• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
OwlbBaking.com
  • All Recipes
  • Easy Cookie Decorating FB Group
  • Subscribe
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • EasyCookieDecorating.com
  • All Recipes
  • No Bake Dessert Recipes
  • Lemon Dessert Recipes
  • Summer Desserts
  • Birthday Dessert Ideas
×
Home » Recipes » Master the Basics

How to Make Almond Paste

February 5, 2021 by Liz 1 Comment

This page contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, if a purchase is made through the link. All opinions remain my own. Please see disclosure for more.
© Owlbbaking, LLC. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without permission from owner is strictly prohibited. Click here for round-up feature consent.
Pin4K
Share
Share
Yum
Flip
Email
4K Shares
Jump to Recipe

Homemade Almond Paste is so easy and inexpensive to make! You'll need just a few simple ingredients and a couple of minutes using a food processor. Learn how to make almond paste to use in all of your favorite almond recipes.

How to make almond paste 3

I cannot believe that for all these years, I've been buying almond paste. 🤦

It's REALLY expensive per ounce and while I love recipes that use it, I also always felt like it had an overpowering flavor.

Discovering homemade almond paste has been a life saver. 

During the holidays, I always make a bunch of almond recipes, like my Italian Rainbow Cookies. I traditionally take a 50 minute drive to one of my favorite Italian supermarkets where they sell this delightful confection in bulk, because it's way cheaper (and it's a good excuse to grab some pannetone & other treats while I'm there).

But, during Christmas 2020, I was hesitant to go (thanks COVID). So, I started exploring how to make it at home. 

Wow, Almond Paste Is Really Easy To Make at Home

Here are the ingredients you need to make homemade almond paste:

  • Almond flour
  • Powdered sugar
  • Egg white
  • Almond extract

Using almond flour is the BEST choice vs. starting with whole almonds for a couple of reasons. 

First, the almonds used in almond flour are already blanched. Blanched almonds can be hard to find in the grocery store and blanching them yourself can be a huge pain. 

Almond paste on a wood board 1

Second, almond flour is already ground up so it's one less step you have to do!

Powdered sugar is used since it easily dissolves in the mixture. I would not substitute this for granulated sugar as this would likely get a gritty paste. 

The egg white makes a great binder to bring all of the ingredients together. I have seen substitutes where just water is used, so if you're looking for a vegan option, you could give that a shot (although I have not tried this myself). 

You might be thinking, why add almond extract if the paste is already made with so many almonds?

That was my first thought at least! I didn't really want to add the almond extract because I definitely didn't want my fresh, beautiful, homemade almond paste to taste fake!

The amount of extract in this recipe is small, so I promise you, the addition of extract does more good than bad here. It really brings out the flavor of the almonds. You can always bump up the amount of extract if you want more flavor too!

How to make almond paste

This almond paste recipe couldn't be easier!

Simply add the almond flour & powdered sugar into the bowl of a food processor. Give it a quick blitz to mix up. 

Then, add the egg white and almond extract.

Mix for up to a couple of minutes until you see a paste begin to form. Once the mixture forms large crumbles, it's ready! It should feel soft and pliable but not too sticky. 

Dump the paste onto a sheet of plastic wrap, roll it up and chill. 

Even if you plan on using it right away, I would still let the mixture to chill for at least 30min. It will allow the flavors to come together and settle in.

How to make Almond paste 2

Making almond flour

If you don't have almond flour on hand, but you have almonds, you can still make this recipe. 

You'll need to blanch the almonds. Here's a good article on how to do that (unless you don't mind the look of the brown skin in the paste). 

Then, pulse the almonds in the food processor until they resemble flour. 

Almond extract substitute

If you don't have almond extract or you want to get a little fancy, you can always swap it out for an almond liqueur like amaretto. Amaretto has beautiful depth which would most certainly enhance the aroma and flavor of your homemade almond paste. 

Storing almond paste

Once made, you can store it a few ways. 

