texture, but raw almonds with skins on give a deeper flavor.
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and helps bind the paste together.
- 1 tablespoon honey or light corn syrup: The honey provides moisture, sweetness, and helps with binding the paste.
- 1 tablespoon water: To adjust the consistency, you might need more or less depending on how dry the mixture becomes.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): For an added depth of flavor, especially if you’re using unsweetened almonds.
Equipment Needed
- Food processor or blender
- Fine sieve (if using raw almonds with skins)
- Airtight container for storage
Steps to Make Homemade Almond Paste
1. Prepare the Almonds (if using raw almonds)
If you’re using raw almonds with skins, start by blanching them. Place the almonds in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them sit for about 2 minutes, then drain the water. After the almonds have cooled slightly, use your fingers or a clean towel to remove the skins. This step is optional, but it will give you a smoother paste.
If you’re using blanched almonds, you can skip this step and proceed directly to grinding.
2. Grind the Almonds
Place the almonds into a food processor or high-powered blender. Pulse until they turn into a fine meal. Be patient, as it might take a couple of minutes. You want a powdery consistency, but be careful not to over-process, as the oils from the almonds may start to separate and form almond butter.
If using a blender, you might need to stop occasionally and scrape the sides of the container to ensure the almonds are ground evenly.
3. Add the Powdered Sugar
Once the almonds are finely ground, add the powdered sugar to the food processor. Pulse again to combine the two ingredients. The powdered sugar will help stabilize the almond paste and give it the right texture. It will also contribute to the sweetness of the paste.
4. Add the Honey and Water
Next, add the honey or corn syrup to the almond-sugar mixture. Begin pulsing again to mix everything together. Slowly add water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together into a thick, firm paste. You want the paste to hold together when pressed but not be too sticky or wet.
If the paste feels too dry, add a bit more water, a few drops at a time. If it’s too wet or sticky, add a little more powdered sugar or ground almonds until you reach the right consistency.
5. Add Almond Extract (Optional)
For extra almond flavor, you can add almond extract. This step is optional, as the natural almond flavor is already quite strong in the paste. If you want a more intense flavor, add up to 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.
Pulse a few more times to incorporate the extract evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Check the Consistency
Once everything is well combined, check the consistency of the paste. It should be smooth and slightly sticky but not runny. If you press it between your fingers, it should hold its shape and not crumble apart. If it’s too sticky, you can add a bit more powdered sugar to balance it out.
7. Store the Almond Paste
Once your almond paste is ready, remove it from the food processor and form it into a ball or log shape. Wrap the almond paste tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before rolling or shaping it for your baking projects.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh almonds: Fresh almonds will give your paste the best flavor and texture. Older almonds might result in a less fragrant paste.
- Sift the powdered sugar: To prevent lumps in the almond paste, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the almond meal.
- Adjust sweetness: Depending on the intended use, you may want to adjust the sweetness. If you’re using it for a marzipan recipe or a filling, you might prefer it a bit sweeter. Conversely, for a more neutral paste, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Use a food processor for the best texture: While a blender can work, a food processor is preferred because it gives you better control over the consistency and is better at handling the almond meal.
How to Use Homemade Almond Paste
Homemade almond paste is a versatile ingredient in many desserts. Here are some common uses:
- Marzipan: Almond paste is the main ingredient in marzipan. Simply roll it out and use it to decorate cakes or make marzipan fruits and shapes.
- Frangipane: A delicious almond cream used as a filling in tarts and pastries. Combine almond paste with butter, sugar, eggs, and a little flour to make frangipane.
- Cake Fillings: Spread almond paste between layers of cake for added flavor and texture.
- Cookies: Use almond paste in cookie dough for rich, nutty flavor. Almond paste cookies, such as the classic almond croissants, are a favorite.
- Candies and Sweets: Use almond paste to make homemade almond-filled chocolates or other confections.
Conclusion
Making your own almond paste at home ensures that you have a fresh, flavorful ingredient that can elevate your baked goods. With just a few simple ingredients and a food processor, you can create almond paste that’s perfect for a variety of desserts. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, homemade almond paste is a great addition to your kitchen repertoire.