Quick answer: whip 1½ cups of cold heavy cream to soft peaks, then fold in 1 lb of chopped strawberries (some of them crushed with a little sugar) and about 4 crushed meringue nests. Spoon into glasses and serve at once.

Ingredients (6 servings)

  • 1 lb (450 g) ripe strawberries, hulled
  • 1-2 tbsp sugar
  • 1½ cups (360 ml) cold heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar and ½ tsp vanilla (optional)
  • 4 meringue nests, or about 3 oz (85 g) crisp meringue cookies

How to make it

  1. Chop the strawberries. Crush about a third of them with the sugar to make a rough sauce.
  2. Whip the cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla to soft peaks; see soft peaks vs stiff peaks.
  3. Break the meringues into bite-size pieces.
  4. Fold the chopped berries, most of the sauce and the meringue into the cream with just a few strokes, so it stays streaky.
  5. Spoon into glasses, drizzle with the remaining sauce and serve immediately.

Tips

  • Stop whipping at soft peaks. Stiff cream makes a heavy, dry mess.
  • Fold at the last minute so the meringue stays crisp.
  • Leave some large pieces of meringue for crunch.
  • Taste the berries: sweet, ripe fruit needs very little sugar.

Variations

  • Mixed berry: raspberries and blackberries with the strawberries.
  • Lemon: swirl in a few spoonfuls of lemon curd.
  • Tropical: mango and passion fruit in place of berries.
  • Chocolate: use chocolate whipped cream and add chocolate shavings.
  • Lighter: replace a third of the cream with thick Greek yogurt.

Make-ahead plan

Prepare the fruit and keep it chilled, and whip the cream up to a few hours ahead (or keep it ready in a whipped cream dispenser). Combine everything just before serving.

More ideas: desserts with whipped cream, icebox cake and syllabub.

Frequently asked questions

What is Eton mess?

A traditional English dessert of strawberries, broken meringue and whipped cream folded loosely together. It is named after Eton College.

Can I make Eton mess ahead of time?

Prepare the parts ahead, but fold them together just before serving, because meringue softens quickly in cream.

Can I use store-bought meringues?

Yes. Crisp meringue nests or cookies work well and are what most home cooks use.

What cream is best for Eton mess?

Heavy cream or double cream, whipped only to soft peaks so the dessert stays loose and creamy.

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