Classic British Eton Mess Dessert Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 large ripe strawberries
  • 1 teaspoon of caster sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 2 meringue nests
  • 200ml of double cream
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Hull the strawberries and cut them into small pieces.
  2. Place half of the strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle with the caster sugar.
  3. Mash the sugared strawberries into a rough pulp using a fork and place them in the fridge to chill.
  4. In another bowl, whip the double cream with the vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  5. Crumble the meringue nests and fold them into the whipped cream.
  6. Mix in the remaining strawberry pieces.
  7. Swirl through the chilled strawberry pulp to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix.
  8. Divide the mixture between serving glasses or bowls.
  9. Garnish with mint leaves before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries instead of strawberries.
  • Add a layer of crumbled biscuits or cookies between the meringue and cream for extra texture.
  • Drizzle a fruit sauce, such as raspberry or passionfruit, over the Eton Mess for added flavor.
  • Add a tablespoon of lemon or lime zest to the whipped cream for a citrusy twist.
  • Include a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a crunchy element.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the double cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use vegan meringue or omit it entirely.
  • Swap out the meringue for crushed pavlova or sponge cake for a different texture.
  • Add a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto, to the cream mixture for an adult version.

Recipe overview

Eton Mess is a delightful traditional English dessert that combines the sweet crunch of meringue with juicy strawberries and velvety whipped cream. It's named after Eton College, where it is traditionally served at the annual cricket match. This recipe serves four and is an easy, quick dessert to whip up, requiring no baking and just a few simple ingredients. Expect to indulge in a sweet, creamy treat that offers a perfect balance of textures, with the crisp meringue pieces contrasting beautifully with the soft strawberries and cream. Its striking marbled appearance also makes it a visually appealing dessert, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying on a relaxed summer evening.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to make Eton Mess?
    Eton Mess can be made in approximately 15-20 minutes.
  2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
    While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
  3. Can I make Eton Mess in advance?
    Eton Mess is best served immediately after assembling, as the meringue may lose its crispness if prepared too far in advance. However, you can prepare the components (whipped cream, mashed strawberries, and crumbled meringue) ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.
  4. Can I substitute the double cream?
    Double cream is traditionally used in Eton Mess for its rich and creamy texture. However, if you can't find double cream, you can use heavy cream as a substitute.
  5. Can I add other fruits to Eton Mess?
    Absolutely! While strawberries are the classic choice, you can experiment with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Additionally, adding sliced bananas or peaches can add a delicious twist to the dessert.
  6. Can I make a vegan version of Eton Mess?
    Yes, you can make a vegan version of Eton Mess by using dairy-free whipped cream substitute (made from coconut cream or soy) and vegan meringue alternatives made from aquafaba (chickpea brine) or other plant-based ingredients.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining and mixing the ingredients.
  • Fork - Used to mash the strawberries and create the pulp.
  • Whisk - To whip the double cream and create soft peaks.
  • Serving Glasses or Bowls - Containers for serving the Eton Mess.
  • Spoon - For scooping and serving the dessert.
  • Mint Leaves - Fresh mint leaves for garnishing the Eton Mess.

Origin stories

An amusing tale surrounds the English dessert, Eton Mess. The dish, a delightful mélange of strawberries, cream, and meringue, owes its name to Eton College, one of Britain's most prestigious schools. One commonly told story suggests that the dessert was created quite by accident during a cricket match at the College. A dog, so the tale goes, sat on a picnic basket containing a picnic dessert of strawberries, cream, and meringue. The result of this canine calamity was, of course, a squashed mess. However, it was a delicious mess, and thus, the Eton Mess was born. Whether this tale holds any truth, one can't deny the charm it adds to this quintessentially English summer dessert.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.