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Eton mess

May 24, 2015 by Caroline's Cooking 51 Comments

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.

Eton mess

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.

Eton mess

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.

Eton mess

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.

ingredients for Eton mess

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.

Eton mess

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
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
Keyword: easy dessert, no bake dessert
Servings: 3 -4
Calories: 347kcal
Author: Caroline's Cooking

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

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 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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Filed Under: British recipes, Desserts, Summer Recipes, World Recipes Tagged With: blueberry, British, cream, meringue, strawberry

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Comments

  1. Anne Lawton says

    May 7, 2018 at 4:13 pm

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

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      May 7, 2018 at 8:53 pm

      Thanks Anne, it’s definitely one to try!

      Reply
  2. Cheryl - Pook's Pantry says

    April 29, 2018 at 10:51 am

    This sounds so delicious!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      April 29, 2018 at 4:33 pm

      Thanks, it really is!

      Reply
  3. Shelby says

    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 says

      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
  4. Eileen Kelly says

    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 says

      April 29, 2018 at 4:32 pm

      Thanks, it really is!

      Reply
  5. Ellen says

    April 28, 2018 at 7:40 pm

    I’ve always wanted to try Eton Mess and now I really should. Looks delicious.

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      April 29, 2018 at 4:32 pm

      It’s really easy so do find an excuse to give it a try!

      Reply
  6. Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck says

    April 28, 2018 at 6:18 pm

    This is one sweet dessert I simply must try!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      April 29, 2018 at 4:31 pm

      I would have to agree πŸ™‚ Enjoy!

      Reply
  7. Liz @ Books n' Cooks says

    April 28, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    Such a lovely, light dessert!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      April 29, 2018 at 4:31 pm

      Thanks, it is indeed!

      Reply
  8. Karen says

    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 says

      April 29, 2018 at 4:31 pm

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

      Reply
  9. Jolene says

    April 28, 2018 at 7:28 am

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

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      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
  10. Carlee says

    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 says

      April 29, 2018 at 4:29 pm

      Making it for others sounds like a perfect excuse to have it yourself too πŸ™‚

      Reply
  11. A_Boleyn says

    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. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  12. Sridevi Ravi says

    June 5, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      June 6, 2015 at 4:20 pm

      Thanks, fresh berries are definitely good!

      Reply
  13. Miz Helen says

    June 2, 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 says

      June 2, 2015 at 3:38 pm

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

      Reply
  14. Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says

    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 says

      May 29, 2015 at 8:02 pm

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

      Reply
  15. Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says

    May 27, 2015 at 5:08 pm

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

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      May 28, 2015 at 7:43 pm

      Very true, Sarah, and thanks!

      Reply
  16. Sarah says

    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 says

      May 26, 2015 at 7:08 am

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

      Reply
  17. Cindys Recipes and Writings says

    May 25, 2015 at 9:05 pm

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

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      May 26, 2015 at 7:07 am

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

      Reply
  18. Kelly @ TastingPage says

    May 25, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    That is one fine looking mess. Love it!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      May 26, 2015 at 7:07 am

      Thanks, Kelly. It’s a bit of a random name, but hides a tasty dessert!

      Reply
  19. Sue says

    May 25, 2015 at 5:53 pm

    Great write up about the name. I love meringues!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      May 26, 2015 at 7:06 am

      Thanks, Sue. Thankfully I had some leftover meringues from making this so I can still enjoy some more πŸ™‚

      Reply
  20. susan // the wimpy vegetarian says

    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 πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      May 26, 2015 at 7:00 am

      So true, Susan! Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  21. Shaina says

    May 24, 2015 at 8:27 pm

    Love this! So perfect for Memorial Day celebrations.

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      May 26, 2015 at 7:00 am

      Thanks, Shaina!

      Reply
  22. Teri@The Freshman Cook says

    May 24, 2015 at 1:52 pm

    This sounds so yummy, and perfect for Memorial Day!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      May 26, 2015 at 7:00 am

      Thanks, Teri, it really is!

      Reply
  23. DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts says

    May 24, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    Thank you for introducing me to this dessert, as I’m not familiar with it and thank you for participating this week!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      May 26, 2015 at 6:59 am

      You’re welcome, DB, and thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  24. Bobbi from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says

    May 24, 2015 at 1:34 pm

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

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      May 26, 2015 at 6:59 am

      Thanks, Bobbi. It’s not that widely known, but it is so easy and tasty.

      Reply
  25. Liz says

    May 24, 2015 at 9:34 am

    What a perfect red, white and blue dessert! So pretty, so yummy!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      May 26, 2015 at 6:57 am

      Thanks, Liz!

      Reply
  26. Renee says

    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 says

      May 26, 2015 at 6:57 am

      Thanks, Renee, it is so simple but delicious!

      Reply

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Caroline's Cooking

Welcome! I'm Caroline and this is where I share recipes inspired by travels, places I want to go, or just ideas from feeding the family. Most recipes are easy to make and healthier, but there are treats too! Read More…

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