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Almonds have a mild, slightly sweet taste and a slightly crunchy texture when they are eaten raw. When roasted, the nutty smell and taste get stronger, and the texture gets hard and crunchy. Almond flour, made by grinding blanched almonds, has a fine texture and a nutty flavor that make it a popular ingredient in gluten-free and low-carb baking.
The use of almonds in desserts can be traced back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans, who used them to make sweet treats like marzipan and nougat. In medieval Europe, almonds were commonly used in rich, decadent desserts like frangipane and amaretto cookies. The nut's popularity in desserts continues to this day, with almond cakes, cookies, and tarts being staples of many cuisines around the world.
Here are six delicious desserts made with almonds that will make your mouth water, from classic treats like marzipan and macarons to modern creations like almond butter brownies and almond milk pudding.
Chocolate Almond Truffles
Experience the decadent taste of these chocolate almond truffles. Begin by combining almond flour, coconut flour, and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl, then adding in maple syrup, coconut oil, and almond milk to create a sticky dough. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a lined baking tray. Stick the tray in the freezer for 15 minutes, or until the truffles have set. In the meantime, combine dark chocolate callets and coconut oil in a double boiler. Once melted, dip the frozen truffles into the chocolate and sprinkle them with chopped almonds and shredded coconut. Return them to the freezer for another 10 minutes, and savor the perfect combination of creamy chocolate and crunchy almonds.
Taste: chocolatey and nutty
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 120
Almond Butter Brownies
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of almond butter brownies. In a mixing bowl, combine almond butter, brown butter, caster sugar, and vanilla bean powder. Fold in the eggs and mix with a hand mixer on low until well combined. Whisk together sifted flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Combine the wet and dry components, and pour into a lined baking tray. Top with almond flakes. Bake in the oven at 180°C for 20–25 minutes. Let the brownies cool before slicing and serving.
Taste: rich and decadent
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 280
Almond Milk Panna Cotta
Indulge in the creamy and luxurious texture of Almond Milk Panna Cotta. Begin by heating almond milk, heavy cream, and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Follow with presoaked gelatin and warm milk, stirring to combine. Pour the mixture into ramekins and refrigerate overnight. Serve with a drizzle of honey and chopped almonds for a creamy and nutty dessert.
Taste: creamy and nutty
Total Time: 4 hours and 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 250
Almond Butter Cake with Amaretto Frosting
Indulge in the rich and boozy flavors of almond butter cake with amaretto frosting. In a mixing bowl, cream brown butter, unsweetened almond butter, and powdered brown sugar until light and fluffy. Fold in the eggs and mix until well combined; set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk sifted cake flour, baking powder, and salt until well mixed. Combine the wet and dry components using a mixer on low while slowly adding milk to smooth the mixture. Pour the batter into a lined baking tray and bake for at least 40 minutes at 180°C. Let the cake cool before frosting with a mixture of powdered sugar, amaretto liqueur, almond extract, and butter until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and top with sliced almonds for added crunch and nuttiness.
Taste: rich and boozy
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 400
Almond Tart with Mixed Berries
Savor the combination of sweet and tart flavors in this almond tart with mixed berries. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, cake flour, caster sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture has the consistency of coarse crumbs. Beat an egg with a few drops of the almond mixture and fold into the tart dough until well combined. To prepare the tart, firmly press the crust into a tart pan and place it in the oven at a temperature of 180 °C. Allow it to bake for approximately 20 minutes or until it turns golden brown in color. Let the crust cool before filling with a mixture of cream cheese, almond paste, and powdered sugar. Top with mixed berries and sliced almonds for a visually stunning and flavorful dessert.
Taste: sweet and tart
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 280
Marzipan Fruit Tart
Delight your senses with this beautiful and delicious marzipan fruit tart. Roll out a sheet of puff pastry and place it in a tart pan. Mix almond paste, sugar, and egg white in a bowl, then spread it over the puff pastry. Put the tart in the oven and cook it for a period of 15 to 20 minutes, or until it reaches a golden brown color. Once cooled, arrange fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwis on top of the tart. Brush them with apricot jam for a shiny finish. The crispy and buttery crust pairs perfectly with the sweet and nutty marzipan and the juicy fruits, creating a stunning dessert that will impress your guests.
Taste: fruity and nutty
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 200
Almonds are truly a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of desserts, both classic and creative. With their nutty and slightly sweet flavor, as well as their impressive nutritional benefits, almonds are a great addition to any dessert recipe.
From Almond Joy Truffles to Marzipan Fruit Tarts, these six unique almond dessert recipes showcase the many ways in which almonds can be used to create delicious and satisfying treats. Whether you're looking for something sweet and indulgent or a healthier option, there is an almond dessert for every taste and occasion.
When you're in the mood for something sweet, consider incorporating almonds into your dessert recipe. Not only will you be adding a delicious and nutritious ingredient, but you'll also be adding a touch of creativity and sophistication to your dessert menu. With almonds, the possibilities are truly endless.
