Eton mess is a classic British dessert that is incredibly easy to prepare – simply fruit, cream and meringue mixed together – but the result is so delicious. It’s perfect for a party or easy anytime treat.
We’ve made having people over for a barbecue/cook out a bit of a tradition for Memorial Day, as I imagine many others do as well. I usually manage to come up with some favorites to grill, like chicken satay and burgers (such as a maple turkey burger or burger with chipotle salsa and avocado). We have a few favorite sides, like Mexican street corn salad. But dessert, for some reason, I sometimes find tricky.
A cake might seem easiest as you can make it in advance. However, I always feel like it’s a bit heavy after all the grilled food, and you need a certain amount of help to finish it. Fruit is lighter and fits the season, but can seem a little, well, just like a bowl of fruit.
That’s where Eton Mess comes in as the perfect, easy dessert for this time of year that’s both delicious and relatively light.
It’s true that ‘mess’ is a little appropriate in that it’s not likely to win a dessert beauty contest, but you can smarten it a little with nice glasses to serve and keeping some fruit for the top. Plus, once everyone digs in, the appearance will be the last thing on their minds.
What is Eton mess made of?
Eton mess is made from cream, meringue and strawberries, although you can add in other fruit as well, as I have here.
Where does Eton mess get it’s name?
The story goes that Eton mess came about by a meringue dessert being accidentally crushed at Eton College, one of the oldest and most elite private schools in England, and what was created was then served.
Whether true or not, it is apparently served annually at the school’s cricket match against Harrow school and has been for over a century. It’s also become more and more popular beyond that elite world, and for good reason.
Cream, fruit and crunchy meringue are a fantastic mix of textures and flavors that work so well together. It almost feels a stretch to call it a recipe, it’s so easy. But don’t tell anyone, just enjoy.
How to make Eton Mess
- Break up the meringues into chunks.
- Whip the cream.
- Dice the strawberries.
- Combines the cream, meringue and fruit and transfer to serving dishes.
It really is that easy! This is typically made just with strawberries, but I decided to add some blueberries for additional color. Plus, it’s conveniently red, white and blue if that fits your occasion.
I’ve been fairly heavy on the fruit and less so on the cream in this version, but if you’d like a bit more cream then feel free to adjust the amounts. I made homemade meringues, but you can use store-bought as well.
Can Eton Mess be prepared in advance?
You can prepare this a little bit in advance (say an hour or two), but the longer you leave it, the more the meringues will soften. Homemade meringues soften more quickly, I find. A good alternative is to prepare everything in advance then combine them closer to when you need them.
Eton mess is an incredibly easy and delicious dessert, that is perfect to enjoy in warmer weather. Light, creamy and with just enough sweetness, it will be a favorite in no time.
Try these other desserts perfect for summer:
- Summer pudding (another classic British dessert!)
- Grilled peaches with mascarpone
- Grilled pineapple ice cream
- Lime mascarpone cheesecake shooters
- Plus get plenty more ideas in the summer recipes archives.
Eton mess
Ingredients
- 8 oz strawberries 225g
- 3 oz blueberries 85g
- 1 oz meringues 30g, homemade or store bought
- 1 cup heavy cream 120ml double cream
Instructions
- Husk and roughly chop the strawberries into small bite-sized pieces and mix with the blueberries.
- Break the meringues into similar sized pieces.
- When ready to serve, whisk the cream until soft peaks then mix in the strawberries, blueberries and meringues, holding back a few pieces of strawberry and blueberries for the top.
- Transfer to serving glasses/dishes and top with the reserved strawberries and blueberries,
Nutrition
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Anne Lawton says
May 7, 2018 at 4:13 pmI have never heard of this, but it looks like a great idea for dessert.
Caroline's Cooking says
May 7, 2018 at 8:53 pmThanks Anne, it’s definitely one to try!
Cheryl - Pook's Pantry says
April 29, 2018 at 10:51 amThis sounds so delicious!
Caroline's Cooking says
April 29, 2018 at 4:33 pmThanks, it really is!
Shelby says
April 29, 2018 at 3:58 amI can completely see why it would be a hit! I know I would love it. Anytime you add heavy cream to the picture it becomes a decadent delight!
Caroline's Cooking says
April 29, 2018 at 4:33 pmThanks, the cream definitely helps make it that bit more decadent, but actually for me the fruit and meringue are so good in there too.
Eileen Kelly says
April 28, 2018 at 11:30 pmSuch a fresh dessert that is easy to prepare. Sure to be a hit at summer BBQ parties. I love the red, white and blue theme too.
Caroline's Cooking says
April 29, 2018 at 4:32 pmThanks, it really is!
Ellen says
April 28, 2018 at 7:40 pmI’ve always wanted to try Eton Mess and now I really should. Looks delicious.
Caroline's Cooking says
April 29, 2018 at 4:32 pmIt’s really easy so do find an excuse to give it a try!
Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck says
April 28, 2018 at 6:18 pmThis is one sweet dessert I simply must try!
Caroline's Cooking says
April 29, 2018 at 4:31 pmI would have to agree 🙂 Enjoy!
Liz @ Books n' Cooks says
April 28, 2018 at 1:39 pmSuch a lovely, light dessert!
