Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients First, sift the almond flour, powdered sugar, and cornstarch together to ensure a smooth mix without lumps. This helps create the base for your macaron shells. Measure out all other ingredients like egg whites and granulated sugar accurately using a kitchen scale for the best outcome.

Step 2: Make the Macaron Shells Whisk the egg whites and granulated sugar over heat until warm, then whip them to stiff peaks for that airy texture. Gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients to form the batter, aiming for a lava-like flow. Pipe the batter onto trays, let it dry until a skin forms, and bake at 300°F for about 18 minutes per tray. For a variation, add food coloring to the batter for fun, colorful shells.

Once baked, let the shells cool completely. If you’re looking for more cooling treats to pair with these, check out our no-churn ice cream recipe for easy homemade options.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Combine the chopped strawberries, rhubarb, maple syrup, and lemon juice in a saucepan, then cook until the fruits soften. Mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, add it to the mixture, and stir until it thickens. This jam adds the fresh flavor twist that makes these macarons stand out, with its sweet and tangy balance.

Step 4: Whip Up the Strawberry Buttercream Cream the unsalted butter with the sifted confectioners’ sugar and freeze-dried strawberry powder until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and milk, adjusting as needed for the right consistency. This buttercream ties everything together with its creamy texture and strawberry punch.

Step 5: Assemble and Finish Pipe the buttercream onto one shell and add a dollop of the jam before sandwiching with another shell. For the best flavor, let them rest in the fridge for a bit. Preparation takes about 2 hours, plus 40 minutes for cooking, so plan for around 2 hours and 40 minutes total. Each macaron has roughly 120 calories, making it a light treat for special occasions.

Feel free to adjust for dietary needs, like using aquafaba instead of egg whites for a vegan version. This step-by-step approach ensures your strawberry rhubarb macarons turn out just right every time. Don’t forget tips like using an oven thermometer to monitor heat for even baking.