Sweet almond paste made with honey and argan oil isn’t just a spread. It’s a Moroccan treasure known as Amlou, rich in flavor and tradition. Unlike basic almond butter, Amlou blends roasted almonds, raw honey, and culinary-grade argan oil into a silky, nutty, and slightly floral delight. It’s smooth, deeply satisfying, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking straight off the spoon. In this article, you’ll discover the story behind Amlou, learn exactly how to make it at home, explore its health benefits, and find out the best ways to enjoy it daily. This is almond butter, redefined with heart.
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The Story Behind Sweet Almond Paste Made with Honey and Argan Oil
The Moroccan legacy of Amlou
Sweet almond paste made with honey and argan oil, also known as Amlou, is a cherished Moroccan creation. It’s not just a spread but a story passed down through generations. In Moroccan homes, Amlou is made with patience and pride. Women traditionally used a stone mill to grind roasted almonds into a fine paste, slowly folding in amber-colored honey and golden argan oil. This process created a smooth, almost glossy paste that’s unlike anything you’ll find in a jar labeled “almond butter.”
When I first tasted Amlou, I was blown away. The flavor was complex—deeply nutty, slightly sweet, and rich with the warmth of roasted almonds. The argan oil added something I didn’t expect. It was earthy, almost toasty, and beautifully fragrant. It brought back memories of childhood beach days in Morocco, sunburned and carefree, when my mom would rub argan oil onto our skin like liquid gold. To taste that same comfort inside a jar of almond paste was something special.
More than just almond butter
Let’s be real. Classic almond butter has its place. But Amlou? It’s in a class of its own. The texture is silkier, the flavor more layered, and it spreads like a dream. Thanks to the natural oils and honey, Amlou stays soft—even when stored in the fridge. That means no more struggling with stiff, dry nut butter that breaks your toast in the morning.
When I first made Amlou at home during the 2020 lockdown, I wasn’t looking for a replacement for almond butter. I was looking for comfort. Something simple but rich. Something with a story. I found all that in this sweet almond paste made with honey and argan oil. My kids loved it. I loved it. It became our weekend treat, our morning spoonful, and sometimes, our quiet evening indulgence.
How to Make Sweet Almond Paste with Honey and Argan Oil
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Moroccan Sweet Almond Paste Made With Honey And Argan Oil
- Total Time: 17 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A traditional Moroccan spread made from roasted almonds, raw honey, and culinary argan oil. A smooth and creamy treat perfect for toast, fruit, or dessert.
Ingredients
3 cups raw almonds
3/4 cup raw honey
3/4 cup culinary argan oil
Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. Toast almonds in oven at 350°F for 7–8 minutes.
2. Let almonds cool slightly.
3. Blend almonds in food processor for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
4. Transfer almond butter to bowl. Slowly mix in honey and argan oil.
5. Add sea salt to taste. Store in jar.
Notes
Use light raw honey for a balanced taste.
Store at room temp for 1 week or refrigerated for 3 weeks.
Stir before each use if oil separates.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 7 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 114
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Simple ingredients with powerful flavor
Making sweet almond paste made with honey and argan oil at home is surprisingly easy. You only need a few quality ingredients to create something that tastes luxurious. The key is in the balance. The almonds bring protein and crunch, the honey adds floral sweetness, and the argan oil delivers a rich depth that transforms this from a spread into an experience.
Start by choosing raw, skin-on almonds. Toasting them lightly brings out their natural oils and intensifies the flavor. Use a raw, light honey for a more balanced taste. And always select culinary-grade argan oil—this isn’t the kind you use on your hair. Look for bottles labeled specifically for cooking. You’ll be amazed by its aroma the moment you open it.
Step-by-step: from almonds to Amlou
1. Toast the almonds
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 3 cups of raw almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Toast them for 7 to 8 minutes until they smell fragrant and slightly darken.
Remove them and let them cool for 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Grind the almonds
Place the cooled almonds into a food processor.
Blend on high speed for 8 to 10 minutes. The almonds will go from chunky to powdery, then to a thick paste.
Keep scraping the sides to make sure it blends evenly. Continue processing until you get a smooth, creamy almond butter texture.
3. Add honey and argan oil
Transfer the almond butter into a large bowl.
Slowly add 3/4 cup of raw honey and 3/4 cup of culinary-grade argan oil, little by little.
Use a spatula to fold the mixture together gently until fully combined and silky.
4. Season and taste
Add a pinch of sea salt. Taste the mixture.
If you prefer it sweeter, stir in a bit more honey.
The final texture should be smooth, creamy, and glossy.
