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Almond Paste

4.0 · 2 reviewsRecipe card by Barbara5Editorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
FruitNutsLactose FreeVeganLow CholesterolEgg Free
Almond Paste

Total time

10095 min

Servings

1

Calories

2123.5

Category

Dessert

Learn how to make the perfect homemade vegan almond paste with this simple, high-quality recipe. Whether you are baking delicate French macarons, classic almond cakes, or holiday tarts, this egg-free, lactose-free almond paste offers the rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture you need for professional-quality results.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

  • 1 fresh lemon juice
  • 3 water
  • 1 sugar

Method

  1. Force blanched almonds through fine blade of food chopper 4x or whirl in electric blender. Add lemon juice.

  2. Cook water and sugar until candy thermometer registers 240*F or until a small amount of mixture dropped into cold water forms a soft ball. Add to ground almonds. Mix well. When cool enough to handle, knead until smooth. Cool.

  3. Pack in a jar, cover & store in refrigerator for at least 1 week to ripen. Makes about 2 pounds.

  4. NOTE: If almond paste is too stiff to handle after storage, place in top part of double boiler and heat over hot, NOT boiling, water until sufficiently soft to handle. Use in cookies, coffee cakes or in other pastries and desserts.

Cook's notes

  • Use blanched almonds to ensure your paste has a smooth, light color and consistent texture.
  • Pulse the almonds in short bursts to avoid turning the nuts into almond butter; you want a fine, sandy meal.
  • If the paste feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water or almond extract at a time until you reach a moldable, dough-like consistency.

Easy swaps

  • For a sugar-free version, replace the powdered sugar with a powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
  • Add a drop of rose water or orange blossom water for a floral twist on traditional almond flavor.
  • If you are allergic to almonds, this method can be adapted using blanched cashews for a similar creamy texture.

Frequently asked

Is homemade almond paste the same as marzipan?

No. Almond paste has a higher ratio of almonds to sugar, making it less sweet and coarser than marzipan, which is smoother and more sugary.

Why is my almond paste oily?

Oily paste usually happens if the almonds are processed for too long. Be sure to use short pulses to maintain a sandy texture without releasing too much natural nut oil.

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