Frangipane may sound sophisticated, but this rich almond cream is incredibly easy to make and will have you feeling like a contestant on The Great British Baking Show. A staple in French pastries, it’s the perfect filling for almond croissants and fruit tarts. Once you’ve mastered it, this versatile recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking collection.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MARZIPAN AND FRANGIPANE?
Marzipan is a smooth, dense almond paste made from almonds, sugar, glucose syrup, water, and sometimes egg whites. It can be homemade or bought in cans or tubes. Typically used for cake decorations or molded into candy-like shapes, marzipan has a sweet, firm texture.
Frangipane, on the other hand, is sweeter than almond paste but less sugary than marzipan. It’s a soft, spreadable cream made from almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs. This classic French filling is used in pastries like bostock, almond croissants, pithivier, and British bakewell tarts.
IS FRANGIPANE THE SAME AS ALMOND PASTE?
While almond paste shares some similarities with marzipan, it’s more like frangipane in that it’s less sweet and has a richer almond flavor. Almond paste is also a bit crumbly and coarser in texture, often used in baked goods like pignoli cookies.
HOW TO USE FRANGIPANE
Frangipane is incredibly versatile. Beyond its traditional uses, it’s fantastic spread on thick-sliced bread, topped with fruit, and baked for a delightful morning toast. You can also spread it on puff pastry or galette dough, then add fresh fruit to create a simple tart. For a twist, fold a few spoonfuls into muffin or quick bread batter, or even baked oatmeal, for extra flavor before baking.
INGREDIENTS
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1 1/4 cups almond flour or meal
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Cut 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter into 3 pieces and place them in the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl if using an electric hand mixer). Let the butter sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes until softened.
Add 1/3 cup of granulated sugar to the softened butter. Beat on medium speed with the paddle attachment until pale and fluffy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a flexible spatula.
With the mixer on low, add 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring the first egg is fully incorporated before adding the second.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl again. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract (if using) and beat on medium speed until just combined, about 1 minute. The mixture may look curdled, but that’s perfectly fine.
Add 1 1/4 cups of almond flour and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Beat on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds. Use the spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and finish folding in the flour until the mixture is smooth.
RECIPE NOTES
Almond flour substitute: You can replace almond flour with an equal amount of other nut flours, such as walnut, pecan, or hazelnut. If using a different nut flour, skip the almond extract.
Storage: Frangipane can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 2 months. To use from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let sit at room temperature before spreading to make it easier to work with.
HOMEMADE HERBAL BATH MELTS
These herbal bath melts are perfect for moisturizing your skin, resetting your energy, calming your mind, and opening your heart. There’s no better way to unwind and release the day’s stress than through a self-care ritual, setting a personal bath intention. With these melts, you’ll create a soothing experience that nourishes both body and soul.
If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you know how much I advocate for self-care. One of my favorite ways to practice self-care is by enjoying a nourishing bath that refreshes both your skin and your spirit.
Over the years, I’ve shared various bathtime essentials, including bath salts, soaks, and bath bombs. These herbal bath melts offer a unique experience—they’re portable like bath bombs yet deliver the deep hydration of a bath soak, making them a perfect addition to your relaxation routine.
WHAT IS AN HERBAL BATH MELT?
Imagine the silky, indulgent experience of a bath soak combined with the convenience of a bath bomb. These herbal bath melts gently dissolve without fizzing, releasing essential herbs and oils for a deeply hydrating bath.
Infused with cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, and skin-soothing herbs, these melts create a balanced, nourishing bath ritual that your skin will adore. As you soak, a sense of calm, renewal, and heart-opening warmth will envelop you, leaving your skin soft and replenished.
ARE BATH MELTS HARD TO MAKE?
Nope! Making herbal bath melts is actually quite simple and allows for a lot of flexibility with ingredients. All it takes is mixing your chosen ingredients, pouring them into a silicone mold, and letting them set.
The recipe I used combines clays, essential oils, organic flowers, and coconut oil. Unlike bath bombs, these herbal melts are less labor-intensive and offer more creative freedom. I love how soft and nourished my skin feels after using them!
The best part of this herbal bath melt recipe is its flexibility—you can tailor the ingredients to suit your specific herbal needs, spiritual intentions, or simply what you have on hand.
FAVORITE DIY HERBAL BATH MELT INGREDIENTS
Creating your own bath melts lets you design a bath experience perfectly suited to your needs. I often begin with Epsom salts, which offer muscle-relaxing properties and skin nourishment, much like a bath bomb.
I also love adding my favorite organic flowers like calendula and chamomile, which bring a touch of beauty and tranquility to the bath. Be sure they’re 100% organic since you’ll be soaking in them!
When choosing ingredients for your herbal bath melts, think about the self-care ritual you want to create—one that encourages focus and letting go. Each ingredient has nourishing properties for the skin, but consider those that uplift your soul as well.
