Almond paste is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of desserts, from cookies and cakes to tarts and pastries. Traditionally, almond paste is made by grinding almonds with sugar in a food processor or a mortar and pestle. However, if you don’t have access to whole almonds or prefer a smoother texture, you can also make almond paste with almond flour. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to make almond paste with almond flour, step-by-step.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To make almond paste with almond flour, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of blanched almond flour (if your almond flour is not blanched, you can blanch it yourself by pouring boiling water over the almonds, letting them sit for a few minutes, draining them, and then removing the skins)
- 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1 egg white
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix the ingredients together until they are well-combined and there are no lumps.
Step 3: Add the Egg White
Separate one egg white from the yolk and add it to the almond flour mixture. Stir the mixture together until the egg white is fully incorporated and the mixture starts to come together.
Step 4: Knead the Mixture
Transfer the mixture to a clean work surface and knead it together until it forms a smooth, pliable dough. This may take a few minutes of kneading, but be patient—the dough will come together eventually.
Step 5: Wrap and Chill the Almond Paste
Once the almond paste has come together, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour, or overnight. Chilling the almond paste will help it firm up and make it easier to work with.
Step 6: Use the Almond Paste
Once the almond paste has chilled, you can use it in a variety of desserts. Roll it out into a thin sheet and use it to line a tart or pie crust, or use it to make marzipan candies. You can also mix it into cookie dough or cake batter for a delicious almond flavor.
Tips for Making Almond Paste with Almond Flour
- Be sure to use blanched almond flour for the smoothest texture. If you can’t find blanched almond flour, you can blanch your own almonds by pouring boiling water over them, letting them sit for a few minutes, draining them, and then removing the skins.
- If the almond paste seems too dry, add a little bit of water or egg white to help it come together.
- Almond paste can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to three months.
- You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet almond paste, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar.
- If you don’t have almond extract or pure vanilla extract, you can omit them or substitute with other flavorings such as orange or lemon zest, or a pinch of cinnamon.
In addition to being a delicious ingredient in desserts, almond paste also offers some nutritional benefits. Almonds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly high in vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium. Almond paste made with almond flour can be a great way to incorporate these nutrients into your diet in a delicious way.
However, it’s important to note that almond paste can also be high in calories and sugar, especially if you are using it in large quantities. As with any ingredient, it’s important to use almond paste in moderation and be mindful of the overall nutritional content of the desserts you are making.
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can also customize the recipe to suit your needs. For example, if you are vegan, you can substitute the egg white with a vegan egg replacer or aquafaba. If you are following a low-carb or keto diet, you can reduce or eliminate the powdered sugar and use a low-carb sweetener such as stevia or erythritol instead.Top of FormBottom of Form In conclusion, making almond paste with almond flour is a simple and delicious way to add a nutty flavor to your favorite desserts. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.