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    Home » Cooking Tips

    What is Mazapán?

    Published: Feb 6, 2022 · Updated: Mar 21, 2022 by Mitch and Justine · This post may contain affiliate links

    Mazapan Pin

    Mazapán is an incredibly tasty treat found all across Mexico. Find out what it is, how it's used in recipes, and how to make your own! You'll be pleasantly surprised at how versatile it is!

    Hand Holding a Mazapán Candy
    Try a sweet and crumbly mazapán candy
    Table of Contents
    • 📖 What is mazapán?
    • 🍴 Flavor profile
    • 🔪 How to use it
    • 📋 Recipes with mazapán
    • 🌡️ Storage
    • 💰 Buying guide
    • ♻️ Substitutions
    • 💬 FAQ

    📖 What is mazapán?

    Mazapanes are a type of peanut-based candy sold everywhere in Mexico. They are so popular in fact, there is a whole day dedicated to this sweet — Dia del Mazapán on January 12th.

    There are only 2 ingredients required to make mazapán — peanuts and powdered sugar. But, achieving the right measurements is an important component in the final consistency.

    The dough is then packed into disk shapes, wrapped in plastic, and sold at virtually every grocery or corner store. The really fun part is trying to open the wrapping without making a mess!

    One brand in particular (de la Rosa) makes the perfect mazapán, and they are our absolute favorite.

    Mazapanes by de la Rosa on a Counter
    Mazapán de la Rosa

    Mazapan vs marzipan vs fondant

    Marzipan is predominantly made from almonds and sugar (sometimes rosewater or egg whites). This product is commonly used in candy and dessert recipes. You may also find it dyed and shaped into fruits or flowers to be added to cakes.

    Fondant is made from sugar, water, and corn syrup and is used for sculpting. Although it looks a lot like pie dough, it is used as a top layer on cakes for decorative purposes.

    Mazapán is made from peanuts and powdered sugar and is eaten as a treat or used to make other recipes (as we'll share with you below).

    🍴 Flavor profile

    Mazapán carries a sweet, delicate peanut flavor with an intensely creamy texture. It should be light enough that it falls apart in your fingers but still melts in your mouth!

    🔪 How to use it

    The most basic way to use mazapán is to just unwrap the candy and eat it as-is. But, it also makes a great addition to many different recipes like cakes, coffees, shakes, and more.

    If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping some in chocolate. Seriously, you need to try it!

    Pro tip: keep your mazapanes in the freezer for an extra cool and creamy treat throughout the day.

    📋 Recipes with mazapán

    While it may seem like just a candy, mazapán is so much more! We've included a few recipes that you may like to try (including one for homemade mazapán):

    • 2-ingredient mazapán
    • Mazapán frappes
    • Agua de mazapán
    • Mazapan milkshake
    • Mazapán coffees
    • Mazapán atole
    • Chocolate-dipped mazapanes
    Stack of Mazapanes
    Try making your own mazapanes!

    🌡️ Storage

    Room temperature

    Pre-packaged mazapán candies will keep at room temperature for at least 6 months.

    If you do make your own mazapanes, make sure they're wrapped in wax paper, cling wrap, or sandwich bags and they'll last for up 3-4 weeks.

    Freezer

    Similar to room temperature, pre-packaged mazapán will store in your freezer for at least 6 months.

    If you make them yourself, tightly wrap the candies and keep them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

    💰 Buying guide

    If you want to become a true mazapán connoisseur, you'll need to test out a few different brands, make your own, and then compare to see what your favorite is. Here's a list to get you started:

    • de la Rosa
    • Pirhúan
    • Mazapán Azteca
    • Las Sevillanas
    • Mexihuate

    ♻️ Substitutions

    If you don't have peanuts, try making mazapán with a different type of nut like:

    1. Almonds: Almonds will add sweet, rich, and buttery flavors — much more subdued than peanuts.
    2. Pistachios: If you're feel extra fancy, use pistachios for more sweet and creamy elements.
    3. Cashews: The sweetest and smoothest of all three substitutions, cashews make a delicious replacement for peanuts.

    💬 FAQ

    Is mazapán vegan?

    Yes! Mexican mazapán is made from powdered sugar and peanuts, making it vegan and vegetarian-friendly.

    Can I use white sugar instead of powdered sugar?

    We don't recommend using regular sugar because the cornstarch found in powdered sugar acts as a binding agent.

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