Homemade Marzipan Recipe (Almond Paste, No Eggs & No Bake!)

This Homemade Marzipan recipe is all you will need to help you do your Christmas baking and make Christmas treats. Marzipan is a confection that usually isn’t served on its own, but rather is incorporated into other recipes. Its sweet almond flavor makes it a distinct ingredient to use during the holidays. To make it, a syrup of honey, sugar, and water is made on the stove before being kneaded with ground almonds to make a smooth dough.

What is Marzipan?

This version includes honey as well, which helps bind the almonds into a dough while adding more complexity to the flavor.

There are two versions of Marzipan in Europe; one originated in Toledo, Spain and the other originated in Lübeck, Germany. However, marzipan is made and enjoyed all over Europe as well as the rest of the world.

Marzipan can be colored with food coloring and shaped into different shapes like vegetables or fruits. Alternatively, it can be used to cover cakes similar to fondant or it can be coated in chocolate. Whatever you want to use marzipan for, this marzipan recipe will be a great way for you to meet your marzipan needs.

Almond Paste Vs. Marzipan

Almond paste is coarser, less sweet, and used primarily as an ingredient in baking, such as filling pastries or cookies. Marzipan, on the other hand, is smoother, sweeter, and pliable, making it ideal for molding decorative shapes or covering cakes. Both are made from almonds, sugar, and sometimes egg whites, but marzipan contains more sugar for its confectionery use.

Pro Tips

• Make sure the almonds you use are very fresh for the best flavor. Almonds that have been stored for a long time have the potential to become rancid.
• If you are vegan, you could replace the honey with a syrup like agave syrup instead.
• For additional almond flavor, feel free to add some almond extract into your marzipan dough.
• To ensure the dough is easy to handle, make sure you allow the syrup to cool slightly before you combine the dough.
• Use powdered sugar to prevent the marzipan from sticking to your hands and work surface while you are kneading it.

What to Serve with Marzipan?

This marzipan doesn’t get served as it is, but rather, gets used in other recipes like cakes, chocolates, cookies, and more. You could also color the marzipan and shape it into animals, fruits, or vegetables if you would prefer to enjoy the marzipan in a more pure form instead.

Can I Make Homemade Marzipan Vegan?

Yes, if you are vegan, you could simply replace the honey with another type of liquid sweetener in this marzipan recipe. A good option would be agave syrup since it has a neutral taste and is a similar texture and consistency to honey.

Can I Use Almonds With Skins in Marzipan?

No, it is best not to use skin-on almonds in this marzipan recipe as they will affect its color. Classic marzipan is known for its smooth white color which is easy to color with food coloring.

Can I Use Other Nuts in Marzipan?

While marzipan is most commonly made with almonds, you could use another type of nut if you prefer. Cashews are particularly good in marzipan, and are commonly used in marzipan in India.

How to Store Marzipan

If you plan on using or consuming your marzipan quite quickly, you will be able to store it at room temperature for up to 1 week if it is tightly wrapped.

Otherwise, you can store it in the fridge for up to 1 month or in the freezer for up to 3 to 6 months.

How to Make Marzipan

Step 1: Combine the sugar, honey, and water in a saucepan, and heat it until the sugar is completely dissolved while stirring the mixture continuously.

Step 2: Finely chop the almonds in a food processor.

Step 3: Stir the almonds with the syrup until combined.

Step 4: On a work surface, knead the almond mixture until a workable dough is formed, using powdered sugar to prevent it from sticking.

Step 5: Use the marzipan in your favorite sweet recipes!