Strawberry Vanilla Bean Eton Mess

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!

Strawberry Vanilla Bean Eton Mess

Traditional British dessert, altered with fresh berries, crispy meringues, and light whipped cream.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time:1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

For Meringues

• 2 large egg whites room temperature
• 100 grams granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder

For Eton Mess Composition

• 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!

Servings: 12 large meringues, depending on size

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

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