Description
Barefoot Contessa Eton Mess delivers sweet British elegance with layers of whipped cream, crushed meringue, and ripe strawberries. Rich cream and crisp meringue create perfect harmony, offering you a delightful summer dessert that whispers classic English charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 packages (170g / 6oz) fresh raspberries
- 3 bakery meringue shells (7.5cm / 3-inch), broken into pieces
Sugar and Sweeteners:
- 200g (1 cup) caster sugar
- 40g (3 tablespoons) caster sugar
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 360ml (1½ cups) cold double cream (heavy cream)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon framboise liqueur
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Craft the vibrant raspberry compote by combining two packages of fresh raspberries, granulated sugar, and a splash of lemon juice in a 10-inch (25 centimeters) sauté pan. Gently crush the berries with a fork to release their natural juices.
- Elevate the compote over medium-high heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a soft simmer. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken for approximately 10 minutes, stirring intermittently until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
- Remove the raspberry compote from the heat and carefully fold in the remaining whole raspberries and a measure of framboise liqueur. Transfer the mixture to a refrigerator to cool completely.
- Prepare the luxurious whipped cream using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Combine cold heavy cream (35% milkfat), pure vanilla extract, and superfine sugar. Whip at medium-high speed until firm, glossy peaks form.
- Construct the elegant dessert by layering in clear serving glasses. Begin with a generous spoonful of whipped cream, followed by a drizzle of chilled raspberry compote and delicate meringue fragments.
- Repeat the layering process 1-2 times, ensuring a visually appealing presentation that showcases the vibrant colors and textures.
- Finish the dessert with a sprinkle of fresh berries and a crowning dollop of whipped cream.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to maintain the perfect temperature and texture before presenting to guests.
Notes
- Crushing meringue into varying sizes creates a delightful textural contrast, from large crispy chunks to delicate crumbs.
- Freezing fresh raspberries works perfectly when seasonal berries aren’t available, ensuring you can enjoy this dessert year-round.
- Whipping cream requires a gentle touch – stop exactly when soft peaks form to maintain a light, airy consistency.
- Chilling the dessert allows complex flavors to meld beautifully, transforming individual ingredients into a harmonious treat.
- Adjusting sweetness depends on your raspberries’ natural sugar level, giving you control over the final flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 222mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 163mg