This Moroccan almond paste uses just three ingredients, is naturally vegan and gluten-free, and comes together in about 20 minutes.
If you enjoy Moroccan sweets, you’ll recognize how special their almond-based fillings are. This almond paste appears in many pastries across Morocco and works particularly well as the filling for gazelle horn cookies.
Ingredients
Simple ingredients make this easy almond paste. See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
Did you know? Many almond paste recipes call for egg whites to achieve a particular texture. This Moroccan version uses orange blossom water instead, making it plant-based and aromatic.
Almond Paste vs. Marzipan vs. Frangipane
These three almond preparations are often confused. Here’s a clear breakdown:
- Almond paste: Made from almonds and sugar (sometimes egg whites), almond paste is typically less sweet and firmer than marzipan and is commonly used as a filling in baked goods.
- Marzipan: A sweeter, firmer almond paste used for candies and cake decorations. It has a more candy-like texture and pronounced sweetness.
- Frangipane: A distinct almond-based custard made with eggs and butter. Frangipane is creamy and is used as a filling for tarts and pies.
Variations
This recipe’s simplicity makes it easy to customize. Try one of these variations to add a personal touch:
- Cinnamon – A pinch of cinnamon pairs beautifully with orange blossom water and the natural sweetness of the almonds.
- Substitute waters – If you don’t have orange blossom water, plain water or rose water can be used instead. Each choice subtly changes the aroma.
- Egg white – For a fluffier, more American-style almond paste, add one egg white to the food processor with the sugar and almonds.
Top tip
Peeling the almonds is optional but recommended. Removing the skins produces a smoother, creamier paste that blends more uniformly.
Happy baking,
Almond Paste
- Author: Salima Benkhalti
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Pureed
- Cuisine: Moroccan, Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Moroccan almond paste recipe is made with only three ingredients, is naturally vegan and gluten-free, and takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almonds
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp orange blossom water (or substitute rose water or plain water)
Instructions
- Peel the almonds. Blanch almonds in boiling water for about one minute, then transfer to an ice bath. Slip off the skins and pat the almonds dry on a clean towel.
- Process the almonds. Add the peeled, dried almonds to a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs.
- Add the sugar and flavoring. Pulse in the sugar a few times, then add orange blossom water. Continue pulsing until the mixture forms a cohesive, dough-like paste that gathers into one section of the bowl.
- Mold the paste. Transfer the paste to plastic wrap, cover, and roll into a log. Refrigerate for up to one month.