HEART-OPENING HERBAL SOAK
There’s nothing quite like a warm bath to thaw your body, mind, and heart on a chilly evening. Let the cocoa butter in these herbal bath melts melt into your skin, providing deep moisture and warmth.
Rose is a beautiful, heart-opening addition to this ritual, perfect for the colder months when many of us feel more introspective. Chamomile brings a gentle, calming quality with its light floral aroma, helping you drift off to a peaceful place, while calendula offers soothing support as you release and heal from the past.
For a touch of winter magic, bright orange peel brings fresh energy to your connections, love, and dreams. And the earthy scent of cedar offers a grounding presence, helping you reconnect with your inner wisdom, grounding you as you explore and embrace your truest self.
Other ingredients added:
rose clay
french green clay
rhassoul clay
cocoa butter wafers
shea butter
essential oils
cedar leaf
calendula flowers
chamomile
dried orange peel
rose petals
These ingredients not only hold everything together but also provide essential nutrients to nourish your skin.
Feel free to get creative, experimenting with or mixing your favorite ingredients. Whatever herbs you choose, simply stick to the recommended ratios, and you’ll create a magical DIY bath melt every time!
HOW TO MAKE HERBAL BATH MELTS
First, weigh out the coconut oil, cocoa butter wafers, and shea butter using a digital kitchen scale.
Next, melt the ingredients in a double boiler or a makeshift double boiler (by placing a Pyrex measuring cup or bowl over a pan with an inch or two of simmering water) until the oils reach a fully melted state.
If you’re using any optional clay ingredients, divide the melted oils into separate bowls. Stir in each clay while mixing to ensure they melt smoothly. Keep in mind that different clay types will affect the color of the melts and provide additional skin benefits.
Next, pour the melted oil mixtures into silicone molds. Then, in each mold, add Epsom salts and your chosen herbal ingredients. Feel free to use flower petals, cedar leaves, dried orange peel, or any other herbs in combinations that best suit your needs.
Allow the bath melts to dry and harden in the silicone molds overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.
Once they are completely set, gently pop the herbal bath melts out of the molds. Then, enjoy your soothing ritual of self-love, self-realization, and self-companionship!
HOW TO STORE AND USE HERBAL BATH MELTS
While you await their use, keep these lovely bath melts at room temperature, storing them in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight.
If you live in or visit a very hot climate, it’s best to store the herbal bath melts in the refrigerator. After all, no one wants a pre-melted bath melt!
Use the herbal bath melts as needed to moisturize your skin and relax your mind. Embrace the herbal benefits as you reconnect with your inner self. Just as the melts cater to your individual needs, create a ritual that feels right for you in the moment.
There’s nothing selfish about self-care. You’ll discover that as the bath melt dissolves, you’ll also melt away the day’s stressors.
Simply place a bath melt into a tub of hot water and allow it to melt, releasing the soothing herbs as you soak. Enjoy the experience!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I avoid the bath melts making a mess in the bathtub?
If you’re concerned about a mess after using the bath melt, I have a few tips for you. First, grind the flower petals using a coffee grinder, a circle silicone mold, a double boiler insert, a blender, or a food processor to minimize residue. Second, you can use a cheesecloth secured with a rubber band to strain out any leftover materials, making cleanup easier.
Regarding plumbing worries, I found that while using the bath melts, I focused on applying the oils to my skin, similar to a lotion bar. By the end of your bath, you’ll likely notice any remaining oils floating on top of the water. You can scoop these up with a cup to prevent them from going down the drain. If this method doesn’t work for you, consider leaving out the Epsom salt from the recipe and using the bath melt right after getting out of the bath!
Will the bath melts stay solid at room temperature?
Absolutely! We created and tested the bath melts recipe to ensure they stay solid at room temperature. However, we recommend storing them in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use them. Avoid sunny windows and be cautious when transporting the melts on hot days to keep them in perfect condition.
What tools will I need to make the bath melts?
I recommend using a silicone mold to shape the bath melts; I used a circular silicone mold for mine. For melting, I often set up a standard double boiler by placing a glass bowl on top of a pot filled with warm water. Alternatively, I love using a double boiler insert for easy heating and pouring. A kitchen scale is also helpful for measuring the ingredients accurately!
conclusion
In conclusion, creating your own herbal bath melts is a delightful and customizable way to enhance your self-care routine. By choosing ingredients that resonate with your needs and preferences, you can craft a soothing and nourishing bath experience that promotes relaxation, skin hydration, and inner peace. With simple steps and flexible options, you can enjoy the calming benefits of these bath melts while reconnecting with yourself. So gather your materials, let your creativity flow, and indulge in the magic of a personalized herbal bath ritual that rejuvenates both your body and mind! Enjoy every moment of your self-care journey!
