This quick and easy homemade almond paste recipe will really step up your baking. Almond Paste is a classic ingredient needed in some baked goods. This recipe makes it easy for you to whip up your own at home. You'll be able to add rich almond flavor to your cookies with an easy recipe.
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Have you ever gotten halfway through making cookies or pastries just to discover that you need almond paste? Maybe you even made a quick run to the store only to find out that your local grocer doesn’t carry it.
Lucky for you, my 10-minute almond paste is easy to make and ready to use right away! All you need are a handful of pantry staples and a food processor to create this sweet, nutty, and delicious paste.
One of the best things about this easy almond paste recipe is how long it will last! I’ve found that one batch of this paste will stay good in my refrigerator for up to 1 month or in my freezer for up to 6 months!
Quick & Easy Homemade Almond Paste
When you want to make chewy Italian cookies, traditional petit fours, almond croissants, or delectable fruit tarts, simply pull out this homemade almond paste, slice off a chunk, and get baking! In other words, in no time you’ll have a treat that’s packed with rich almond flavor.
Almond Paste Ingredients
This recipe has only 5 basic ingredients. Many bakers will already have them all in the pantry and fridge.
- Almond Flour — Homemade or store bought will both work as the base of this sweet, nutty paste. Almond meal is used in some recipes (or even fresh-ground almonds), but I much prefer the smoother texture yielded from almond flour.
- Powdered Sugar — Sugar is a defining ingredient and adds sweetness plus gives the paste its ability to be easily molded.
- Egg White — Acts as the main binding agent, holding all your other ingredients together.
- Almond Extract — A splash of this fragrant extract will ensure that every bite of your paste is packed with almond flavor. However, you can omit it if you don't have any on hand.
- Salt—Just a pinch helps to round out and enhance the other sweet and nutty flavors.
Equipment Needed
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A large food processor is the most important piece of kitchen equipment you’ll need to create this smooth almond paste.
If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender or sift your almond flour and confectioners' sugar mixture thoroughly before mixing—the most important thing is to rid your mixture of any lumps. You may not get the same smooth consistency as with a mixer, but the paste will still be delicious and perfect for your recipes.
How to Make Homemade Almond Paste
First, in a mixing bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar.
Next, transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until no lumps remain.
Then add the egg white, almond extract, and salt to the flour mixture. Process again to combine.
At this point, a doughy paste should have formed. If your mixture seems too dry, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until a small amount pinched between your fingers holds its shape.
Then move the mixture back to your mixing bowl and knead until smooth.
And last, shape the almond paste into a log, wrap it in plastic, and allow it to set in the fridge or bake into another dessert right away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is almond paste the same as marzipan?
Yes and no! In the USA, almond paste is sometimes referred to on packaging or in recipes as marzipan and many people consider them interchangeable. And both products do have mostly the same ingredients.
But technically speaking, they are not the same. Almond paste is soft, coarse, and gritty. It is generally meant to be an ingredient in other recipes.
Marzipan is a much softer and sweeter candy-like mixture. It is sometimes pressed into molds or draped over cakes or even made into decorations. Moreover, it's smoother and more pliable than almond paste.
Is almond paste the same as almond butter?
No. Not at all. Almond butter is made almost exclusively from nuts. Almond paste had added sugar and egg whites.
Where do you find almond paste in the grocery store?
If your store carries it and you're not making it homemade, you can usually find it on the baking aisle. However, I've not had a lot of luck finding it in our grocery stores. This is why I resorted to makng it homemade.
What does almond paste taste like?
Almond paste has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. It’s used to add a distinct, almost cherry-like almond flavor to pastries, cookies, and other desserts.
Can you eat raw almond paste?
Because my almond paste recipe includes egg white, I don’t recommend eating it raw. This paste is meant to be baked into other sweet treats.
Is Almond Paste gluten free?
Yes, almond paste is gluten-free. It is a perfect addition to any of your gluten-free baking to add a depth of flavor!
How to Store Leftover Almond Paste
A fresh batch of homemade almond paste can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge for up to 1 month or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Leftover almond paste can be used straight out of the fridge or freezer; it may just need to warm up a bit to become workable.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Quick and Easy Homemade Almond Paste
- Your almond paste mixture might still seem grainy or thick while in the food processor. However, kneading the dough will help it to become smooth and moldable.
- Depending on the type of almond flour you use, you may need to add more or less water to your mixture. I’ve never used more than 3 teaspoons of water in total.
- Don’t worry if your almond paste has black flecks in it! This is simply from the almond flour.
Creative Ways to Use Almond Paste
Finally, if you’ve never used almond paste before, I know it can seem a little intimidating. Just be aware that a little usually goes a long way to add tons of great, nutty flavor to baked goods! Below are a few of my favorite ways to use almond paste.
- Fold it into pie crust for an unexpected, elevated flavor.
- Bake it into cookies for an extra chewy texture.
- Add a layer of almond paste to your cinnamon rolls to balance out the sweet brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Add a bit to your favorite recipes and create a variety of almond-flavored pastries like bear claws, croissants, and crumble bars.
- Create a light and elegant almond paste cake; don’t forget to top it with fresh berries and powdered sugar!
Recipe
Quick and Easy Homemade Almond Paste (10 Minute Recipe)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 pound
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This quick and easy homemade almond paste recipe will really step up your baking. Almond Paste is a classic ingredient needed in some baked goods. This recipe makes it easy for you to whip up your own at home. You'll be able to add rich almond flavor to your cookies with an easy recipe.
Ingredients
● 2 Cups Fine Almond Flour
● 1 ¾ Cup Powdered Sugar
● 1 Large Egg White
● 3 Teaspoons Water (optional)
● 2 Teaspoons Almond Extract
● Pinch of Salt
Instructions
- Combine the flour and powdered sugar in a bowl and mix well.
- 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.
- 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 loaf or 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
The mixture will seem grainy and thick while still in the food processor. Once you start kneading it, the mixture will smooth out and condense.
Don’t add too much water until you’ve gone through the kneading stage as this stage will let you know truly how much water needs to be added. It’s hard to tell before this stage if it’s too dry. Try pinching some in between your fingers and if it molds well, go to the kneading stage.
I’ve never had to add more than 3 teaspoons of water. So, be aware that it doesn’t take much liquid for this recipe to be successful.
I usually wrap this almond paste in plastic and leave it stored in the fridge for a month, sometimes longer.
I only use this recipe in baked goods. I’ve never used it raw due to the egg white. Be aware that almond paste is meant to be cooked into other recipes. This recipe specifically has that in mind.
Your end result may have black flecks in it. This is simply from the almond flour.
Various types of almond flour can cause your mixture to adjust in dryness and absorption. Sometimes I have to add water, sometimes I don’t. So, be aware that you might not have to add extra water.
If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a sifter or fork to ensure there are no lumps in the flour/sugar mixture. It’s important the lumps are removed.
When you remove it from the fridge, it will feel extra firm. This is ok and normal. Simply use a knife to slice it in order to get the amount you need.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Handmade
- Cuisine: American, European
Robin Gerardi
Hi Rose, I love reading your blog. I noticed when I clicked on a cake recipe using your almond paste recipe, it takes me to your chantilly cake recipe that doesn’t include any almond paste. I’m confused I guess you could say. Do you have a cake recipe that includes almond paste?
Rose Atwater
Sorry about the confusion - that cake shouldn't have been linked 🙂