Three Desserts to Make with Spanish Toasted Egg-Yolk Turrón

Spanish egg-yolk turrón is an almond-based sweet with a soft, marzipan-like texture. Toasted egg-yolk turrón adds a thin caramelised surface for extra flavour. Both can be used in pastry and desserts, especially around Christmas, though they also work throughout the year.

What is toasted egg-yolk turrón?

Traditional egg-yolk turrón contains ground almonds, sugar and egg-yolk preparation. In the toasted variety, sugar on its surface is caramelised with a heated plate or other confectionery equipment. Its flavour is different from soft Jijona turrón, which is traditionally made with toasted almonds and honey.

1. No-bake toasted egg-yolk turrón cake

Prepare a biscuit or sponge-finger base and a creamy filling with chopped egg-yolk turrón, cream and a suitable setting agent such as cuajada. Chill according to the setting product’s instructions. Decorate with cooked pastry yema or whipped cream. If using sponge fingers dipped in nougat liqueur, remember that the finished dessert will contain alcohol.

2. Toasted egg-yolk turrón ice cream

Prepare a cooked custard base with milk, cream and egg yolk, then mix in chopped toasted egg-yolk turrón. Chill completely before churning in an ice-cream maker. Without a machine, freeze and mix regularly for a less icy texture, observing safe egg-cooking practices. Serve with almond crocanti or a small drizzle of caramel.

3. Egg-yolk turrón Bundt cake

A Bundt cake combines a rich sponge batter with crumbled egg-yolk turrón. Butter, cream, flour and eggs contribute a tender, dense texture. Use a tested Bundt recipe adapted to the turrón’s sweetness and fat content, grease the patterned mould well and bake until the centre is cooked.

Pastry yema for filling and decorating

Commercial cooked egg-yolk pastry cream may be used to decorate cakes and pastries. Some formulations are intended for freezing, while others are better for glazing or finishing. Follow the maker’s label and storage instructions.

Other ways to enjoy yema sweets

Spanish pastry shops also make yema-filled Huesos de Santo, marzipan pastries, egg-yolk cascas and other confectionery. These sweets are different from using an entire turrón bar as an ingredient.

Allergens and food safety

Egg-yolk turrón contains eggs and almonds. The suggested desserts may also contain milk, wheat, alcohol and other allergens. Keep egg- and dairy-based fillings refrigerated and follow suitable cooking instructions.

Which turrón works best?

Toasted egg-yolk turrón has a caramelised top, while the untoasted version has a more delicate flavour. Choose according to the dessert and adjust additional sugar because the turrón is already sweet.

Video: traditional egg-yolk turrón finishing

Discover our traditional egg-yolk turrón and pastry ingredients.