Simply delicious & overlooked sweet treat ingredient:  Almond Paste

Not to be mistaken by Marzipan…

Marzipan is mainly used for molding & decorating.

Almond paste is an ingredient that adds a unique luxurious texture & flavor, unlike any other, to sweet treats. 

Almond paste is amazing in cookies, bars, brownies/blondies, truffles, cakes, pastries, etc.,etc., etc. I think you get the point.

It adds a chewy, velvety texture & a moist melt in your mouth, rich almond flavor to any dessert. 

In all honesty, I can just eat it straight away or with the addition of some extra dark chocolate shards. There’s no shame in that, right?

It’s also perfect for gluten free sweets as almond flour takes the stage in place of all purpose flour. 

You can buy it in stores but it’s so simple to make at home & much better as you can control the sweetness level. Many almond pastes for purchase are sugar forward instead of the almondy goodness it should be. 

The entire recipe takes only 5 ingredients & a food processor to pull together. Doesn’t get much easier than that. 

Here’s the Almond Paste recipe:

• 2 cups almond flour  – Not almond meal (Measure by spooning into cups or weighing 186 grams).
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (Measure by spooning into cups or weighing 162 grams).
• 1 large egg white (Not extra-large or jumbo)
• 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Roadmap:

1. Add the almond flour, powdered sugar and salt to a food processor. Use a spoon to stir the ingredients a bit.

2. Pulse the almond flour mixture briefly to combine further. Stop the machine to scrape down the sides with a plastic spatula as needed.
3. Separate the egg white from a large egg. (Store the yolk in the refrigerator for another use.) Add the egg white and almond extract to the food processor. Pulse the machine over & over until the almond paste comes together in a ball. 
4. Scrape out all of the almond paste from the food processor and shape it into a log. Place the log onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Wrap the paste tightly and then place it in a zip-top plastic bag (or double-wrap it). Refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. 
5. Store the almond paste in the refrigerator for up to a month or in the freezer (use a freezer bag) for up to three months. Let it come to room temperature before using it.

Now that you know how easy it is to make your own almond paste, aren’t you eager to put it to the test in some amazing, sweet treats?

I’ve pulled together a few of my go-to almond paste recipes that span an array of applications, so you can easily pick whichever tickles your fancy.

Have fun experimenting how versatile almond paste can be & more importantly, taste testing throughout  the journey.

Gluten-Free Almond Paste Cookies

These gluten-free almond paste cookies have a soft, chewy texture and that amazing almond flavor. Delightful with a morning or afternoon coffee & as a light dessert. With help from the rich almond paste & just a few other simple ingredients, these cookies are on your countertop in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond paste
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)

Roadmap:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the almond paste, maple syrup (or honey), egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. In another small bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring to combine into a thick dough.
5. Using a spoon or your hands, scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Gently press each cookie ball with a fork or your fingers to flatten slightly, then sprinkle the top with sliced almonds, if desired.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

These cookies are the perfect delicious treat to satisfy your sweet urge anytime of the day.  The beautiful combination of moist & chewy almond paste with just a hint of sweetness from maple syrup & honey is divine. 

Almond Paste Chocolate Truffles

The combination of rich almond paste & deep dark chocolate creates a luxurious melt in your mouth truffle.

With how simple they are to make, don’t hesitate to double the batch & share away. You’ll make everyone’s day.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almond paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cocoa powder or chopped nuts for coating

Roadmap:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate to the cream. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
3. Stir in the almond paste and vanilla extract until well combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 1-2 hours or until firm enough to roll into balls.
4. Once the mixture is firm, scoop out small portions with a spoon and roll into balls.
5. Roll each truffle in cocoa powder or chopped nuts to coat.
6. Place the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set.

After you’ve packed up some of these indulgent truffles for your family & friends, it’s time to relax.  

Sit down, get cozy, snag a couple decadent chocolate almond truffles & enjoy the rich velvety goodness.  

You deserve it. 

Cheese Almond Paste Danish Pastry

This cheese almond paste Danish pastry is a decadent, flaky pastry that combines the richness of cheese & almond paste with light, buttery pastry crust. It’s perfect with coffee at breakfast or brunch as well as a delightful evening dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought)
• 1/2 cup almond paste
• 1 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon sliced almonds for topping (optional)

Roadmap:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your desired size.
3. In a bowl, combine the almond paste, softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Place a dollop of almond paste filling in the center of each pastry square.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling & crimp with fingers or fork, to form a little pocket. 
6. Brush the top of each pastry with a beaten egg to create a golden, glossy finish.
7. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of each pastry (optional).
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
9. Cool slightly before serving.

These pastries are a deliciously indulgent treat. The combination of rich almond paste & cheese filling with buttery flaky pastry is a delight on any occasion. 

Almond Paste Brownies

These unique brownies are rich, chewy & deep in flavor due to the perfect combination of almond paste & dark chocolate. Simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almond paste
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips 

Roadmap:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.  Line and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Stir in the almond paste until it is fully incorporated into the wet mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips for added richness.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set & a toothpick comes out with only chocolate chip residue.
9. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Calling all chocolate almond lovers…

These brownies are packed with nuttiness & moisture from almond paste as well as deep cocoa & rich dark chocolate chips. 

You might want to make these only when others are around. You could easily be tempted to indulge in excess. 

Hopefully it’s now clear why almond paste should not be overlooked. 

Its simplicity to prepare, chewy texture & rich nutty flavor makes it a delightful ingredient in almost any sweet treat. 

Now when you’re brainstorming to create new sweets, you have another unique, luxurious ingredient that will upgrade your recipe to the next level. 

Give one or all four of the recipes included in this piece a try & I’m confident you’ll be hooked.