As mentioned, if using immediately, it's important to chill for at least 30 minutes to set the flavors. 

You can make the paste a few days in advance and store it in the fridge tightly sealed and wrapped in plastic wrap. It will last 2-3 months. 

It can also be frozen for up to 6 months. 

It's important to bring it back up to room temp (or nearly room temp) before using it in your recipe.

Make a Sugar Free or Keto Version

Almond paste is a great ingredient for keto and sugar free recipes too! Simply swap out the powdered sugar for a sugar free version (such as Swerve powdered sugar replacement)

Almond paste cookies

Now that I don't have to travel 40 miles to purchase almond paste in bulk, I'm excited about all of the cookies and other recipes I can make!

Here are some great ideas (more coming to the blog soon!) -

  • Italian Rainbow cookies
  • Almond horns
  • Chocolate Almond Puff Pastry Twists
  • Pignoli cookies
  • Sweet rolls
  • Cakes
  • Croissants

How to make almond paste - slices of almond paste with knife

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
How to make almond paste 3

How to Make Almond Paste

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Save Recipe Recipe Saved
Print Recipe

Homemade Almond Paste is so easy and inexpensive to make! You'll need just a few simple ingredients and a couple of minutes using a food processor.  Learn how to make almond paste to use in all of your favorite almond recipes.

  • Total Time: 8 minutes
  • Yield: 10.4 oz or 295g

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ c almond flour
  • ¾ c powdered sugar
  • 1 egg white
  • ½ tsp almond extract

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine the almond flour and sugar. Pulse a few times to combine.
  2. Add the egg white and almond extract.
  3. Mix for up to a couple of minutes or until large crumbles form. The paste should be sticky but not stick to your fingers much. It should be soft & pliable.
  4. When ready, roll into a log and place in a sheet of plastic wrap.
  5. Allow to chill in the fridge for at least 30min before using. Almond paste can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 months or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Equipment

Image of Breville 12 Cup Food Processor

Breville 12 Cup Food Processor

Buy Now →

Notes

Recipe by Owlbbaking.com

  • You can easily double the recipe in the same batch as needed.
  • Use amaretto liqueur in place of almond extract
  • Use a powdered sugar substitute such as Swerve, to make a sugar free or keto version.
  • Author: Liz at Owlbbaking.com
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Ingredients
  • Method: No bake

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1 ounce
  • Calories: 64
  • Sugar: 9g

Did you make this recipe?

LEAVE A STAR RATING BELOW!

How to Make Almond Paste
© Owlbbaking, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from owner is strictly prohibited. Photography & video may not be used without consent (Click here for round-up feature consent).

More Master the Basics

  • Crisco Pie Crust
  • Raspberry Vanilla Mousse in a glass dessert cup with fresh raspberries
    Raspberry Vanilla Mousse
  • Oatmeal Cookies stacked on a white cake stand
    The Best Oatmeal Cookies
  • Streusel Topping

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. Anna .W.

    May 18, 2024 at 8:29 am

    Super delicious! This recipe is simple, quick, and full of flavor! So exciting to make my own mom and paste again and again with all your recipes more of my own to come. Thank you so much!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar


Nice to meet you! I'm Liz! Dessert lover, home baker and owl enthusiast. This blog is devoted to new and classic sweet-treat recipes that you'll love to make again and again! I share all my knowledge and experience so you can bake with full confidence. Learn more about me →


  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Popular Recipes

  • butter pecan ice cream sandwiches stacked the best recipe
    Butter Pecan Ice Cream Sandwiches

  • a slice of the best Mississippi Mud Cake on a pink plate
    Mississippi Mud Cake

  • Lemon Ricotta Cake

  • Mini Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Footer

↑ back to top

Terms 'n Things

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and join the OBB Community for freebies and more content!

Contact

  • Let's Connect
  • About

Copyright © 2025 Owlbbaking, LLC, All Rights Reserved