5. Store your Amlou
Spoon the mixture into a clean, airtight jar.
You can store it at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate it for up to three weeks.
If chilled, let it sit at room temp for 5 minutes and stir before serving.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Almond Paste Made with Honey and Argan Oil
A natural powerhouse in every spoon
When you eat sweet almond paste made with honey and argan oil, you’re not just enjoying bold flavor. You’re also fueling your body with nutrients that support heart health, brain function, skin repair, and more. Each ingredient plays a role, and when combined, they create a blend that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Almonds are packed with healthy fats, fiber, protein, and antioxidants. A single spoonful of almond paste gives you vitamin E, magnesium, and plant-based energy that supports your body throughout the day. These nuts also help lower bad cholesterol and balance blood sugar naturally.
The goodness of honey and argan oil
Raw honey adds more than sweetness. It carries trace enzymes, amino acids, and natural antibacterial properties. Unlike processed sugars, raw honey offers slow, steady energy and helps soothe inflammation. Depending on the variety you use, it may also support digestion and boost your immune system.
Then there’s the star of the blend—culinary argan oil. This golden oil is rare and precious. It contains omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, along with powerful antioxidants like tocopherols and polyphenols. They shield your cells from oxidative damage while nourishing your skin and hair from the inside out. In Morocco, argan oil is used both inside and out for healing, and it’s no surprise why.
Together, these ingredients create a nutrient-dense spread that feels indulgent but supports your well-being. It’s sweet. It’s smooth. And every bite of sweet almond paste made with honey and argan oil gives your body something real.
How to Serve and Enjoy Sweet Almond Paste Made with Honey and Argan Oil
Traditional and modern uses
Sweet almond paste made with honey and argan oil is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, often served for breakfast or as a treat with warm bread and mint tea. One of the most traditional ways to enjoy Amlou is by simply dipping fresh Moroccan khobz or pita into it. The warmth of the bread melts the paste slightly, creating an indulgent texture that feels rich but comforting.
It’s also common to serve Amlou in a small bowl at family gatherings. Each guest tears a piece of bread and dips in, making it both a delicious and communal experience. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends or savoring it alone on a quiet morning, this sweet almond paste brings warmth to the table.
Creative ways to enjoy Amlou
Beyond tradition, there are so many modern ways to make Amlou part of your everyday meals. Spread it on toast, croissants, or pancakes for a protein-rich breakfast. Swirl it into oatmeal or yogurt bowls for added creaminess and depth. You can even drizzle it over sliced bananas or apples for a naturally sweet snack that satisfies without processed sugar.
If you’re into baking, use Amlou as a filling for muffins or thumbprint cookies. The nutty, floral flavor pairs beautifully with cinnamon, cardamom, and even dark chocolate. For something truly special, fold it into whipped cream and use it to top fruit or layer it into parfaits.
No matter how you serve it, sweet almond paste made with honey and argan oil transforms simple dishes into something memorable. With its velvety texture and naturally sweet taste, it adds beauty and nutrition to your table in one effortless scoop.
Conclusion
Amlou isn’t just a recipe. It’s a story in a jar, a sweet almond paste made with honey and argan oil that brings Moroccan tradition right into your kitchen. From the first scent of toasted almonds to the silky final spoonful, every step of making it is simple, joyful, and rewarding.
Whether you spread it on fresh bread, stir it into breakfast bowls, or sneak a taste straight from the jar, this creamy blend has a way of turning ordinary moments into something memorable. It’s proof that the best things in life come from just a few real ingredients, prepared with care.
Once you try it, you’ll never look at almond butter the same way again.
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FAQ
What is Amlou made of?
Amlou is made of three main ingredients: roasted almonds, raw honey, and culinary argan oil. These simple elements come together to create a sweet almond paste made with honey and argan oil that’s smooth, nutty, and naturally rich in flavor.
Is Amlou healthy?
Yes, Amlou is packed with nutrients. Almonds provide healthy fats and protein, honey offers natural antioxidants, and argan oil is known for its omega fatty acids. Together, they form a nourishing spread that supports heart health, energy, and skin wellness.
Can I make Amlou without argan oil?
You can, but it won’t have the same taste or texture. Argan oil adds a deep, nutty richness that’s unique. If you must substitute, use a mild oil like almond or walnut, but know that it will change the character of this sweet almond paste made with honey and argan oil.
How do you eat Amlou?
Amlou can be enjoyed in many ways. Dip bread into it, spread it on toast, or swirl it into yogurt. It also makes a great filling for baked goods or a topping for fruit. However you use it, this sweet almond paste made with honey and argan oil adds comfort and flavor to any dish.
