Strawberry Eton Mess

This Strawberry Eton Mess is a quick and easy-to-make treat that features layers of soft and luscious whipped cream, juicy fresh strawberries, and crisp meringue cookies. 

With its beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor, it’s the perfect summer dessert that can be whipped up in just 15 minutes.

Make the most of strawberry season with this irresistible Eton Mess recipe! If you’ve never heard of Eton Mess, it’s a traditional British dessert consisting of juicy fresh strawberries, crunchy melt-in-your-mouth meringues, and silky smooth whipped cream. Nothing fancy, but 100% delicious!!!

The best part? This dessert couldn’t be easier to make! It comes together in just 15 minutes and is perfect for entertaining or as a quick treat any day of the week.

And if you happen to have a surplus of strawberries, why not try making some baked strawberry donuts, an avocado strawberry smoothie , or a refreshing frozen strawberry lemonade?

Why you’ll love this recipe

• It comes together in no time with only a handful of simple ingredients.
• Ideal for spring and summer, when juicy strawberries are at their peak.
• It’s a no-bake, no-cook dessert, so you don’t have to heat up the kitchen on hot days.
• Each component can be made ahead of time and assembled just before serving, making it an excellent choice for entertaining.

Ingredients & easy swaps

• Strawberries: look for plump, bright red berries with fresh green leaves and no signs of mold. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones or substitute them with another type of fruit for a tasty variation.
• Cream: opt for heavy cream with a fat content of at least 35% for the perfect consistency. Remember to chill the cream, bowl, and whisk attachment before whipping. Avoid using canned whipped cream or cool whip. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use coconut cream as a substitute.
• Sweetener: I used granulated sugar to sweeten the strawberries, and powdered sugar for the whipped cream because it dissolves more easily. However, if you prefer natural sweeteners, you can substitute both sugars with honey or maple syrup.
• Meringue cookies: store-bought meringues work great in this recipe. You can choose any size of meringues, as they will be broken up. If you want to make your own meringues, it will require more time and effort. Just keep in mind that humid days can make meringue-making difficult, so check the weather forecast beforehand.

See the recipe card below for a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions.

Recipe variations

• Fruits: while strawberries are traditional, feel free to experiment with different combinations and find your favorite! Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, passion fruit, mango, and bananas all make delicious alternatives.
• Healthier version: for a lighter option, substitute half of the whipped cream with low-fat Greek yogurt. You’ll still enjoy a creamy and delightful dessert with fewer calories.
• Dairy-free option: if you are lactose intolerant or prefer to avoid dairy, replace regular whipped cream with coconut whipped cream.
• Make it vegan: use coconut cream instead of whipped cream and Aquafaba meringues, which are an egg-free alternative.
• Chocolate version: add some chocolate chips to the whipped cream.

How to make Eton Mess

Make-ahead tips

Each of the dessert components can be prepared in advance.

Whipped cream: whip the cream a couple of hours ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I don’t recommend making it a day in advance, as it may lose its texture and deflate.

Strawberry sauce: make the strawberry sauce the day before and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce will become even better as it sits.

Meringue cookies: prepare or buy the meringues a couple of days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. 

Assemble the strawberry dessert just before serving, so the meringue stays crisp. Don’t worry; it takes just a couple of minutes to put it together!

Have you tried this easy dessert recipe yet? Did you make any modifications or put your own spin on it? Share your feedback with us in the comments below. We can’t wait to hear from you! And if you have any questions, we are always here to help!