How do they both compare? Well I found that the cashewnut marzipan is lighter while the almond one is a little on the denser side. That being said, the almond version is super delicious. I think even more than the cashewnut one. Then, there’s also the fact that the almond one is a no-cook recipe. So, to sum up, I will still make my cashewnut version as it is a little easier to work with, but the almond one will be absolutely perfect to use in so many different ways. I’d love for you to try it out and tell me what you think of it.
No-cook Almond Marzipan Recipe
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy250
grams30
minutesThis delicious no-cook almond marzipan recipe is the perfect easy alternative to the cooked variant. Use it in desserts on your Christmas platter or any way you desire.
Ingredients
1 cup raw, natural almonds
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/2 tsp rose water (you can add a little more if needed)
1/2 tsp almond extract (you can add a little more if needed)
Directions
- Place the almonds in a heatproof bowl.
Pour water from a recently boiled kettle over the almonds to cover the nuts. Leave the almonds to soak for a couple of minutes. - Drain the almonds and peel them. Place them on some kitchen paper or a clean kitchen towel to dry up. Let the almonds cool down completely.
- In a high powered blender / food processor, blitz the almonds to a fine powder.
- Place the almond powder in a large bowl. Add in the icing sugar. Mix it thoroughly till combined.
- Add the rose water and almond extract and knead to form a dough / log.
Your marzipan is now ready to be used.
Recipe Video
Notes
- If you don’t need to use it immediately, you can wrap it in cling film and refrigerate till needed. It keeps for a couple of months. (Personally, I would just make this when needed, probably a couple of days ahead.)
- This marzipan is not a very sweet version. When the marzipan is formed, taste some of it. If you want it sweeter, simply add some more icing sugar and knead it in.
My favourite Marzipan recipe
This version of marzipan is made using cashew seeds and is shaped into little colorful bites. It is the crowning glory of every Indian Christmas platter.
My favourite Marzipan recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: GoanDifficulty: Medium250
grams15
minutes15
minutes20
minutesThis version of marzipan is made using cashew seeds and is shaped into little colorful bites. It is the crowning glory of every Indian Christmas platter.
Ingredients
125g Cashew Nuts
200g Sugar
1 egg white
1/2 tsp Almond essence
1/4 cup water
Food colours, as required
Directions
- Soak the cashew nuts in some (room temperature) water for about 10 minutes. Drain, run some fresh water through the nuts, and drain them again.
- Grind the cashew nuts, egg white and water to a fine paste.
- Pour the ground paste, the almond essence and sugar into a large heavy pan. Place the pan on low-medium heat and stir to combine.
- Cook the paste on a medium low heat, stirring continuously till it thickens and starts coming away from the pan.
- Use the water test to check if the Marzipan is ready. Place some ice cold water in a small bowl and drop a 1/2 teaspoon of the sweet on it. If it firms up on cooling it is done. If it is still soft or too sticky, it needs more cooking.
- As soon as it has cooked, pour the marzipan on a large plate and spread it out a little and leave it to cool down a little. Knead it to a dough while it is still warm.
- Portion and colour the marzipan as desired.
- You can now shape the marzipan as needed or use it in any recipe that calls for it.
- If you making little shapes with the marzipan, once you de-mould it, place it on a plate and leave it to air dry for a while till it sets and is slightly firm to the touch. You can then place it in an airtight container and store. This should last you a couple of weeks if stored well.
- If the temperature is too high where you are, consider refrigerating it till needed.
Enjoy!!!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Cooking times can vary greatly. This depends on the size and thickness of the vessel used to cook the marzipan, the heat level used during the cooking process and the quantity being made. Please refer to the video, for my recommended water-test to check if your marzipan is ready.
- The prep and cook time does not include the time required for this to cool down and mould into shapes. This time depends on your climate and the designs you are working with.
- These marzipan can be served immediately after shaping. To store, please allow a couple of hours for the pieces to set after they are taken out of the moulds.