This easy homemade almond paste takes just 5 minutes to make. It's an instant flavor booster for baked goods, adding a smooth layer of subtle, nutty sweetness. Layer it into galettes, pies and hand pies to add flavor and prevent soggy bottoms!
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What took you so long?
Ahh the age old question, "what took you so long?". It's a loaded question that implies regret and a dose of missing out. If you aren't salting your Chocolate Chip Cookies or haven't been making easy sheet pan meals like this Herby Feta Lemon Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner, seriously what's delaying you? I've had this feeling way too many times in my life. Recently, this Easy Homemade Almond Paste joined the list.
I am a huge fan of almond paste, but for whatever reason, I'd always buy the pre-made stuff at the store. Once I realized just how quick and simple it is to make, I can't help but ask myself "what took you so long?".
I get it, we get comfortable and we do what we know. But trying new things, meeting new people, exploring new places and putting yourself out there is what life is all about. Whether it's something as simple as trying a new recipe, oh hello Easy Homemade Almond Paste, or jetting off to some place you've been pining over, it is always worth it. Always.
4 ingredients to make homemade almond paste
Almond Flour
The base of this Easy Homemade Almond Paste starts with almond flour. The natural nutty and earthy sweetness comes through and gives the almond paste a sturdy start. I prefer using a finely ground almond flour, since I generally have it around my house anyway. However, you can use blanched almonds ground into a fine powder with a food processor. Blanched almonds have the almond skins removed, so you'll still get that clean color. By using the almond flour, you are saving a step and some time. However, you've got options! So do what works for you.
Powdered Sugar
Equal parts powdered sugar to almond flour give the almond paste a balanced sweet and earthy flavor. Since powdered sugar is well, powdery, the sugar blends right in without being gritty. Resulting in a finished textures that's velvety and rich.
Egg White
The egg white is what binds the almond paste together. It doesn't take much, just a single egg white provides just enough moisture to blend the almond flour and powdered sugar together into a smooth and dense log of Easy Homemade Almond Paste.
Almond Extract
A single teaspoon of almond extract amplifies the natural almond flavor in this easy almond paste. The addition of the extract rounds out the sweetness, giving the almond paste its signature nutty and almost cherry like essence. A little goes a long way here, but it really boosts the character of this almond paste recipe.
Homemade almond paste in 5 minutes
I don't know why it took me so long to make this easy homemade almond paste. Especially considering it only takes 5 minutes to make! Seriously, that's less time than it would take you to go to the store and buy it. And considering the price tag of almond paste, homemade is definitely the way to go!
2 easy steps
Yea, that's right. You're just 3 steps away from a luxurious log of Easy Homemade Almond Paste. It could not be easier to make. And it's actually quite satisfying rolling the paste into a smooth and pliable log. It's got a Play-Doh energy but it's actually delicious and safe to eat. This is the actual use case for playing with your food.
Step 1 - Whizz it up
Combine the almond flour and powdered sugar together in a food processor, then pulse together a few times to break up clumps. Add the egg white and almond extract and pulse together for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture looks smooth and combined and starts to form into a single mass.
Step 2 - Shape it up
Lightly dust a smooth surface with powdered sugar. Then turn the almond paste mixture out onto the surface and gather into a ball. Roll into a log shape that's about 2" in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and allow to chill for at least 1 hour, up to one week.
How easy was that?
What? That's it? Seriously? You know it! I wasn't lying when I named this recipe Easy Homemade Almond Paste. It's ok, you didn't know. But now that you do. You'll never have to ask yourself "what took me so long to make homemade almond paste?".
So now that we've established how simple it is so make your own almond paste at home. Let's talk about how to use it. Consider this Easy Homemade Almond Paste recipe your best bud in pie baking.
Almond paste prevents soggy bottom pies, hand pies and galettes
Adding a layer of rolled almond paste between the crust and filling of galettes, pies and hand pies is my go-to move for the crispiest pie crusts. The almond paste creates a barrier between the filling, protecting the crust from any juices that release as the pie bakes. This is an especially brilliant move for juicy, fruity pie fillings like berry or stone fruit pies. Think of the almond paste as a soggy bottom insurance policy.
Fine this recipe in my Cherry Almond Galettes recipe
Additionally, since almonds and stone fruits are like cousins, they naturally pair up nicely. Almonds and stone fruits, like cherries, nectarines, peaches and plums, all belong to the prunus family of trees and shrubs. So pairing the almond flavor with fresh stone fruit is a genius combo of prunus genus. In other words, they taste great together, naturally.
Recipes that use homemade almond paste
Those are just a few examples but I encourage you to add a layer of almond paste to all kinds of pies recipes. It adds a layer of flavor depth that's subtle but sophisticated. It only enhances everything it touches and since it's so simple to make, this versatile Easy Homemade Almond Paste will enhance your recipes in an instant!
Layer it on your galettes, shortbread bars or even crumble little bits into scones.
Stone Fruit Pie by Baking The Goods
Blueberry Almond Crumble Pie by Baking The Goods
Recipe
Easy Homemade Almond Paste
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 log
Description
This easy homemade almond paste takes just 5 minutes to make. It's an instant flavor booster for baked goods, adding a smooth layer of subtle, nutty sweetness. Layer it into galettes, pies and hand pies to add flavor and prevent soggy bottoms!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fine almond flour
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg white, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoons pure almond extract
Instructions
- Combine the almond flour and powdered sugar together in a food processor, then pulse together a few times to break up clumps.
- Add egg white and almond extract and pulse together for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture looks smooth and combined and starts to form into a single mass.
- Lightly dust a smooth surface with powdered sugar. Then turn the almond paste mixture out onto the surface and gather into a ball. Roll into a log shape that's about 2" in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and allow to chill for at least 1 hour, up to one week.
Notes
Layer this Easy Almond Paste into your favorite galettes, pies and hand pies as a soggy bottom prevention policy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
