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Home » baking, desserts & puddings » eton mess

eton mess

21 May, 2020 Last Modified: November 9, 2021

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A jam jar filled with Eton Mess and topped with fresh strawberries and raspberries and a sprig of mint and a text overlay that reads British Eton Mess

Our easy Eton mess, a delicious Summer dessert, with berries and meringue. One of the easiest desserts to make, serve it in a jar and head out on a picnic.

Eton mess is one of the easiest desserts you will ever make. Using the best of the sweet Summer strawberries, and in this particular recipe, raspberries, this light dessert can be made in no time at all.

It’s far less cooking, more of an assembly job, using simple and tasty ingredients. Furthermore, most of the elements can be store bought.

A picnic table setting of green bowls filled with meringues, fresh raspberries and strawberries and some linen napkins and 4 glass jam jars filled with Eton Mess and topped with fresh berries and mint.

Anytime I make Eton Mess I always think of Michelle and have a giggle. This is a quintessentially British dessert and being Canadian Michelle had never heard of it until coming to the UK. We were talking about this dessert and I noticed she called it “Eating Mess”. She honestly thought that was what it was called.

Now to be fair this particular dessert does look like a mushed up mess. I explained that it had originated at Eton College, hence the name. We have laughed about this ever since, and now we always call it “Eating Mess”, just not when anyone else is around and would think us idiots!

Where does the recipe for Eton Mess originate?

Eton Mess is believed to originate from Eton College, England, where it has been served at the annual cricket match between the pupils of Eton College and Harrow School.

A single jam jar filled with Eton Mess topped with more fresh berries and a sprig of mint with more jars in the background and a green bowl of fresh berries to the side.

Traditional recipe:

Eton mess is an English dessert, traditionally made using fresh cut strawberries, strawberry puree, crushed meringues and thick, whipped cream.

It is made using the same ingredients as a strawberry pavlova, only this version is all messed up! I have often wondered if that’s how it came about, somebody dropped the pavlova then scooped it up into a bowl and served it anyway?

I have made a small addition to this Eton Mess and added raspberries to the mix. We are very lucky as we have such great raspberries growing locally here in the North East of Scotland.

Indeed in the past I have used blueberries and blackberries too. In fact I use whatever berries I have to hand as I like to add a mix of berries.

Scottish Strawberries:

Scottish soft fruits are well known for their taste and sweetness. We are very lucky to live in an area where the best of these fruits are available to us right on our doorstep. If you can get your hands on Scottish strawberries we do recommend using them, they are truly delicious.

A combination of the soil and climate (and some highly experienced growers) means that Scottish berries are sought by many in the food trade. I look forward to berry season every year and there is no greater joy than picking up a box of local berries. Although if my children are in the car with me I need to ensure there’s an extra box to devour on the short trip home!

In fact our berries are so good that I rarely eat strawberries or raspberries out of season. Imported berries lack any taste and most often are a disappointment.

I prefer to eat these delicious berries when they are in season and at their sweet, fragrant best!

How to make Eton Mess – recipe steps:

A glass bowl with whipped cream and a hand mixer ready to whip it.
Whip the cream to stiff peaks
Whipped cream in a bowl, with crushed meringues and fresh raspberries
Add the cut up strawberries, raspberries and crushed meringue to the whipped cream
Whipped cream in a bowl, with crushed meringues and fresh raspberries and strawberries
Mix well to combine and layer into the jars with fruit puree or sauce

Perfect for picnics:

I like to picnic all year round and packing a sweet treat is high on my list. In the Winter months it’s often a Chocolate & Pecan Brownie. However, in the Summer I like to pack a proper pudding, like a chocolate or lemon mousse; a pannacotta; or this Eton Mess.

I like to layer these simple desserts into jam jars, popping the lid on and packing them into my cool bag. If you’ve not got too far to travel they are an ideal treat and never fail to put a smile on everyone’s face.

However, should they tip over, don’t fret. After all, as the name suggests, these desserts look messy to start with!

This recipe fits into 4 jam medium sized jam jars, or 6 smaller jars if feeding more people. Perfect sized sweet treats.

A picnic table setting of green bowls filled with meringues, fresh raspberries and strawberries and some linen napkins and 4 glass jam jars filled with Eton Mess and topped with fresh berries and mint.

Keep things simple:

The whole point in a quick dessert is that you keep things simple. Do not go making your own meringues if you don’t have time, I don’t. Instead, I buy a pack of good quality, ready made meringue nests from the Supermarket and these work just fine.

In fact I prefer to use shop bought meringues in this dessert as they are harder in texture than homemade. I find homemade meringues lighter and therefore they have a tendency to dissolve into the cream.

Whereas, the harder shop bought meringues keep their shape, even when crushed up, bringing a much needed crunch to this soft, creamy dessert.

This recipe asks for double cream, however, it’s worth mentioning that whipping cream will do the same job.

How to make a simple berry puree?

This recipe uses a berry puree or sauce to layer up the dessert. I find that a shop bought puree or coulis works just fine for this. However, it’s also very simple to make a berry puree!

Using a stick blender blitz up some extra berries then pass the liquid through a fine sieve. Check for sweetness, I find that berries don’t need any sugar added. However, if the puree is on the sour side, add a little icing sugar and mix through.

Bear in mind however, that the whole point of any picnic is not to spend hours preparing food, but to get out into the great outdoors enjoying the sunshine.

A close up of a glass jam jar filled with Eton Mess and topped with fresh raspberries and strawberries and a spoon in the jar sitting on a white linen napkin and a bowl of fresh berries to the back

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Eton mess is a dessert that needs to be made and eaten the same day. If left overnight the cream has a tendency to split and the meringues will turn to pure sugar and melt through the cream.

