How to Soften Marzipan

Marzipan is a sweet, pliable dough made from almond paste and sugar. Delicious and incredibly versatile, marzipan can be colored and flavored, baked into cakes and cookies, molded into candies or frosting, or sculpted into any kind of decorative figure that you can imagine. If your marzipan has not been stored properly, it may harden, but there are several methods to soften it back into working shape.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Vanilla or almond extract
• Microwave-safe plate
• Airtight container
• Fresh orange
• Double boiler
• Aluminum foil
• Steamer or colander
• Pot

Instructions

1. 

   Knead it. Using your hands and a hard work surface, vigorously knead the marzipan until it has softened.

2. Add a little water. Knead a little bit of water into the marzipan to soften it. Go slowly; you can always add more water if needed.

3. 

   Add vanilla or almond extract. Knead a single drop of extract into your marzipan, adding more if needed. Marzipan already contains vanilla and almond flavors, so this should not greatly alter the taste.

4. Microwave it. Place your marzipan on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for approximately 60 seconds. Remove it from the microwave and knead it well.

5. Place your marzipan in an airtight container with a few slices of fresh orange. Do not allow the orange slices to touch the marzipan. Let it sit in a cool spot for 1 to 2 days.

6. 

   Steam it. Place your marzipan in the top of a double boiler and let it heat over boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes or until it becomes pliable enough to knead. If you don't have a double boiler, wrap your marzipan in aluminum foil and heat it in a steamer or a colander over a pot of boiling water.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your marzipan fresh by storing it in airtight container kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and strong odors. Do not refrigerate or freeze your marzipan.

References

• Recipe Tips 1
• Recipe Tips 2
• Garden Web

Resources

• Marzipan Cakes
• Food Network Marzipan Recipes
• All About Marzipan