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A mini eton mess pavlova on a plate with fruit, cream and crumbled meringue garnish.
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Super Quick Eton Mess - Meringue Dessert

For a fast, easy and super impressive dessert, look no further than eton mess! Get this crunchy meringue dessert on the table in just 5 minutes using store bought meringue nests, whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Course Dessert
Cuisine English
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 362kcal
Cost $15

Ingredients

Optional garnishes:

Instructions

For the whipped cream:

  • Pour the cream into a medium to large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your KitchenAid) and add the caster sugar and vanilla essence. Whip on medium to high for 2-3 mins until the cream becomes light and fluffy. Optional: Fold through any fruit puree/coulis (if using) until evenly blended.
    300 ml thickened cream / heavy cream, 80 g caster sugar / superfine sugar, 2 tsp vanilla essence

To assemble the eton mess:

  • Place your meringue nests on serving plates or bowls and top with whipped cream, strawberries and kiwifruit.
    4 meringue nests, 1 handful strawberries, 1-2 kiwi fruit, 1 handful fresh mint leaves
  • Optional garnish with and fresh mint leaves, extra crumbled meringue and/or sprinkle with icing sugar.
    1 tsp icing sugar / powdered sugar

Notes

  • Meringue Nests - We love using store bought meringue nests to save time. They also  hold the whipped cream and fruit toppings really well. If you have the time you can make your own mini pavlova nests in any size or shape you like! 
  • Cream - Make your own whipped cream with thickened cream / heavy cream, caster sugar (aka superfine sugar) and vanilla essence. It always tastes so much better when you make it yourself! If you’re really short on time though, sub with ice cream or canned whipped cream.
  • Fruit - Fresh strawberries are the most iconic eton mess topping, but feel free to get creative or use your own fruit combinations. Keep reading for more ideas.
  • Mint - Optional for extra flavour and as a beautiful garnish.
  • Reduce the Sweetness - Add a little Greek yoghurt or creme fraiche into the cream to temper the sweetness. 
  • Storage - Once assembled, it’s best to serve eton mess straight away so the meringue will stay nice and crunchy. Store any leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers. Whipped cream and fruit should be stored in the fridge, but store bought meringues can be stored on the bench or in the pantry.
  • More Creative Topping Ideas:
    • Fresh Fruit - Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, kiwifruit, mango and banana pair perfectly with whipped cream.
    • Fruit Powder - Ie dried and finely ground fruit as a colourful garnish. We used beetroot powder for a cute pop of colour without changing the flavour of the dish.
    • Berry Coulis - Check out our vanilla blancmange for an easy blackberry coulis recipe.
    • Spreads - Lemon curd, speculoos spread, Nutella, chocolate sauce or chocolate cream.
    • Healthy Toppings - Serve with fresh Greek yoghurt and granola for crunch.
    • Chocolate - Chocolate buttons, shaved chocolate, chocolate hagelslag sprinkles.
    • Other Sweet Treats - Top with your favourite lollies or candy, marshmallows, stewed fruit (apples, rhubarb or peaches would be amazing!). You could even top them with leftover apple crumble or persimmon pie.

Nutrition

Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 1198IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1mg