You may have never seen the Strawberry Eton Mess in your local pastry shop. Maybe because this lovely early summer dessert crosses the ocean to come in the USA. Originated in the United Kingdom, this light and elegant summer beauty is so easy and simple to make. Just get together fresh strawberries, whipped cream and meringue cookies and you are all set! Believe me, you will like it and want it so much that you will never get enough. So grab the spoon and let’s go to make it!
📜A little bit of History about the Strawberry Eton Mess
The recipe was created in 1893 quite by chance! Eton College is a well-known public school situated in Windsor in southern England and world leaders, politicians, writers and actors have been among its students. Traditionally, every summer a cricket match has held between Eton College and Harrow – another public school. The dessert served was always the Strawberry Pavlova.
In 1893, a waiter was ceremoniously carrying out the huge Pavlova when he tripped over a dog and the meringue was badly broken. With no time to lose, the waiter took the Pavlova back into the kitchen where it was broken into numerous small pieces which were mixed into the whipped cream and strawberries and this mixture was spooned into individual sundae dishes and served. The dessert proved such as success that Eton Mess has been served every year ever since!
Why we love 💕this recipe
- We love fresh strawberries
- It is juicy and sweet and so summery!
- It is very simple and easy to make
- It makes us feel so elegant and posh and British!
🕐How to make the Strawberry Eton Mess
- Bake a batch of small meringues or, buy a packet of small meringues; in a bowl break the meringues
- In a separate bowl, whisk the cream with an electric whisk until it holds its shape
- Add the strawberries and meringue pieces to the whipped cream and mix together very gently
- Spoon the mixture into four glass dishes and sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top of the four desserts
- You can store the Strawberry Eton Mess in an airtight tin
Did you make this? Capture a snapshot of your dessert and share it with us on Instagram by tagging @theistravels or using the hashtag #wedesserts. We can’t wait to admire your creation!
Can I make the Eton Mess with other fruits?
Although strawberries are traditionally the fruit to use for Eton Mess, blackberries and raspberries work well and so do sliced apricots, peaches or mango or a combination of these fruits
Can I add some alcohol in the Strawberry Eton Mess?
One tablespoon of brandy can also be added with the fruit and meringue to the cream
Can I make the Strawberry Eton Mess dairy-free?
Yes, you can with dairy free cream and meringues. However, the consistency is not going to be the same
🍭How can I store the Strawberry Eton Mess?
Eton Mess is best assembled just a few hours before serving but can be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. The meringue will soften, but it still tastes really good
How can I make the Strawberry Eton Mess more fun for the guests?
If you make this dessert for many guests, you can place each part of the Eton Mess out, buffet-style, and let your guests assemble their own bowl. This is so innovative, creative and fun!
Can I make the whipped cream by hand?
While you can whip the cream by hand, I highly recommend using an electric mixer as it will require a lot of elbow grease. So grab your mixer and do some work!
To make the French Meringue cookies, check here
Strawberry Eton Mess
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries, washed, hulledand sliced
- 1.5 cup heavy cream
- 3.5 oz. meringue cookies
- Mint leaves and toasted almond flakes to decorate
Instructions
- Bake a batch of small meringues and allow to cool totally or, if you are short of time, buy a pack of approximately 10 small meringues
- Break the meringues into a large bowl
- In a separate bowl, whisk the cream with an electric whisk until it holds its shape
- Add the strawberries and meringue pieces to the whipped cream and mix together very gently
- Spoon the mixture into four glass dishes
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top of the four desserts
- Place a strawberry and two mint leaves on top of each dessert and chill in the refrigerator