Eton Mess, a traditional British dessert, is a simple dessert composed of whipped cream, marinated fresh berries, and crushed meringues. Oh and we’re celebrating the new season of Downton Abbey!
Layered with lightly whipped cream, crispy vanilla bean meringue cookies, and fresh strawberries, this might just be my new favorite dessert. Not only is it super light, but it’s gorgeous! These are perfect served in Weck Jars (my other favorite thing!), for either a weeknight treat or even for special occasions.
Eton mess originated in Eton College a famous and very grand private school in Windsor England. In fact if your visiting London, I highly recommend a visit to Windsor its a stunning little town, you can stroll along the Thames, and visit the mighty Windsor castle, the Queens residence. – Rebecca of Chow and Chatter
Do you watch Downton Abbey? I was against watching it for a while, since my favorite shows tend to be…darker. I’m more of a Dexter and Breaking Bad kind of fan, but Downton Abbey grabbed my attention and never let it go. It’s packed with suspense, family drama, and most of all, I love all the details of the time period. The big dresses, the extravagant menus for dinner parties, the etiquette, and the gorgeous castles. If you need to relax, watching it is a total escape of reality – you’ll forget you’re living in 2014! Make sure to scroll down for a Downton Abbey giveaway!
Traditional British dessert, altered with fresh berries, crispy meringues, and light whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites, room temperature
- 100 grams granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
Instructions
- To make the meringues, preheat your oven to 225F. In a mixer or using a hand blender, whip the egg whites until frothy and slowly start adding the sugar one tablespoon at a time. Add vanilla and keep whipping until meringue is stiff and shiny. Spoon onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake for 1.5 hours. Turn oven off and let meringues sit overnight.
- To assemble Eton Mess: layer whipped cream, fresh berries, and crumbled meringue. Serve immediately.
Notes
If you can't find vanilla powder, substitute for either vanilla extract or the inside of a real vanilla bean. You can use any kind of extract you'd like!
More Downton Abbey inspired recipes:
- Raspberry Meringue Pudding by Bakeaholic Mama
- Cranberry Orange Scones by Susy Freaking Homemaker
- Mini-Beef Wellington Pot Pies by Healthy Seasonal Recipes
- Yorkshire Pudding by The Realistic Nutritionist
- Crumpets with Strawberry Balsamic Jam by Healthy Delicious
- Crepes Isladaise by The Girly Girl Cooks
- Black Peppercorn and Orange Steamed Pudding by A Brown Table
I love violet!
My favorite is Lady Edith.
One of my favorite desserts! I love how simple but elegant it is.
I have yet to watch an episode of Downton Abbey but I hear it’s great! Im loving this dessert and the fact that its gluten free is a bonus!
That is my kind of mess!
I’ve never seen Dowton Abby but this Eton Mess looks wonderful! I haven’t had that either but the photos make it look so, so good!
Looks divine!
This reminds me a bit of a decontructed and reconstructed-in-a-jar Pavlova, Nelly! I’ve heard of Eton mess before, but I haven’t made it. The British are really good at putting together desserts made up of little bits of leftovers from other desserts–I will have to give this one a shot. I bet you could make it with macs that decided not to sprout feet or that cracked on top even! lol
I power watched the first three seasons of Downton a few months ago. Such a great show!
Hmm. My favorite character? Um, can I be honest and say that I haven’t watched it enough to have a favorite yet? I usually record and watch later, so maybe I’ll have a better answer in six months …
I don’t know how I didn’t know about Eaton Mess. I can see that it is a great idea for many creative variations. This is so beautiful. I don’t think I knew that you’d started shooting with a ‘real’ camera. But holy moly! These shots are gorgeous Marnely!! Pinning:)
Oh yes please!!!
Marnely it is great to meet you via this fun event! Also, I am really thrilled that you used Weck jars too 😉
Love these types of desserts, they are easy, yet look very elegant! Thank you for sharing yours.
Funny, I was the same way. I put off watching it because I like dark shows too.. I’m a big Breaking Bad, Dexter SOA kinda fan. But I’m so glad I started watched it… Downton is one of my favorites now! Thanks so much for participating, your dish looks delicious!
They killed off all my favorites! Wah! I really liked Sybil, but, well, she’s no more.