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.
This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page.
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). 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.
Eton mess is traditionally 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. 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.
Four simple steps
- 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!)
- Rote Grütze (a simple and tasty German red berry compote/pudding)
- 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
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
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store.
Remember to pin for later!
Katwyn says
What kind of meringues are used in this recipe? Are they available in stores and have a brand name, or does one need to make those first? I’ve never come across those in New England, but would love to make this recipe!
Caroline's Cooking says
So really any plain meringue will work - I make them but you can buy them as well. In the US, you may find them in the bakery section. On brands, I'm not sure there is a specific one but Trader Joes seems to have their own brand.
Anne Lawton says
I have never heard of this, but it looks like a great idea for dessert.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Anne, it's definitely one to try!
Shelby says
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!
Caroline's Cooking says
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.
Eileen Kelly says
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.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it really is!
Karen says
I have never had this before, and it does sound perfect for a post barbecue dessert! Definitely making this ASAP!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Karen, hope you enjoy, it's such a great, simple combination.
Jolene says
So interesting to learn the history behind the name, and it looks amazing!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks I agree - with this one it's an unconfirmed rumor, but a fun one. And it's delicious either way!
Carlee says
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!)
Caroline's Cooking says
Making it for others sounds like a perfect excuse to have it yourself too 🙂
A_Boleyn says
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. 🙂
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
Yum. Light desserts with fruit are my favorite kind! I hope you had an enjoyable holiday weekend.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, Lauren, yes I agree desserts with fruit are great.
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
Oh happy accident that gave us such a delicious dessert! Yours look wonderful!
Caroline's Cooking says
Very true, Sarah, and thanks!
Sarah says
This dessert always reminds me of my best friend, her mom was British and they had this all the time!
Caroline's Cooking says
How funny! Well, being so easy and tasty I can kind of understand!
susan // the wimpy vegetarian says
Eton mess is one of my all-time favorites. It's so easy and so good! Perfect for a crowd 🙂
Caroline's Cooking says
So true, Susan! Thanks for stopping by.
Bobbi from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
I love the story (I had never heard of Eton Mess before now) and this dessert!!
Renee says
No 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
Thanks, Renee, it is so simple but delicious!