Homemade sweet Almond Paste

One of the main ingredients of one of my most favorite cakes, Italian almond cake, is Almond Paste which I have never come across here in the UK. Fresh, homemade almond paste is very different to Marzipan. It comes with a rich almond taste and less sugar.

The end result was delicious and made for a perfect Almond Tart.  It is really quick and so easy to make and freezes beautifully.  No excuses… you have to try and make your own homemade almond paste.  You won’t regret it.

Almond paste vs. Marzipan

There is quite a heated debate amongst the baking fraternity about the difference between Marzipan and almond paste. But also almond paste means something different depending on which country you come from.

• Marzipan (as we know it in the UK) has a much higher ratio of sugar to almonds. Most brands contain only around 25% sweet almonds.
• Almond Paste generally has equal quantities of ground almonds to sugar.

Good almond paste does not only come with almonds and sugar, it needs a binding agent.

Here you can use different ingredients: 

• Egg white
• Egg yolk
• Whole egg
• a little oil
• Sugar syrup
• Honey and
• some people add some alcohol for a richer taste.

In my recipe for almond paste I chose the whole egg, but only because I didn’t want to have to deal with the problem of a stray yolk or 1 egg white to use up. 

Add some extra flavour

Some Cointreau adds a nice, fruity flavour to the paste. If you want an alcoholfree version substitute with orange juice. 

Also nice for baking: Hazelnut Caramel Praline, Homemade Dulce de Leche or How to make the perfect Shortcrust Pastry.