The Eton Mess was, in the end, the perfect stepping stone to take me out of my comfort zone. It’s not too riotously difficult- I mean, we’re not making Phyllo dough from scratch here, or anything – but it was a great way for me to edge a bit out of my shell.
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Eton Mess
- Total Time: 110 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Layers of meringue, whipped cream, and berries create a delightful crunch and refreshing sweetness. Perfect for a light dessert or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- 3 egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.25 tsp cream of tartar
- 0.75 cups (178 ml) confectioners sugar
- 1 cups (237 ml) whipping cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 cups (237 ml) diced strawberries
- seeds of one pomegranate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 100°C (200°F).
- Combine egg whites, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, cream of tartar, and confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl.
- Whip with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drop dollops of meringue onto the parchment paper using two spoons.
- Bake for 1 ½ hours, turning the baking sheet halfway through.
- Turn off the heat and crack the oven door open when baking is complete.
- Let meringues sit for at least 5 hours or overnight until completely dried.
- Whip cream and sugar together until stiff peaks form (just before serving).
- Line the bottom of each serving vessel with strawberries.
- Place a meringue cookie on top.
- Spoon on whipped cream.
- Top with pomegranate seeds and another meringue.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra-fluffy meringue, ensure your bowl and whisk are completely clean and free of any grease.
- If you don’t have pomegranate seeds, raspberries or blueberries make a delicious substitute.
- Store leftover meringue cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; whipped cream should be consumed immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 20
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 40
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought meringue for Eton mess?
Store-bought meringue nests work just fine and save a lot of time. Crush them roughly so you get a mix of larger chunks and smaller crumbles for texture.
How far in advance can I assemble Eton mess?
Assemble it no more than 10 to 15 minutes before serving. The meringue will start to soften from the cream and fruit juices, which is part of the charm, but waiting too long makes it soggy. 
What berries work best in Eton mess?
Strawberries are traditional, but raspberries and mixed berries are great too. Macerate them briefly with a little sugar to draw out their juices for a natural sauce.
