Description
A classic British dessert featuring layers of crushed vanilla meringue cookies, fresh strawberries macerated with lemon and sugar, and fluffy whipped cream, all assembled into a delightful strawberry Eton mess perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Meringue Cookies
- 3-4 oz vanilla meringue cookies (10-12 count, 1 1/2” wide cookies)
Strawberry Mixture
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered (divided)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 3-4 Tbsp granulated sugar (divided, added to taste)
Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Crush the Meringue: Place your vanilla meringue cookies into a zip-top bag and crush them into coarse crumbles using a rolling pin. Aim for uneven pieces to add textural contrast to the dessert.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: In a medium bowl, combine two-thirds of the quartered strawberries with lemon zest, lemon juice, and 2-3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, adjusting according to the sweetness of the berries. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to crush the strawberries into a chunky mixture. Fold in the remaining one-third of the strawberries and add additional sugar if necessary to achieve a balanced sweetness.
- Whip the Cream: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes until the cream is fluffy and holds soft peaks but remains spreadable.
- Assemble the Eton Mess: Using clear drinking glasses or serving dishes of your choice, layer a spoonful of whipped cream at the bottom. Add a heaping spoonful of the strawberry mixture followed by a sprinkle of crushed meringue. Repeat the layering with cream, strawberries, and meringue to fill the glasses. Serve immediately to enjoy the textural contrast at its best.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Adjust sugar amounts based on the sweetness of your strawberries and personal preference.
- If you don’t have vanilla meringue cookies, store-bought plain meringue nests broken into pieces work well.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the crispy texture of the meringue.
- For a festive presentation, garnish with a mint leaf or a whole strawberry on top.
