Marsepen is a candy made from almond powder and a sweetener, usually sugar or honey. If you want to make marsepen, this article includes two recipes for making this delicious sweet that is often found in cakes and candies. Marsepen is commonly used to make cake decorations, and we've also included instructions and videos for those of you who want to make your own.
Ingredients
Uncooked
- 200 grams of almond powder
- 200 grams of powdered sugar
- 3 drops vanilla extract
- 2 egg whites
Note: You will need to use pasteurized egg whites in this recipe for safety reasons. Eating raw eggs can cause food poisoning. You can find egg whites in the cold foods section of your local grocery store.
Cooked
- 200 grams of almond powder
- 200 grams of white sugar
- 30 grams of powdered sugar
- 3 drops vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 egg white
Step
Method 1 of 2: Uncooked
This method is best used for the preparation of forming marsepen.
Step 1. Sift powdered sugar into a bowl over almond powder
Step 2. Add the rest of the ingredients
Stir until the dough becomes stiff.
You can use a little water mixed with brandy instead of egg whites if you don't want to eat raw eggs
Step 3. Knead until smooth
Method 2 of 2: The cooked one
This method can also be used in preparation for shaping marsepen, but the result will be much stickier than the uncooked version.
Step 1. Cook sugar and water over low heat
Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Step 2. Add cream of tartar and bring the mixture to a boil
The sugar should reach a temperature of about 116˚C. This is called the soft ball stage.
Step 3. Remove the dough from the stove
Stir until slightly steamed. Add almond powder and vanilla extract.
Step 4. Beat the egg whites lightly
Add the egg whites to the pan and reheat the mixture over low heat. Stir for a few minutes.
Step 5. Sprinkle powdered sugar over a marble (or similar) surface
Pour the batter over it. Work with a palette knife.
Directions: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar
Step 6. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate
Knead until smooth after the dough has cooled.
Tips
- Use food coloring, candied fruit, chocolate drops, etc. as decorations to add to your marsepen design.
- When making marsepen, you can use corn syrup to soften your dough.
- If the almonds you are going to use are still skinned, you can use them for this recipe. First, boil the almonds and then grind them in a food processor. Below is a link to how to boil almonds.
Warning
- Raw eggs are at high risk of containing salmonella, which is dangerous for your health.
- When using a hot stove, be careful not to burn yourself. Also, if something is hot and you're not sure if you should touch it with your bare hands, place the back of your hand near (not touching) the object. If it's too warm, wait a few minutes and then check again.
