What is marzipan made of?
Quick answer
Marzipan is made mainly from finely ground almonds and sugar (or honey), sometimes bound with egg white and flavored with rosewater or almond extract. The smooth, pliable paste is used to cover cakes, fill chocolates and sculpt into colorful fruit and animal shapes. Good marzipan contains a high share of almonds.
Marzipan vs almond paste
| Marzipan | Almond paste | |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | More sugar | Less sugar |
| Texture | Smooth and pliable, like clay | Coarser and stickier |
| Use | Covering cakes, shaping candy | Filling pastries and baking |
Both are made from the same two main ingredients, just in different proportions.
Where marzipan comes from
Marzipan probably came from the Middle East and Persia, where almond and sugar sweets were made in the Middle Ages. It spread to Europe through Spain, Sicily and the trading city of Venice. In the past, it was so expensive that it was sold by apothecaries as medicine.
Famous marzipan towns
| Place | Tradition |
|---|---|
| Lübeck, Germany | Lübeck marzipan has protected status in the EU and must meet strict almond standards; Niederegger has made it since 1806 |
| Toledo, Spain | Marzipan made by nuns in convents, also EU-protected |
| Sicily, Italy | Frutta martorana, marzipan shaped and painted to look like real fruit |
| Königsberg (historical) | Toasted marzipan with a golden crust |
Marzipan traditions
- In Germany and Scandinavia, marzipan pigs are given for good luck at New Year.
- In the UK, marzipan covers Christmas cake and the Easter simnel cake.
- Mozartkugeln from Salzburg, Austria, are chocolate balls with pistachio marzipan centers.
- The Danish kransekage is a tower of almond-based rings.
Allergy note
Because marzipan is made from almonds, it isn’t suitable for people with tree nut allergies. Some versions called persipan use apricot or peach kernels instead.
The name
The word’s origin is debated. It may come from Italian marzapane or from Arabic, and in German it’s written Marzipan.
For another nutty dessert, see what pastry is used for baklava, made with walnuts or pistachios.
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