Meet my favourite Easy Eton Mess recipe. This no bake, gluten free dessert is a deliciously messy mix of fresh strawberries and raspberries, whipped cream and crunchy meringue.
Eton Mess AKA the best dessert ever ❤️
You are going to love this simple no bake dessert made from fresh strawberries, whipped cream and crispy meringue. It’s a creamy, crunchy treat that anyone can make!
Make the most of strawberry season and whip up my best ever Eton Mess.
why you will love this recipe
- It’s quick and easy to make
- You don’t need to turn the oven on
- It’s gluten-free
Eton Mess will always have a special place in my heart because it’s one of the first desserts I ever learnt to make. You only need a handful of ingredients but it always tastes amazing – and your dinner guests will think you’re a master in the kitchen.
If you’ve ever tried Pavlova – a dessert staple here in Australia – you will fall head over heels for Eton Mess. It’s basically a deconstructed pav – but it’s SO much easier and quicker to make.
So the foundation to a tasty Eton Mess is the fresh fruit. Typically, Eton Mess uses strawberries, but I also love to throw in some fresh raspberries too – if they’re in season. If you don’t have raspberries, just add a few extra strawberries.
First, we throw a little bit of sugar on the chopped fruit and set it aside to let those juices really flow. Meanwhile you can start whipping your cream. I prefer doing this by hand instead of buying pre-whipped cream – it always tastes better! Check out my post on how to make perfect whipped cream every time.
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Whip it by hand or use an electric mixer until soft peaks form. But why stop there? I love to add a little mascarpone cheese (just like my Lemon Ricotta Cake) to the whipped cream to help cut through the sweetness and add a little tang. If you don’t have any, you could use a little greek yogurt or sour cream instead.
Then it’s time to add some crunchy meringues. Since I’m always making Eton Mess when I’m short on time, I often buy premade meringues. They work just fine and make this recipe extra quick and easy.
My only tip, is to make this recipe right before serving. Otherwise the meringues tend to just disappear and melt in the cream. And you want to make sure you have that crispy, crunchy meringue in every bite!
Finally, it’s the fun part! Stir together the beautiful fruit, whipped cream and meringue. You’ll end up with a colourful, creamy display that’ll make you weak at the knees. Top with a few extra strawberries and dessert is served.
This is the ultimate, easy dessert for those that love pavlova and trifles and think whipped cream is God’s gift to the world. YOU ARE WELCOME.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Hungry for more? Join me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for more amazing recipe ideas.
Let’s Bake
Easy Eton Mess
An easy no bake dessert made with fresh strawberries, whipped cream and meringue.
Ingredients
- 500 grams (3 and 1/2 cups) fresh strawberries, plus extra for serving
- 125 grams (1 cup) fresh raspberries, plus extra for serving
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 360 ml (1 and 1/2 cups) full fat thickened or heavy cream, suitable for whipping
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) full fat mascarpone cheese*
- 70 grams (2 cups) store bought meringues
Instructions
- Quarter and hull strawberries and place in a large bowl. Add raspberries. Sprinkle over sugar and stir until all the fruit is coated. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whip cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Stir through mascarpone cheese.
- Crush meringues, using your hands. In a large bowl, gently fold together the fruit, whipped cream and crushed meringue.
- Serve Eton Mess in individuals bowls, and top with extra fresh fruit.
Notes
*If you don’t have mascarpone cheese, you can use a thick greek yoghurt or sour cream.
Barbara Kuczerepa says
Have made this but put meringue in to early hence didn’t get the crunch, next time I will make it in advance but put meringue in at last minute thank you
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Barbara, that’s a good point! Definitely add the meringues close to serving – glad you enjoyed it though!
Esther says
I made this tonight and didnt have marscapone. Using thickened cream was sufficient and the balance of sweet and tang with the creaminess was spot on. Thank you!
Jessica Holmes says
That’s wonderful to hear Esther!
Babs says
Can I use strawberry yogurt instead of mascarpone cheese
Jessica Holmes says
Yes if you like!
Gilly says
5 star recipe : )
Jessica Holmes says
So glad you enjoyed it Gilly!
Amy Neeb says
How much of the Eton mess recipe can be made in advance? Making it for a dinner party
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Amy, this recipe doesn’t take long to put together. I would recommend waiting until the last minute to mix everything together so the meringues don’t go soggy. But you could certainly prepare the individual elements in advance. Chop and prepare the fruit, whip your cream and mascarpone and crush the meringues. Then it should only take ten minutes to throw together.
Gilly says
So yummy and easy to make , family loved it !!
Noreen says
Can I use shamrock medium desiccated coconut in your Christmas white Rocky Road recipe
Noreen
Jessica Holmes says
Yes absolutely!
Sue says
Brings back memories of England!
Jessica Holmes says
Aw love that!
Patricia says
To make Eton Mess correctly you blend half the strawberries with icing sugar and push it through a sieve to remove the seeds. Mix the other half of berries with the whipped cream then gently circle in the pureed strawberries leaving a couple of spoonsfull to top the dish when you add the meringue.
Jessica Holmes says
That sounds lovely Patricia. Mine is definitely an easy no fuss version!
Chris Batt says
Very gracious, Jessica!
Maxine O'Mara says
Great result
Jessica Holmes says
So glad you enjoyed it Maxine!
Natalie says
I love Eton Mess = looks so delicious and perfect as a quick and easy dessert whenever I’m in a hurry ♥
Jessica Holmes says
Definitely a great option for entertaining!