Caroline's Cooking says
April 29, 2018 at 4:31 pmThanks, it is indeed!
Karen says
April 28, 2018 at 10:48 amI have never had this before, and it does sound perfect for a post barbecue dessert! Definitely making this ASAP!
Caroline's Cooking says
April 29, 2018 at 4:31 pmThanks Karen, hope you enjoy, it’s such a great, simple combination.
Jolene says
April 28, 2018 at 7:28 amSo interesting to learn the history behind the name, and it looks amazing!
Caroline's Cooking says
April 29, 2018 at 4:30 pmThanks I agree – with this one it’s an unconfirmed rumor, but a fun one. And it’s delicious either way!
Carlee says
April 28, 2018 at 7:04 amMy aunts fell in love with Eton mess when they were visiting Ireland. I should make this for them! (Of course I’d love a taste too!)
Caroline's Cooking says
April 29, 2018 at 4:29 pmMaking it for others sounds like a perfect excuse to have it yourself too 🙂
A_Boleyn says
June 19, 2015 at 2:27 pmThe classic Eton mess with whipped cream is gorgeous and delicious but the yogurt (drained overnight) is really close especially if you add some vanilla sugar to the yogurt. 🙂
Sridevi Ravi says
June 5, 2015 at 4:09 pmI am directed by (http://frugalhausfrau.com) Mollie’s link to your Eton mess. It is nice to see the original version of this dessert. Fruits on the top looks really beautiful! I should try it with fresh berries next time!
Caroline's Cooking says
June 6, 2015 at 4:20 pmThanks, fresh berries are definitely good!
Miz Helen says
June 2, 2015 at 1:13 pmThanks so much for sharing your awesome dessert with Full Plate Thursday, it looks delicious.
Miz Helen
Caroline's Cooking says
June 2, 2015 at 3:38 pmThanks, it’s such a tasty but simple dessert.
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
May 29, 2015 at 12:53 pmYum. Light desserts with fruit are my favorite kind! I hope you had an enjoyable holiday weekend.
Caroline's Cooking says
May 29, 2015 at 8:02 pmThanks, Lauren, yes I agree desserts with fruit are great.
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
May 27, 2015 at 5:08 pmOh happy accident that gave us such a delicious dessert! Yours look wonderful!
Caroline's Cooking says
May 28, 2015 at 7:43 pmVery true, Sarah, and thanks!
Sarah says
May 26, 2015 at 5:55 amThis dessert always reminds me of my best friend, her mom was British and they had this all the time!
Caroline's Cooking says
May 26, 2015 at 7:08 amHow funny! Well, being so easy and tasty I can kind of understand!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
May 25, 2015 at 9:05 pmGreat story! Thanks for sharing a very cool dessert idea!
Caroline's Cooking says
May 26, 2015 at 7:07 amThanks, Cindy, it’s so easy but delicious, definitely one to try!
Kelly @ TastingPage says
May 25, 2015 at 7:59 pmThat is one fine looking mess. Love it!
Caroline's Cooking says
May 26, 2015 at 7:07 amThanks, Kelly. It’s a bit of a random name, but hides a tasty dessert!
Sue says
May 25, 2015 at 5:53 pmGreat write up about the name. I love meringues!
Caroline's Cooking says
May 26, 2015 at 7:06 amThanks, Sue. Thankfully I had some leftover meringues from making this so I can still enjoy some more 🙂
susan // the wimpy vegetarian says
May 25, 2015 at 12:03 amEton mess is one of my all-time favorites. It’s so easy and so good! Perfect for a crowd 🙂
Caroline's Cooking says
May 26, 2015 at 7:00 amSo true, Susan! Thanks for stopping by.
Shaina says
May 24, 2015 at 8:27 pmLove this! So perfect for Memorial Day celebrations.
Caroline's Cooking says
May 26, 2015 at 7:00 amThanks, Shaina!
Teri@The Freshman Cook says
May 24, 2015 at 1:52 pmThis sounds so yummy, and perfect for Memorial Day!
Caroline's Cooking says
May 26, 2015 at 7:00 amThanks, Teri, it really is!
DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts says
May 24, 2015 at 1:47 pmThank you for introducing me to this dessert, as I’m not familiar with it and thank you for participating this week!
Caroline's Cooking says
May 26, 2015 at 6:59 amYou’re welcome, DB, and thanks for stopping by!
Bobbi from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
May 24, 2015 at 1:34 pmI love the story (I had never heard of Eton Mess before now) and this dessert!!
Caroline's Cooking says
May 26, 2015 at 6:59 amThanks, Bobbi. It’s not that widely known, but it is so easy and tasty.
Liz says
May 24, 2015 at 9:34 amWhat a perfect red, white and blue dessert! So pretty, so yummy!
Caroline's Cooking says
May 26, 2015 at 6:57 amThanks, Liz!
Renee says
May 24, 2015 at 6:24 amNo matter how the name came about, I just love it. What a great jumble of creamy, fruity, and crunchy all in one dessert.
Caroline's Cooking says
May 26, 2015 at 6:57 amThanks, Renee, it is so simple but delicious!