Very few desserts perfectly capture the essence of summer like Eton Mess. I enjoy this classic British dessert that effortlessly blends fresh strawberries, crunchy meringue, and velvety whipped cream.
This one holds an extraordinary place in my heart. My love for Eton mess stems from fond memories of family gatherings and picnics, where this dessert was always the star, effortlessly bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.
This dish dates back to the late 19th century and is traditionally linked to Eton College, where it was first served. I was really surprised to learn that the name “mess” reflects the dessert’s informal and slightly chaotic appearance, which makes it a fun and accessible treat for both casual family meals and elegant gatherings.
Today, I am very excited to share the recipe for eton mess with you. So, join me in creating this easy and elegant dessert that is sure to become a favorite in your home as well.
Equipment Required
- Measuring Cups: I use measuring cups to get the correct measurements for the perfect recipe outcome.
- Mixing Bowls: I prefer using large mixing bowls to combine the ingredients.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: I always use an electric mixer to whip the cream for the recipe. You can also use a whisk for the same purpose if you don’t have an electric mixer.
- Measuring Spoons: Keeping measuring spoons within reach will help you get precise measurements, as many ingredients will be used in smaller quantities.
- Spatula: I suggest using a wooden spatula to fold the ingredients together gently.
- Knife and Cutting Board: I use a sharp knife and a cutting board to slice the strawberries, as it is easier to chop them this way.
- Serving Bowls or Glasses: I prefer serving bowls for presenting and serving the delightfully prepared Eton Mess.
- Oven/Microwave: I always use a microwave to prepare the meringue, but you can also use an oven.
- Parchment Paper: I use it to bake the meringues. You can also use aluminum foil paper in its place.
- Baking Tray: It is essential for making the meringues.
Eton Mess Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The ingredients in this section make six portions of the Eton Mess dessert. You can always change and adjust the quantities of the ingredients according to your need for the number of servings.
- 500 G Hulled and Roughly Chopped Strawberries: Instead of strawberries, you can use other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries if desired.
For The Meringue
- 2 Large Egg Whites: Make sure you only use egg whites and no yolk for best results. However, if you want to make an egg-free meringue, I suggest you add aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, which mimics the properties of egg whites.
- 120 G Caster Sugar: You can also use granulated sugar in its place, but it may require a bit more beating to dissolve.
For The Whipped Cream
- 450 ml Double Cream: If you are out of double cream, I recommend using chilled coconut cream in its place.
- 1 Tablespoon: Icing Sugar: You can adjust it to taste or omit it if required.
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Minutes | 1 Hour 15 Minutes | 1 Hour 35 Minutes |
How To Make Eton Mess At Home
Step 1
Take 2 large eggs, break them, and add egg whites to a large mixing bowl. Do not add egg yolks to the bowl.
Step 2
Now whisk the eggs in the bowl using an electric mixer or a whisk until they reach stiff peaks. Then add some castor sugar to the stiff peaks in 3 lots, re-whisking to stiff peaks every time.
Step 3
Now, spoon dollops of the mixture onto the baking tray.
Step 4
Then put the baking tray on the bottom shelf of the preheated oven (225°F) and cook for 1 hour or more until the meringues are completely hard and come off the paper easily.
Step 5
Take double cream and icing sugar in desired quantities to make the whipped cream.
Step 6
Add the double cream and icing sugar to a large bowl and whisk them together using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture holds its shape.
Step 7
Now top the cream mixture with chopped strawberries and stir.
Step 8
Blitz â…“ of the strawberries to make a strawberry sauce using a blender and combine it with the whipping cream mixture.
Step 9
Add the Crushed baked meringue into the prepared cream mixture.
Step 10
Your Eton Mess is ready! Dollop into bowls, top it with crushed meringues and chopped strawberries, and enjoy.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- Macerate the Berries: To enhance the flavor, I suggest letting the strawberries sit with a bit of sugar for a few minutes to release their natural juices, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.
- Flavorful Cream: I recommend adding a splash of vanilla extract or other flavorings, like almond extract or lemon zest, to the whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.
- Flavor Variations: I often try flavor variations with my Eton Mess by using different types of fruits or by just adding some liquor to the whipped cream.
- Infuse the Meringue: I also add citrus zest( lemon, orange, or lime) into the meringue for extra flavor.
- Add a Sauce: I love drizzling a fruit coulis, or add a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce over the layers for better flavor.
FAQs About Eton Mess Recipe
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Eton Mess is a delightful and indulgent dessert. However, due to meringue and whipped cream, it is high in sugar and saturated fat, so it is not a highly recommended recipe for daily consumption.
