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!
Table of Contents
📖 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.
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
🌡️ 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:
- Almonds: Almonds will add sweet, rich, and buttery flavors — much more subdued than peanuts.
- Pistachios: If you're feel extra fancy, use pistachios for more sweet and creamy elements.
- Cashews: The sweetest and smoothest of all three substitutions, cashews make a delicious replacement for peanuts.
💬 FAQ
Yes! Mexican mazapán is made from powdered sugar and peanuts, making it vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
We don't recommend using regular sugar because the cornstarch found in powdered sugar acts as a binding agent.
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