How to soften marzipan

Delicious and incredibly versatile, marzipan can be coloured and flavoured, baked into cakes and biscuits, moulded into sweets or icing, 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 one to two days.

Steam it. Wrap your marzipan in tin foil, place it in a steamer or colander and let it heat over a pan of boiling water for three to five minutes or until it becomes pliable enough to knead.