Eton Mess recipe

Posted by Esther Roberts on 22nd Jun 2021

Eton Mess recipe

Searching for the perfect summer desert? Nobody wants to be eating warm custard in the summer sun. Our Eton Mess recipe is not only a British classic but by swapping strawberries for raspberries and other British summer berries, not only does it bring a whole new flavour but also the chance to grow your own ingredients!

Servings: 6

You will need:

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric whisk
  • Blender or food processor
  • Non-stick baking paper

Ingredients:

  • 600g raspberries
  • 4 tbsp icing sugar
  • 600ml double cream
  • 300g seasonal berries (blueberries, cranberries)
  • 5 readymade meringue nests

For homemade meringues

  • 2 large egg whites
  • 300g caster sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour - 2 hours

Instructions:

  1. Optional: Make meringue - Pre-heat oven to Gas mark 1 or 100c and line the baking sheet with non-stick baking paper.
  2. Whisk meringue ingredients - Beat together the egg whites until they resemble stiff peaks. Add caster sugar one tablespoon at a time until the mixture thickens. Do the same with the vanilla extract until the mixture is thick and glossy.
  3. Bake the meringue - Place large spoonful's of meringue onto the baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out evenly. Bake on the lowest shelf for an hour or until the meringue can be easily peeled from the paper. Set aside to cool for later assembly.
  4. Make the puree - In a blender or food processor, combine half the raspberries with half of the icing sugar until a smooth puree is left. Slice the remaining raspberries along with the seasonal berries and set aside.
  5. Make whipped cream - Whip the double cream and other half of the icing sugar until soft peaks are formed that can hold their shape.
  6. Time to make a mess - Here comes the fun part! Lightly fold together the crumbled meringue (save some for the end), whipped cream and selection of berries. Stir in the puree and divide into bowls. Crumble meringue over the top and serve!

Tips:

How can I add more complex flavours?

  • Eton Mess is a great desert that can be easily personalised! Simple ingredients like a dusting of cinnamon, chocolate shavings, hazelnuts or almonds, or a caramel sauce could be enough to elevate this recipe and make it your own.

Do I have to use berries?

  • Although berries are the tried and trusted ingredient, other soft fruits such as blackberries, blackcurrants might also work too. You could even experiment with some more unusual varieties such as loganberries or tayberries for a truly bespoke experience!