How to Marzipan a Cake

Marzipan adds the perfect flavour and finish to your festive bakes and cakes. Simply covering your cake with marzipan not only enhances its presentation but also boosts the flavour. Whether you're making a classic fruit cake for Christmas or a delightful Battenberg for a gathering, marzipan is the perfect way to treat your loved ones.

Whether you’re using marzipan to cover a fruit cake or another one of your at-home creations, it’s a simple process that only requires three main ingredients. They are:  

• 500g marzipan 
• 3 tbsp honey or apricot jam (slightly warmed) 
• 1 tbsp icing sugar, for dusting  

To marzipan a cake at home, you’ll need the following equipment:  

• Rolling pin 
• Pastry brush 
• Sharp knife / palette knife 
• Sieve 
• Bowl 

•Knead the marzipan until it becomes soft and pliable. Start with the shape you want the marzipan to take once rolled. For example, if you’re covering a round cake, shape the marzipan into a round ball. 

•Lightly dust your surface with icing sugar to prevent sticking, then begin rolling the marzipan. Rotate it while rolling to create a circular (or desired) shape. Continue rolling until it’s about 0.5cm thick. 

• Glaze your cake with jam or honey using a pastry brush. This will help the marzipan stick to the cake. 
• Lift the marzipan using your rolling pin and carefully unroll it over the glazed cake. 

• Smooth the marzipan down gently over the sides of the cake, easing out any wrinkles. Use one hand to lift the pleats while using the other to press and smooth the surface. 

• Trim the excess marzipan with a sharp knife to create a clean edge. 

• Enjoy the perfect marzipan-covered cake! 

How Long After Marzipan Can You Ice Cake? 
Your marzipan should really have some time to dry out before icing, so we would recommend 1-5 days after you have covered with marzipan then you can cover your cake.  

Can You Freeze Marzipan? 
Yes, you can freeze marzipan! Freezing marzipan is a great way to preserve it for later use.

Here’s how you can do it: 
• Wrap it tightly: To prevent freezer burn, wrap the marzipan tightly in cling film. Then, place it in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag for extra protection. 
• Label it: Don’t forget to label the package with the date so you can keep track of how long it's been frozen. 
• Freeze: Store the wrapped marzipan in the freezer, where it can last for up to 3 months. 
• Thaw: When you're ready to use it, remove the marzipan from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, knead it to restore its pliability. 
• Freezing marzipan preserves its flavour and texture, making it easy to have it on hand whenever you need it! 

Is Marzipan Gluten Free? 
Yes, marzipan is gluten-free, as it is made from almonds, sugar, and egg whites, none of which contain gluten. However, it’s always important to check the packaging if you’re buying store-bought marzipan, as some brands may include additional ingredients or be processed in facilities that handle gluten.  

How to Dry Out Marzipan on a Cake? 
To dry out marzipan on a cake, follow these steps to make sure it firms up properly without compromising its flavour or texture: 

Allow it to air dry: After covering your cake with marzipan, leave it at room temperature to dry out for at least 24 hours. Make sure the cake is in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight or humidity. 

Ensure good ventilation: Place the cake on a wire rack, if possible, to allow air to circulate around it. This will help the marzipan dry evenly on all sides. 
Check for dryness: After the 24-hour period, check if the marzipan has dried to your desired consistency. It should feel firm and slightly matte to the touch, not sticky. 

Keep it covered: If you're not decorating the cake right away, make sure to store it in a cool, dry place, covered with a clean kitchen towel or in a cake box. This will help maintain the marzipan's texture and prevent it from absorbing moisture. 

By following these steps, you'll get marzipan that's firm and ready for any additional decoration or icing you want to apply! 

Now you know how to make marzipan a cake, why not try it with some of our simple recipes? Have a go at our Battenburg Layer Cake Recipe, Marzipan Fruit Cake or Christmas Cake Brownies Recipe and Christmas Cake Recipe. Then you can share your delicious creations with all your loved ones.  

Don’t miss our other helpful baking hints and tips to elevate your at-home baking and impress your guests, like how to soften butter and our guide to freezing cakes.