Have a look at the exact nutritional values for this dessert mentioned by me below:
| Calories | 367 kcal |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 25 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sodium | 26 g |
| Potassium | 203 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1119 IU |
| Vitamin C | 49 mg |
| Calcium | 64 mg |
| Iron | 0.4 mg |
Also, it’s not dairy-free. Because of its whipped cream, it’s not suitable for those on dairy-free diets or for people following vegan diets. However, with some modifications, you can enjoy it at home.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Low-Sugar Diet: I suggest using sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol instead of regular sugar for the meringue. For the whipped cream, you can add a small amount of powdered sugar substitute to the cream or leave it unsweetened.
- Vegan Diet: If I am making this recipe for someone on a vegan diet, I often use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) instead of egg whites for the meringue. I also recommend using coconut cream or a store-bought vegan whipped topping in place of double cream.
- Dairy-Free Diet: For a dairy-free diet, I suggest using coconut cream or another non-dairy cream alternative like almond or soy cream instead of whipping cream.
- Keto Diet: For a keto diet, you can substitute sugar in the meringue with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Moreover, I usually use heavy cream, sweetened with a keto-friendly sweetener for a keto diet.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing
Separate Components:
- Meringue: I suggest storing the meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. If the air is humid, they may soften. In such cases, you can keep them in the refrigerator.
- Whipped Cream: You can store the whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 1-2 days.
- Berries: I recommend storing fresh berries in a separate container in the refrigerator. They should be rinsed and dried before storing to avoid moisture buildup.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Besides serving Eton Mess as a standalone dessert, several complementary dishes and accompaniments can enhance the dining experience. Here are some options that you can try:
- Summer Cocktails: I recommend offering refreshing cocktails such as a mojito, gin, tonic, or fruity sangria, along with Eton Mess. This will add a festive touch and complement the dessert’s summer vibes.
- Chocolate Truffles: You can never go wrong with chocolate. I often serve rich and decadent chocolate truffles alongside the Eton Mess. The indulgent flavors of chocolate pair beautifully with the lightness of the dessert.
- Fruit Tart: You can also offer a fresh fruit tart with a buttery crust and pastry cream filling. The combination of fresh fruits and pastry will very well complement the fruity sweetness of Eton Mess.
- Miniature Pastries: I believe serving bite-sized pastries like mini éclairs, fruit tarts, or macarons for guests will be a charm for those who prefer a variety of sweet treats alongside their dessert.
Printable Version
Eton Mess Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 grams Strawberries hulled and roughly chopped
For The Meringue
- 2 Egg Whites
- 120 grams Caster Sugar
For The Whipped Cream
- 450 ml Double Cream
- 1 tablespoon Icing Sugar
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Serving Bowls or Glasses
- Oven / Microwave
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Tray
Instructions
- Take 2 large eggs, break them, and add egg whites to a large mixing bowl. Do not add egg yolks to the bowl.
- Now whisk the eggs in the bowl using an electric mixer or a whisk until they reach stiff peaks.
- Then add some castor sugar to the stiff peaks in 3 lots, re-whisking to stiff peaks every time.
- Now, spoon dollops of the mixture onto the baking tray.
- Then put the baking tray on the bottom shelf of the preheated oven (225°F) and cook for 1 hour or more until the meringues are completely hard and come off the paper easily.
- Take double cream and icing sugar in desired quantities to make the whipped cream.
- Add the double cream and icing sugar to a large bowl and whisk them together using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture holds its shape.
- Now top the cream mixture with chopped strawberries and stir.
- Blitz â…“ of the strawberries to make a strawberry sauce using a blender.
- Your Eton Mess is ready! Dollop into bowls, top it with crushed meringues and chopped strawberries, and enjoy.
Notes
- Macerate the Berries: To enhance the flavor, I suggest letting the strawberries sit with a bit of sugar for a few minutes to release their natural juices, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.
- Flavorful Cream: I recommend adding a splash of vanilla extract or other flavorings, like almond extract or lemon zest, to the whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.
- Flavor Variations: I often try flavor variations with my Eton Mess by using different types of fruits or by just adding some liquor to the whipped cream.Â
- Infuse the Meringue: I also add citrus zest( lemon, orange, or lime) into the meringue for extra flavor.
- Add a Sauce: I love drizzling a fruit coulis, or add a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce over the layers for better flavor.
Nutrition
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Conclusion
I will say that Eton Mess is a timeless dessert celebrated for its delightful combination of crisp meringue, luscious whipped cream, and vibrant strawberries. Its simplicity in preparation complements the burst of flavors and textures it delivers with every spoonful, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. This is especially true during the summer months when strawberries are at their peak.
While indulgent, Eton Mess can be adapted to various dietary preferences and will satisfy your sweet tooth and craving for something light and refreshing. And I believe that whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with your variations, this dessert will surely be a hit at any gathering.
So, are you ready to create your own batch of Eton Mess? Gather your ingredients, follow our easy-to-follow recipe, indulge in this heavenly dessert today, and let me know in the comments how it turned out.
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