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British/Irish · Desserts

Eton Mess

VegMedium

Diet: Veg

Eton Mess is a British/Irish dish. Fold together only when ready to serve.

Prep
20 min
Cook
0 min
Total
20 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
Cuisine
British/Irish
Course
Desserts

Estimated times for the original batch. Preparation, cooking and listed waiting time are included. Batch cooking can take longer.

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Representative photograph of Eton Mess. The photograph uses mixed berries; this recipe uses strawberries.
The photograph uses mixed berries; this recipe uses strawberries. Representative photograph of Eton Mess. Garnishes and presentation may differ. Photo credit and licence
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Ingredients

Metric weights use grams. US weights use ounces; liquids use fluid ounces. Conversions are rounded. Spoon measures use 5 ml teaspoons and 15 ml tablespoons; cups use 240 ml.

Serves 4

Fruit

Cream

Meringue

Equipment

Kitchen scales; measuring jug and spoons; knife; cutting board; mixing bowls; whisk or electric mixer.

Check all product labels and cross-contact. Diet groups describe this listed recipe, not every substitution.

Steps

Fruit · About 5 min

  1. Toss 500 g strawberries, hulled and chopped, 20 g sugar and stand 5 minutes; lightly crush half.

Cream · About 7 min

  1. Whip 350 ml whipping cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract to soft peaks.

Assemble · About 7 min

  1. Break 100 g ready-baked meringues into chunks and fold into cream with berries. Serve immediately so some meringue stays crisp.

Tips

  • Fold together only when ready to serve.
  • Judge Eton Mess by the texture and doneness signs in its steps. Your pan and heat affect how long Eton Mess takes to cook.

Substitutions

  • Use raspberries instead of strawberries.

Storage

  • Get perishable Eton Mess into the fridge within two hours, or within one hour above 32°C / 90°F. Eat Eton Mess within two days, keeping it covered at 4°C / 40°F or colder.
  • Bring cooked Eton Mess to 74°C / 165°F, stirring or turning it for even heating. When Eton Mess is part of the meal, serve cold salads, dips and chilled desserts straight from safe refrigeration.

Make ahead

  • A few hours before making Eton Mess, wash and dry the fresh ingredients, then refrigerate them. Assemble Eton Mess close to serving and keep perishable ingredients cold.

FAQ

What matters most when making Eton Mess?

Fold together only when ready to serve.

What can I substitute in Eton Mess?

Use raspberries instead of strawberries.

Can I prepare Eton Mess ahead?

A few hours before making Eton Mess, wash and dry the fresh ingredients, then refrigerate them. Assemble Eton Mess close to serving and keep perishable ingredients cold.

Food safety references

FoodSafety.gov: cooking temperatures · Food Standards Agency: rice storage and reheating

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