Eton Mess

Easy Eton Mess Recipe

A beautiful accident that resulted in a delicious creation, Eton mess is a classic British Summertime dessert that is incredibly easy to make, and even easier to enjoy! Try your hand at our easy Eton mess recipe and get ready to experience the delicious combination of crunchy meringue, succulent strawberries, and luscious whipped cream!

Serves

6

PREPARATION

30 mins

COOKING

2 hours 30 mins

INGREDIENTS

For the meringue

  • [caster-sugar] 175g (8oz) Tate & Lyle Caster Sugar
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 pinch of salt

To finish

  • 500g strawberries, leaving a few on the side for decorating
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 450ml double cream
  • 1 tbsp icing sugar
Caster Sugar
Pure Cane Caster Sugar

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

HOW TO MAKE ETON MESS

THE INTERESTING ORIGINS OF ETON MESS

Said to have been created at Eton College back in the 1920s, the origin story of Eton mess is nothing short of humorous. As the story goes, a strawberry pavlova intended as an after-match treat following a game of cricket was dropped, thus creating a literal mess at Eton! Although the validity of this story is questioned by many, it’s a whimsical and amusing story nevertheless!

Follow this 6-step easy Eton mess recipe and experience the most delicious culinary accident to have ever occurred!

  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°Fan/Gas 7.

 

  1. In a large bowl whisk the egg whites using an electric hand whisk until they are stiff. Gradually add the sugar, little at a time making sure to keep the mixture firm.

 

  1. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and using a large tablespoon, spoon dollops of the mixture onto the lined tray, leaving a little bit of space in between.

 

  1. Bake on the bottom shelf of the oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes until the meringues are hard. Leave to cool in the oven.

 

  1. In the meantime, wash and hull your strawberries, and chop them roughly. Lightly crush one third of the strawberries into a compote.

 

  1. To prepare the whipped cream, whisk together the cold cream and vanilla extract with the icing sugar until it starts to form soft peaks.

 

  1. Squash six of the meringues, and tip them in the whipped cream along with the chopped strawberries. Stir, and then add the strawberry compote, trying not to over-mix at this stage.

 

  1. Dollop into bowls, crushing the rest of the meringue on top and decorating with the remaining strawberries. Serve immediately.

CHEF'S TIP

  • Be sure to totally nail your whipped cream by putting your bowl and whisk attachments into the freezer before mixing.

 

  • When making your meringues, be sure that the bowl you use is completely clean. This is because any leftover grease in your bowl could prevent the egg whites from properly forming the necessary stiff peaks.

 

  • Your Eton mess is best served immediately while the meringue is still crispy. The longer you leave it before eating, the softer and chewier the meringue will become.

 

  • If you liked making this easy Eton mess recipe and enjoyed the outcome even more, be sure to pass it along to your friends and family!