Baking School In-Depth: Almond Paste, Marzipan, and Frangipane

BLANCHED ALMOND FLOUR: Blanched almond flour is finely ground almonds that have had their skins removed, resulting in a light, pale flour that’s smoother than almond meal. This flour plays a crucial role in almond paste and marzipan, providing the nut’s unmistakable flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. It also adds a fine, moist crumb, binding the mixture together and contributing to a delicate texture.

CONFECTIONERS’ SUGAR:Confectioners’ sugar is the finely powdered form of granulated sugar, often mixed with a small amount of cornstarch to prevent clumping. The fine particles of confectioners’ sugar provide smoothness, helping prevent any graininess that might otherwise come from granulated sugar. When combined with fat, such as
in almond paste or marzipan, it creates a pliable paste, where the sugar helps bind the oils from the almonds without making it too oily or too dry.

EGG WHITE: Egg whites are essential in almond paste, where they provide both structure and moisture without altering the lovely almond flavor. The proteins in egg whites, primarily albumin, are natural emulsifiers, helping water and fat to combine seamlessly.

ALMOND EXTRACT: Almond extract is the secret ingredient that enhances the natural almond flavor in almond paste, marzipan, and frangipane, without requiring large quantities of almonds. The key compound in almond extract is benzaldehyde, which gives almonds their distinctive aroma and taste. Just a few drops are enough to intensify the almond profile, elevating the overall flavor without overpowering. In this way, almond extract adds a rounded and aromatic finish that’s more refined than an overly nut-heavy approach.

WATER: Water is essential for dissolving sugar and helping to emulsify the fats and proteins in marzipan. By controlling the amount of water, you can adjust the paste’s smoothness and pliability, ensuring it is moldable without being too liquid or too dry.

WHOLE MILK: The base of the semolina mixture, milk provides moisture and a rich, creamy texture. The natural fats in whole milk help balance the sweetness of the sugar and create a well-rounded filling.

UNSALTED BUTTER: Butter is essential in frangipane, giving the filling its creamy, rich texture. The fat in the butter contributes to a smooth mouthfeel and enriches the overall flavor. Unlike almond paste or marzipan, which are more solid, frangipane requires the addition of butter to achieve a soft, spreadable consistency.

GRANULATED SUGAR: Granulated sugar plays an understated yet essential role in frangipane. It sweetens the almonds without overpowering their delicate flavor, balancing the nutty richness with just the right touch of sweetness. More than just a sweetener, sugar contributes to the smooth, velvety texture of the filling. It blends easily with the butter and eggs to create a luscious mixture that holds together well as it bakes.

EGGS: Eggs are a vital ingredient in frangipane, not only binding the ground almonds, sugar, and butter but also helping to set the filling as it bakes. The proteins in the eggs coagulate during baking, forming a stable structure, while the lecithin in the yolks acts as an emulsifier, blending fats and water-based ingredients to create a smooth, cohesive filling.

VANILLA EXTRACT: Vanilla extract is often added to almond-based recipes to round out the almond flavor with a deeper, more complex sweetness. Vanilla contains vanillin, which not only boosts the sweetness but also complements the nutty notes in almond-based bakes.

ROSE WATER: Rose water can be a surprising yet delightful addition to marzipan. Its delicate floral notes blend beautifully with the almond flavor, creating a more complex aromatic profile often found in French pâtisseries. At the heart of rose water is phenylethyl alcohol, a compound responsible for its distinctive fragrance, which naturally complements nutty flavors. This enriches the marzipan with a subtle, aromatic depth that lingers, adding a refined elegance.

ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: In frangipane, a small amount of all-purpose flour is often added to help stabilize the mixture. The flour contributes to a slightly firmer filling, enhancing the texture without making it overly runny. Wheat flour contains gluten, which, when mixed with liquid, forms a network that helps set the frangipane as it bakes. It also absorbs some of the fat and liquid, balancing the moisture content and ensuring the frangipane has the right consistency.

KOSHER SALT: Salt is a key player in any baked good, and it’s just as essential in frangipane. It isn’t just seasoning; it enhances the sweetness and brings out the full, nutty richness of the almonds while balancing the flavor and allowing everything to meld together. Just as importantly, it strengthens its structure, helping proteins and sugars work together more efficiently to ensure a smooth, cohesive texture.

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