Quick Almond Paste for Desserts, Cookies and More
This Moroccan almond paste recipe is made with only 3 ingredients, is naturally vegan and gluten free, and only takes 20 minutes to make. It’s perfect to use in cookies, cakes, and other desserts.
If you’ve ever tried been blessed enough to experience a traditional Moroccan tea time, you know how special the accompanying desserts and sweets are. They typically feature a variety of nuts and most popularly, almond paste.
My family’s version is an easy recipe idea with almonds that comes together much quicker than you might think! It’s flavored with a touch of orange blossom water and sugar for a super delicate, floral end result.
Instructions
Did you know? Many almond paste recipes use egg whites to give the paste that classic texture. This Moroccan recipe uses orange blossom water instead, making it plant based.
Top Tip
I strongly recommend taking the time to peel the almonds as it makes for a much smoother, creamier almond paste.
I’ve tested this recipe dozens of times, sometime peeling the almonds and other times skipping this step and the difference is night and day!
Where to Use It
I grew up eating variations of this recipe in all sorts of traditional Middle Eastern treats. It was typically served alongside pots of hot mint tea and coffee. Here are a few of my favorites Moroccan desserts that use this easy almond paste:
I also like mixing a teaspoon or two it into cakes and cookies (like these coconut macaroons) to add a subtle almond flavor.
Happy baking,
Quick Almond Paste for Desserts, Cookies and More
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Pureed
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Moroccan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Moroccan almond paste recipe is made with only 3 ingredients, is naturally vegan and gluten free, and only takes 20 minutes to make. It’s perfect to use in cookies, cakes, and other desserts.
Instructions
- Peel the almonds. Start by blanching the almonds; adding them to a pot of boiling water for a minute before transferring to an ice bath. From there the peels will pop off easily. Transfer the peeled almonds to a bowl lined with a clean towel to dry.
- Process the almonds. Add the peeled almonds to a food processor and pulse until they resemble small, fine crumbs.
- Add the sugar. Pulse a few times to combine before adding the orange blossom water. Continue to pulse until a dough like paste forms and gathers into one section of the food processor.
- Mold the almond paste. Transfer the paste to a small piece of plastic wrap. Cover the paste with the wrap before rolling it like dough to form a log with your hands. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.