Delicious and Super Easy Raspberry Eton Mess Dessert

Eton Mess is a typical Anglo-Saxon dessert which owes its name to the union of two words, mess, literally meaning disorder, mess, and Eton, the famous college in Berkshire, one of the most prestigious in the United Kingdom, where it is presumed to have been invented.

Basically, it is an exquisite mixture of crumbled meringues, fresh fruit and whipped cream, served in individual cups without a specific order or composition. Making it is very easy: just whip the cream with the icing sugar and lemon juice, then add the meringues, finely chopped with a knife, and the whole raspberries, and arrange everything in individual glasses. The result will be a simple but very delicious dessert, perfect to enjoy very cold from the fridge as a happy end to a meal, or bring to the table at snack time for a special break in the company of friends.

What is Eton Mess and Why is It Called Like That? Origins and History

The Eton Mess is a traditional British dessert named after Eton College, a prestigious school in Berkshire, England. Its name combines "Eton" and "mess," the latter meaning a disorderly mixture. The origins of the dessert are tied to a famous event during the college's annual cricket match, where a Labrador dog accidentally destroyed a pavlova. The pieces were served to the students, who loved the unexpected creation, leading to the invention of Eton Mess. While the dessert was mentioned in 1893 by historian Arthur Beavan, it was originally made with strawberries or bananas, ice cream, and vanilla cream. Today, it's typically made with crushed meringues, fresh fruit, and whipped cream.

What Does Eton Mess Taste Like?

Eton Mess has a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The crispy, light meringue contrasts with the smooth, creamy whipped cream, while the fresh, juicy strawberries (or other fruits) add a burst of sweetness and tanginess. The result is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly crunchy dessert with a balanced, indulgent flavor.

How Many Calories Are in an Eton Mess?

An Eton Mess typically contains around 300-400 calories per serving, depending on the portion size and ingredients used (like the amount of cream and meringue). The calorie count can vary if different fruits or lower-calorie alternatives are added.

What is The Difference Between Pavlova and Eton Mess?

The main difference between pavlova and Eton Mess lies in their structure and preparation. Pavlova is a single large meringue base, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, often served as a showy dessert.

Eton Mess, on the other hand, is a simpler, deconstructed dessert made of crushed meringue, whipped cream, and fresh fruit mixed together in a bowl. Eton Mess is typically more casual and less elaborate than pavlova.

Eton Mess Variations

Here are some delicious Eton Mess variations to try:

• Tropical Eton Mess: Swap strawberries for tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. Add a dash of coconut cream for an extra tropical twist.
• Chocolate Eton Mess: Add a spoonful of cocoa powder to the whipped cream or sprinkle some chocolate shavings over the dessert. You can even use chocolate meringue instead of the traditional one.
• Rhubarb Eton Mess: Pair fresh rhubarb, roasted or stewed, with the meringue and cream. This variation offers a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cream and meringue.
• Lemon Eton Mess: Infuse the whipped cream with lemon zest or use lemon curd for a tangy twist. Lemon complements the sweetness of the meringue beautifully.
• Peach and Almond Eton Mess: Swap strawberries for fresh peaches and add a handful of crushed almonds for a nutty, fruity variation.
• Vegan Eton Mess: Replace the whipped cream with coconut cream or any plant-based whipped topping, and use meringues made from aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for a vegan-friendly version.

Pro Tips for The Best Eton Mess

• The fruit is a key component of Eton Mess, so make sure it's fresh and at its peak ripeness. Strawberries are the classic choice, but other berries, peaches, or even mango can be great alternatives.
• Whip your cream until it forms soft peaks, not stiff peaks. This will give it a smooth texture that’s easy to mix with the meringue and fruit, ensuring a perfect balance.
• For the best texture, assemble the Eton Mess just before serving. This keeps the meringue crispy and prevents it from getting soggy from the cream and fruit.
• Depending on the sweetness of your fruit, you might want to lightly sweeten the whipped cream with powdered sugar or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
• For a refreshing dessert, keep the cream and fruit chilled before assembling. This makes the dessert even more satisfying, especially on a warm day.
• When combining the ingredients, gently fold the meringue, cream, and fruit together. You want to keep the meringue's lightness intact while ensuring everything is evenly mixed.

Can I Make Eton Mess With Ready-Made Meringues?

Yes, you can definitely make Eton Mess with ready-made meringues. They save time and still provide the crunchy texture needed for the dessert. Simply crush the meringues and mix them with whipped cream and fresh fruit for an easy and delicious version of the classic dish.

Can I Use a Different Fruit?

Yes, you can use different fruits in Eton Mess! While strawberries are traditional, you can swap them for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, mango, peaches, or even tropical fruits like pineapple and passion fruit for a unique twist. Just make sure the fruit is fresh and complements the creamy meringue.

Can I Make Eton Mess Ahead of Time?

Eton Mess is best enjoyed fresh, as the meringue can become soggy over time. However, you can prepare some components ahead of time, like whipping the cream and chopping the fruit. Just assemble the dessert right before serving to keep the meringue crispy.

Does it Freeze Well?

Eton Mess doesn't freeze well, as the meringue can lose its crispness and become chewy when thawed. The whipped cream may also change in texture. It's best to enjoy it fresh, but you can freeze the meringue separately and assemble the dessert when ready to serve.

How to Store Eton Mess

To store leftover Eton Mess, keep the meringue, whipped cream, and fruit separately in airtight containers. The meringue should be stored in a dry place, while the cream and fruit should be refrigerated. When ready to serve, combine the components, but be aware that the meringue may soften over time.

How to Make Eton Mess Dessert

Finely chop the meringues with a knife, and leave some aside for the final garnish.

Wash the raspberries and pat them dry with a sheet of kitchen paper.

Using an electric whisk, whip the very cold cream from the fridge with the powdered sugar, then pour in the lemon juice.

Transfer a few spoonfuls of cream into a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle, and incorporate the crumbled meringues into the remaining cream.

Finish with whole raspberries: keep some aside for the garnishing.

Mix gently with a spatula, being careful not to disassemble the mixture.

Fill individual glasses with the prepared mixture.

Complete with tufts of whipped cream, a few whole raspberries and the crumbled meringues kept aside.

Enjoy!