How to make marzipan

Marzipan is a festive must-have and homemade is so much better than shop-bought stuff. It’s best to start with ready-ground almonds (grinding your own can result in oily marzipan). Give it a go with our easy guide.

This recipe will make approximately 800g marzipan, which will cover one 20cm cake.

Ingredients:

  • 370g ground almonds
  • 185g caster sugar
  •  185g icing sugar
  • 1 large free-range egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 drops almond extract
  • 2 tbsp brandy
  • Juice of a small lemon

1.Put the ground almonds in a mixing bowl with the caster sugar and icing sugar. In a small bowl, whisk the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, brandy and the lemon juice.

 

2. Make a well in the centre of the almond mix, then pour in the egg mix.

 

3. Stir in the liquid, then use your hands to bring the mixture together.

 

4. Transfer the marzipan to a work surface and knead until smooth. Wrap in cling film, then chill in the fridge until needed.