Strawberry Bliss Eton Mess
Indulge in the delightful combination of velvety whipped cream, luscious strawberries, and crunchy meringue in this classic British dessert known as Eton Mess. This elegant treat not only tantalizes the taste buds with the freshness of strawberries but also offers a delightful contrast of textures—from the light, airy meringues to the smooth cream. Perfect for summer gatherings, special occasions, or simply a sweet ending to any dinner, this recipe is designed for ease, allowing for the option of using store-bought meringues if you're short on time. Each serving is a colorful celebration, making every spoonful a joyous experience. Impress your guests or treat yourself; you deserve this sweet escape!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Egg Whites
3 (Room temperature)
Cream of Tartar
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Sugar
3/4 cup (Divide into small increments for meringue)
Heavy Cream
2 cups (Chilled)
Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup (N/A)
Pure Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Frozen Raspberries or Strawberries
1 (10 ounce) package (In light syrup, thawed and pureed)
Fresh Strawberries
1 lb (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and position the rack in the center.
2
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
4
Gradually add the sugar in small amounts, continuing to beat until the meringue holds stiff peaks. It should feel smooth with no grittiness when rubbed between your fingers.
5
To secure the parchment paper, dab a small amount of meringue on each corner.
6
Using two spoons, drop 10 equal mounds of meringue onto the prepared baking sheet.
7
Bake for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours, rotating halfway through for even cooking. The meringues should be crisp to the touch.
8
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and leave the meringues inside to dry overnight.
9
When ready to assemble, beat the heavy cream with the vanilla extract and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
10
Puree the thawed strawberries and raspberries in a blender or food processor, adjusting sweetness with confectioner's sugar or tartness with lemon juice, as desired.
11
Gently break the meringues into bite-sized pieces and incorporate them into the whipped cream, along with the chopped fresh strawberries. Fold with care to maintain the light texture.
12
Swirl in your berry sauce, reserving any extra for drizzling when serving.
13
Scoop the mixture into elegant serving glasses or plates and serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Strawberry Bliss Eton Mess?
Strawberry Bliss Eton Mess is a classic British dessert that combines velvety whipped cream, luscious strawberries, and crunchy meringue.
Can I use store-bought meringues for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe allows for the option of using store-bought meringues if you are short on time.
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking meringues?
The oven should be preheated to 200°F (93°C) with the rack positioned in the center.
How long do the meringues need to bake?
The meringues should bake for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours, rotating the tray halfway through.
How do I prepare the egg whites for the meringue?
Beat the room temperature egg whites on medium speed until foamy, then add cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form.
What is the purpose of cream of tartar in this recipe?
Cream of tartar is added to the foamy egg whites to help stabilize them so they can form soft and then stiff peaks.
How do I know when the meringue is ready to bake?
The meringue is ready when it holds stiff peaks and feels smooth with no grittiness when rubbed between your fingers.
How many meringue mounds should I make?
The recipe suggests dropping 10 equal mounds of meringue onto the prepared baking sheet.
How should the meringues be dried after baking?
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and leave the meringues inside to dry overnight.
What ingredients are needed for the whipped cream?
You will need 2 cups of chilled heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
How should the heavy cream be beaten?
Beat the heavy cream with vanilla and sugar in a large bowl until soft peaks form, taking care not to overbeat.
How do I make the berry sauce?
Puree the thawed frozen strawberries and raspberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Can I adjust the flavor of the berry sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness with confectioner's sugar or the tartness with lemon juice as desired.
How should I prepare the fresh strawberries?
The 1 lb of fresh strawberries should be cut into bite-sized pieces before assembly.
How do I assemble the Eton Mess?
Gently break the meringues into pieces and fold them into the whipped cream with fresh strawberries, then swirl in the berry sauce.
Should Eton Mess be served immediately?
Yes, it is best to serve immediately after assembly for the freshest flavor and best texture.
What is the texture of this dessert?
It offers a contrast of textures, ranging from light and airy meringues to smooth cream and fresh fruit.
Is this dessert suitable for summer?
Yes, its fresh strawberry flavor and light components make it a perfect treat for summer gatherings.
How do I prevent the meringues from sticking to the tray?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the meringues do not stick.
How do I keep the parchment paper from sliding?
Dab a small amount of meringue on each corner of the baking sheet to secure the parchment paper.
What size should the meringue pieces be?
The meringues should be broken into bite-sized pieces for the assembly.
What type of berries are used for the sauce?
The recipe uses a 10-ounce package of frozen raspberries or strawberries in light syrup.
Can I use granulated sugar in the meringue?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sugar added gradually to the egg whites.
Do the egg whites need to be a specific temperature?
The egg whites should be at room temperature for the best results when beating.
Is vanilla extract used in the meringue or the cream?
Vanilla extract is used when beating the heavy cream, not in the meringue itself.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this Strawberry Bliss Eton Mess recipe.
Can I drizzle extra sauce on top?
Yes, you should reserve any extra berry sauce for drizzling over the dessert when serving.
What speed should I use for the egg whites?
Start by beating the egg whites on medium speed until they are foamy.
Is this recipe considered difficult?
The recipe is designed for ease, especially with the option to use store-bought meringues.
What should I do if my meringue is gritty?
If the meringue is gritty, continue beating until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.