Marzipan is a confection made from ground almonds and sugar, kneaded into a smooth, pliable paste. The finest marzipan, such as German Lübeck marzipan, contains a high ratio of almonds to sugar (typically at least 50% almonds) and has a rich, naturally sweet almond flavor. Marzipan has been a prized confection in European and Middle Eastern cuisines for centuries, used as a candy, cake covering, and filling for chocolates and pastries.
Marzipan is relevant to Dubai chocolate as a conceptual cousin of pistachio cream — both are nut-based pastes used as confectionery fillings. Pistachio marzipan, made by substituting ground pistachios for some or all of the almonds, creates a filling that bridges the gap between traditional marzipan and Dubai chocolate's pistachio cream. Some creative chocolatiers use a thin layer of pistachio marzipan beneath the pistachio cream in their bars for added body and a more complex nut flavor. Marzipan is also an excellent ingredient for Dubai chocolate-inspired petit fours and gift box assortments.