Eton Mess is a simple British dessert, made with three ingredients: strawberries, whipped cream and meringue cookies. Over the years, many variations were created for this tasty dessert, all based on the same ingredients. In some, the strawberries are mixed with sugar and let steep to form a syrup, in others, part of the strawberries are pureed and mixed with the rest. In some, the strawberries, whipped cream and meringue cookies are all mixed together to form a “mess” (hence the name…), while in others, they are layered separately one on top of the other – which is what I chose to do here.
As the idea was to create a quick dessert, I opted for store-bought meringue kisses cookies, which worked well, though I’m definitely planning on making this dessert again with my homemade ones (click HERE for the recipe).
I also decided to upgrade the basic ingredients with some spiced red wine syrup, that I always have in the fridge. The syrup added wonderful flavor and aroma, making the summery dessert more suitable for winter and the holidays. Try it and enjoy.
Notes:
* Click HERE for a recipe for homemade meringue kisses.
* Click HERE for the recipe for red wine syrup. Another option is to use aged Port wine instead.
Makes: 8 large, or 16 small
Prep time: 20 minutes (not including red wine syrup and meringue cookies)
Ingredients:
16 fl oz (475 ml) heavy whipping cream, very cold
1/3 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla
About 4 cups strawberries, hulled and cut into medium pieces
24 vanilla meringue kisses, part broken (see notes)
½ cup spiced red wine syrup, at room temperature (see notes)
1. Pour the cream into a large bowl, add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and start whipping on low speed, for 1-2 minutes, to mix in the sugar. Gradually, increase the speed to medium, and whip until the cream is frothy. Increase to high speed, and whip until slightly stiff peaks form. Cover and keep in the fridge until using (up to 2 hours).
2. Wash and hull the strawberries, and drain over paper towels. Cut each and keep covered in the fridge until using.
3. To assemble, layer the red wine syrup, strawberries, meringue cookies and whipped cream, in dessert cups, mugs or bowls. Drizzle a bit more syrup on top and serve.
I have never heard of it – what a lovely dessert, dear Ronit!
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Thank you Dolly, I’m glad you liked the recipe. This is such a simple yet tasty last minute dessert. 🙂
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Very elegant, too.
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This looks delicious!
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Thank you, it is indeed, and very quick and simple to make. 🙂
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Simple but must be delicious.
Happy holidays, Ronit!
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Thank you Luisella, I’m glad you liked the recipe. It is very simple, and a great last minute dessert option.
Happy New Year! 🙂
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Thanks. 🙂
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Lovely dessert. I’m so pleased to read about Spiced Red Wine Syrup and I’m sure I won’t be waiting until I have some less than perfect wine to make it. I’m sure it will be a handy to have in the fridge/freezer.
Thanks Ronit. :))
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Thank you Mary, I’m glad you liked the post and syrup. I make it often, as it can be used in so many tasty ways. 🙂
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😋😋😋😋😋
(The spiced red wine syrup is a brilliant variation for the winter season!)
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Thank you, I’m glad you liked this version. The wine syrup worked so well in there. Definitely a keeper! 🙂
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I’ve bookmarked your recipe! 🙂 I can tell the syrup is something I would really, really love 🍓🍰🍷🍇 😋😋 Wishing you a blessed year ahead, Chef 🙂 🎉🎊🎇✨
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Thank you, I’m glad you liked the recipe. The wine syrup can be used in so many ways, so it’s great to have it in the fridge. I hope you will enjoy it.
Happy New Year to you and yours! 🙂
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Thank you, Chef. Yes, I saw your other posts using the same syrup–very handy! Winner! 🏆 🙂 Best wishes! ✨
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🙂
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Looks so yummy, I haven’t had Eton Mess in ages, and never with spiced red wine syrup, what a great twist 🙂👌
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Thank you Myra, I’m glad you liked this version. The red wine syrup worked so well here, and I’m definitely going to use it again. It’s always good to have such an easy and tasty last minute dessert. 🙂
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Looks delicious! Also easy and very beautiful! I love strawberries! 🍓🍓🍓
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Thank you Lisa, I’m glad you liked the recipe. It is perfect for anyone who loves strawberries. 🙂
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You just reminded me that way in the back of my fridge is a bottle of reduced red wine spiced syrup that I made in early November, and promptly forgot about it! I was thinking of adding some chilled club soda to it for a cocktail, but I can’t remember how sweet it is. In any case, this is a beautiful dessert. A crazy name, but Egon mess is lovely, and yours is extra special with the syrup! Happy New Year!
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Thank you Mimi, I’m glad you liked the recipe. It’s great you already have red wine syrup. It definitely elevated this simple dessert to a new level.
Happy New Year to you too! 🙂
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Wow…very pretty. This is Strawberry Shortcake’s sophisticated cousin!
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Thank you Bob, that’s a great way to describe this dessert! 🙂
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You had me at STRAWBERRIES. 🍃🍓
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I’m now waiting for fresh summer strawberries from the farm stand… 🙂
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Wow so delicious
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Thank you Tina, it was! 🙂
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It deserves a better name, like “Pillows of Meringue and Strawberries Drizzled with Spiced Red Wine Syrup…” Apparently, this has been a traditional dessert when Eton and Harrow got together for their annual cricket game. I can never resist researching things… Love the wine syrup – I usually make my own meringue but it’s good to know you can buy the cookies.
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lol The name you gave it is definitely better!
Homemade meringue cookies are always better, but ready made ones are great to have at hand for a last minute dessert. The wine syrup added such nice flavor and aroma for this simple dessert. It’s a keeper! 🙂
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I bet it did – the finishing touches are often the best 🙂
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When we were visiting the Cotswold district in England, we had Eaton Mess at a charming inn and it was delicious. I can just imagine how good your version is with your wine syrup.
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Thank you Karen, I’m glad the post brought back such nice memories.
The wine syrup added such nice flavor and aroma to this simple dessert. It’s definitely a keeper. 🙂
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Love this delicious dessert that looks so pretty as well.
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Thank you Nisha, I’m glad you liked the dessert. It was delicious. 🙂
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If Mess is so pretty, quick fix and delicious, who wouldn’t want to dig in right away 😋😋😋
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lol Thanks for this witty comment. You’re absolutely right! 🙂
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😊😇👍Happy holidays 🎄
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Thank you. Happy New Year! 🙂
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Dear TastyEats, I am nominating you for Sunshine Blogger Award. Please check: https://smithasbakelove.com/2020/12/30/sunshine-blogger-award/
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Thank you Smitha, I appreciate the nomination. However, due to lack of time, I don’t participate in the award scene. Best of luck! 🙂
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Happy New Year!
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Thank you Preethi. Happy New Year to you too! 🙂
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I think I watched an episode of Great British Baking show when they made Eton Mess – yours looks so good!!
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Thank you! I haven’t followed this show, but I’m sure it was interesting to see the different versions for the dessert. 🙂
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I love the classy look of it! 🙂 🍸
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Thank you. 🙂
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💯
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Ottimi
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