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    Home » Desserts » Eton mess

    Eton mess

    May 24, 2015 by Caroline's Cooking

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    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.

    two glasses of Eton mess with fruit and meringue to side

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    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.

    two glasses of Eton mess fro overhead with spoons to side

    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.

    Eton mess is traditionally made from cream, meringue and strawberries, although you can add in other fruit as well, as I have here.

    glass of finished dessert from side

    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. Rather than waste it, 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.

    ingredients for Eton mess - chopped fruit, whipped cream and broken meringue

    How to make Eton Mess

    1. Break up the meringues into chunks.
    2. Whip the cream.
    3. Dice the strawberries.
    4. 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.

    glasses of Eton mess from side showing mixed ingredients through glass

    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.

    If you'd like to try a twist on the classic dessert I highly recommend my mango passion fruit Eton mess too!

    Eton mess
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Eton mess

    This easy dessert screams British summer food, but really it would be perfect anytime, anywhere.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: British
    Servings: 3 -4
    Calories: 347kcal
    Author: Caroline's Cooking
    SaveSaved!

    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

    Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 39mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1165IU | Vitamin C: 47.7mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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    Remember to pin for later!

    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. #dessert #nocookdessert #britishfood #glutenfree #redwhiteandblue

    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 spring/summer party, and quick enough to put together any night of the week for an easy treat. And conveniently red, white and blue as well! #memorialday #dessert #redwhiteandblue #meringue #cream #easydessert

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anne Lawton

      May 07, 2018 at 4:13 pm

      I have never heard of this, but it looks like a great idea for dessert.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        May 07, 2018 at 8:53 pm

        Thanks Anne, it's definitely one to try!

        Reply
    2. Shelby

      April 29, 2018 at 3:58 am

      I 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!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        April 29, 2018 at 4:33 pm

        Thanks, the cream definitely helps make it that bit more decadent, but actually for me the fruit and meringue are so good in there too.

        Reply
    3. Eileen Kelly

      April 28, 2018 at 11:30 pm

      5 stars
      Such 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.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        April 29, 2018 at 4:32 pm

        Thanks, it really is!

        Reply
    4. Karen

      April 28, 2018 at 10:48 am

      I have never had this before, and it does sound perfect for a post barbecue dessert! Definitely making this ASAP!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        April 29, 2018 at 4:31 pm

        Thanks Karen, hope you enjoy, it's such a great, simple combination.

        Reply
    5. Jolene

      April 28, 2018 at 7:28 am

      So interesting to learn the history behind the name, and it looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        April 29, 2018 at 4:30 pm

        Thanks I agree - with this one it's an unconfirmed rumor, but a fun one. And it's delicious either way!

        Reply
    6. Carlee

      April 28, 2018 at 7:04 am

      My 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!)

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        April 29, 2018 at 4:29 pm

        Making it for others sounds like a perfect excuse to have it yourself too 🙂

        Reply
    7. A_Boleyn

      June 19, 2015 at 2:27 pm

      The 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. 🙂

      Reply
    8. Miz Helen

      June 02, 2015 at 1:13 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks so much for sharing your awesome dessert with Full Plate Thursday, it looks delicious.
      Miz Helen

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        June 02, 2015 at 3:38 pm

        Thanks, it's such a tasty but simple dessert.

        Reply
    9. Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook

      May 29, 2015 at 12:53 pm

      Yum. Light desserts with fruit are my favorite kind! I hope you had an enjoyable holiday weekend.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        May 29, 2015 at 8:02 pm

        Thanks, Lauren, yes I agree desserts with fruit are great.

        Reply
    10. Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere

      May 27, 2015 at 5:08 pm

      Oh happy accident that gave us such a delicious dessert! Yours look wonderful!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        May 28, 2015 at 7:43 pm

        Very true, Sarah, and thanks!

        Reply
    11. Sarah

      May 26, 2015 at 5:55 am

      This dessert always reminds me of my best friend, her mom was British and they had this all the time!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        May 26, 2015 at 7:08 am

        How funny! Well, being so easy and tasty I can kind of understand!

        Reply
    12. Cindys Recipes and Writings

      May 25, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      Great story! Thanks for sharing a very cool dessert idea!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        May 26, 2015 at 7:07 am

        Thanks, Cindy, it's so easy but delicious, definitely one to try!

        Reply
    13. susan // the wimpy vegetarian

      May 25, 2015 at 12:03 am

      Eton mess is one of my all-time favorites. It's so easy and so good! Perfect for a crowd 🙂

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        May 26, 2015 at 7:00 am

        So true, Susan! Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    14. Bobbi from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      May 24, 2015 at 1:34 pm

      I love the story (I had never heard of Eton Mess before now) and this dessert!!

      Reply
    15. Renee

      May 24, 2015 at 6:24 am

      No matter how the name came about, I just love it. What a great jumble of creamy, fruity, and crunchy all in one dessert.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        May 26, 2015 at 6:57 am

        Thanks, Renee, it is so simple but delicious!

        Reply

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