Eton Mess
Eton Mess is the perfect summer dessert: sweet, simple, and satisfyingly messy. With just three core ingredients—fresh strawberries, pillowy whipped cream, and crisp meringue—it delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Servings 4
Calories 290kcal
Cost $6–$8
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional, for macerating strawberries
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for whipped cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 –5 small meringue nests or 1 cup crushed meringue cookies
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release their juices.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Gently crush the meringue nests into bite-sized pieces. You want a mix of big chunks and small crumbles for texture.
- Gently fold the meringue and half of the macerated strawberries into the whipped cream. Swirl lightly—don’t overmix to keep the marbled look.
- Spoon into serving bowls or glasses. Top with the remaining strawberries and a few extra meringue crumbles for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Cold Cream: For the best whipped texture, make sure your cream is well-chilled before whipping.
- Make Ahead Smartly: You can prep ingredients in advance, but assemble just before serving to maintain meringue crunch.
- Choose Ripe Strawberries: The riper and sweeter the berries, the better the dessert.
- Homemade Meringue Bonus: If time allows, homemade meringue elevates the flavor with a fresh, chewy crunch.