Description
Eton Mess is a classic British dessert that combines crispy meringue cookies, fresh strawberries cooked into a flavorful sauce, and fluffy whipped cream. This easy-to-make recipe offers a delightful mix of textures and sweet, tangy flavors perfect for a refreshing treat or elegant dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Meringue Cookies
- 1 batch meringue cookies (store-bought or homemade)
Berries
- 2 lbs (907 g) strawberries, hulled and quartered, divided
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups (475 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (62 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Meringue Cookies: Prepare meringue cookies at least 3 hours in advance, preferably the day before, and set aside to cool completely.
- Make Berry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups (about 300 g) of quartered strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir well. Cook over medium to medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the berries release their juices and mixture starts to boil and thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining fresh berries. Allow to cool completely.
- Make Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, combine cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat until stiff peaks form and the cream is thick and fluffy. Refrigerate if not using immediately.
- Assemble Eton Mess: Just before serving, crush the meringue cookies into bite-sized pieces. Fold about two-thirds of the crushed meringue into the whipped cream gently. Spoon a layer of the whipped cream and meringue mixture into chilled trifle glasses, sprinkle with remaining crushed meringue, and top with a generous spoonful of the cooled berry sauce. Repeat layers if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a traditional Eton Mess, skip cooking the berries; instead, macerate 2 lbs of hulled and quartered berries tossed with ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar for about 30 minutes until juicy.
- Prepare meringue cookies a day ahead for best texture and convenience.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the berry sauce depending on the sweetness of your berries.
- Serve in chilled glasses or bowls for a refreshing experience.
- You can substitute store-bought meringue cookies to save time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