Great gluten free dessert!

This recipe is one of my go-to recipes when feeding family and friends who are Coeliac. Meringues are great for anyone following a gluten free diet.

Pin the recipe:

A jam jar filled with Eton Mess and topped with fresh strawberries and raspberries and a sprig of mint and a text overlay that reads British Eton Mess

Additional recipe suggestions:

Looking for some other quick dessert ideas, then try our other no bake desserts:

  • Traditional Scottish Cranachan with Scottish Raspberries
  • Easy Lemon Tiramisu with Limoncello
  • Individual Trifles with Sherry, Figs & Vanilla
  • No Bake Lime & Ginger Cheesecake
  • Lemon Posset
  • Nutella Mousse
  • Chocolate Chilli Mousse

For more inspiration have a read of our No Bake Desserts post which contains helpful hints and tips as well as a great selection of our favourite no bake dessert recipe.

A single jam jar filled with Eton Mess topped with more fresh berries and a sprig of mint with more jars in the background and a green bowl of fresh berries to the side.

Easy Eton Mess

Eton mess, a delicious Summer dessert, with berries and meringue. One of the easiest desserts to make, pop it into a jam jar, secure the lid and head out on a picnic.
5 from 10 votes
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Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 365kcal
Author: Lesley Garden

Ingredients

  • 300 g double cream
  • 4 meringue nests (crushed)
  • 200 g strawberries (hulled and sliced)
  • 200 g raspberries
  • 180 ml berry puree or sauce

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk the double cream to form stiff peaks.
  • Add the crushed meringues, sliced strawberries and raspberries to the cream and gently fold through.
  • Next layer the ingredients into either serving dishes, or jam jars if you are planning a picnic. First spoon in some cream, then pour over a drizzle of berry puree. Repeat this process another couple of times so that you have nice layers of both the cream mixture and the berry sauce.
  • Once finished either cover and place the dishes in the fridge. Alternatively if filling jam jars, pop on the lid, place in your cool bag and head out for your picnic.

Notes

Shop bought meringue nests work great in this dessert. Don’t go giving yourself extra work making your own meringues. The whole point of this dessert is that it is quick to prepare. 
If you don’t have any berry puree (shop bought works just fine here too), take a few extra berries and blitz them up using a hand blender.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Eton Mess
Amount Per Serving
Calories 365 Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Saturated Fat 17g106%
Cholesterol 103mg34%
Sodium 30mg1%
Potassium 277mg8%
Carbohydrates 27g9%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 1119IU22%
Vitamin C 69mg84%
Calcium 76mg8%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

• Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only •

Course : Dessert
Cuisine : British
Keyword : Easy, Picnic, Quick, Simple
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Tagged With: easy, quick, simple 16 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elien - Home Grown Happiness

    3 June, 2020 at 02:00

    Oh this looks so delicious!

    Reply
    • Lesley

      3 June, 2020 at 08:34

      Thank you Elien, it’s a lovely Summer dessert.

      Reply
  2. Jacqui – Only Crumbs Remain/Recipes Made Easy

    2 June, 2020 at 09:59

    5 stars
    Eton mess is up there with my favourite desserts. Let’s face it you can’t beat the combination, cream meringues and summer berries.

    Reply
    • Lesley

      2 June, 2020 at 13:01

      Thank you Jacqui, indeed you cannot. So simple to make, but Summer dessert in a jam jar! Lesley x

      Reply
  3. Cat | Curly's Cooking

    1 June, 2020 at 20:41

    5 stars
    This looks like heaven in a glass and your photos are beautiful as always.

    Reply
    • Lesley

      2 June, 2020 at 13:00

      Thank you Cat, we agree, this really is a very pretty dessert. Lesley x

      Reply
  4. Chloe Edges | Feast Glorious Feast

    1 June, 2020 at 10:08

    5 stars
    Oh this is next level Eton Mess – love it!

    Reply
    • Lesley

      2 June, 2020 at 13:00

      Thank you Chloe, I love this dessert as much for it’s simplicity as its taste. Lesley

      Reply
  5. Helen - Cooking with my kids

    31 May, 2020 at 20:39

    5 stars
    I love eton mess – it’s the perfect summer dessert! #CookBlogShare

    Reply
    • Lesley

      2 June, 2020 at 12:58

      Thank you Helen, I agree, it’s a great tasting dessert. Lesley

      Reply
  6. Joanna

    29 May, 2020 at 10:47

    5 stars
    This looks delicious. I love any kind of meringue but Eton Mess is one of my favourite summer desserts – you just can’t beat strawberries, cream and crunchy sugary meringues!

    Reply
    • Lesley

      2 June, 2020 at 12:58

      Thank you Joanna, my too. Eton Mess is such a simple dessert but so full of the taste of Summer. Lesley

      Reply
  7. Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes

    28 May, 2020 at 15:38

    Thanks for sharing, it look yummy 🙂 I have not made Eton mess before, I do hope to make my own one day 🙂

    Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes

    Reply
    • Lesley

      2 June, 2020 at 12:57

      Thank you Nic, it’s a great tasting dessert and very simple to make.

      Reply
  8. Choclette

    24 May, 2020 at 18:18

    5 stars
    Love meringue, cream and berries in pretty much any format, but Eton Mess is probably my favourite. Yours looks so delicious I just want to grab a spoon and tuck in.

    Reply
    • Lesley

      27 May, 2020 at 09:14

      Thank you Choclette, it’s such an easy dessert to make and easily one of my favourites as it doesn’t mess around with the fruit too much. Lesley x

      Reply

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