1-Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Shells Gather your ingredients and fit a piping bag with a large round tip, then line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together to ensure a smooth mix and set it aside. In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, whisk the egg whites and granulated sugar until they turn frothy and the sugar dissolves completely. Transfer this mixture to a stand mixer bowl and whisk on low speed for 30 seconds, then switch to medium for 1-2 minutes until it’s white and fluffy. Crank it up to high and keep going until stiff, glossy peaks form, but don’t overdo it. Gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients with a spatula, adding gel food coloring if you want a fun twist. Fold until the batter is glossy and flows thickly, like when you can draw a figure 8 without it breaking. Pipe rounds onto your baking sheets, bang the trays on the counter to pop air bubbles, and use a toothpick for any stragglers. Let the shells sit at room temperature for 20-40 minutes until dry to the touch, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), and bake one tray at a time for 15-20 minutes. Rotate every 5 minutes and check when the “feet” form and they’re no longer jiggly. Cool them completely before moving on. For more banana-inspired ideas, check out our blueberry banana muffins recipe that pairs great flavors.

2-Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream Once your shells are cooling, whip up the topping. In a bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form, which takes about 1 minute. Pop it into a piping bag for easy use later.

3-Step 3: Assemble the Macarons Now for the fun part putting it all together. Pipe a ring of dulce de leche around the edge of one cooled macaron shell, leaving a small hole in the center. Tuck in those thin banana slices, top with another shell flat side down, add a dollop of whipped cream, and finish with chocolate curls or shavings. This step-by-step guide makes banoffee macarons straightforward, and you can adapt it for dietary tweaks like using plant-based options. I once rushed this part and ended up with messy results, but taking your time really pays off.