Traditional Eton Mess Recipe: Wimbledon’s Favourite Summer Dessert

When Wimbledon rolls around each summer, two things are guaranteed: world-class tennis and an abundance of British strawberries.

While strawberries and cream are the tournament's most famous treat, their wonderfully messy cousin, Eton Mess, has become one of Britain's favourite summer desserts.

Light, fresh, and incredibly simple to make, it's the perfect way to finish a barbecue, garden party, or Sunday lunch.

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What Is Eton Mess And Where Did It Come From?

Eton Mess is a traditional British dessert made from just three main ingredients:

• Fresh strawberries
• Whipped cream
• Crisp meringue

Everything is gently folded together to create a dessert that's beautifully rustic, no neat presentation required.

In fact, the "messier" it looks, the more authentic it feels.

Eton Mess is believed to have originated at Eton College, one of England's most famous boarding schools, during the late 19th or early 20th century.

It has long been served at the annual Eton College cricket match against Harrow School, becoming a much-loved summer tradition.

While it's often associated with Wimbledon because of Britain's strawberry season, Eton Mess wasn't actually invented for the tennis tournament. Instead, it simply celebrates the same quintessentially British flavours that appear on tables throughout the summer.

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Traditional Eton Mess Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 2 large egg whites
• 120g caster sugar (about ⅔ cup superfine sugar)
• 500g fresh strawberries (about 3½ cups), hulled and roughly chopped
• 450ml double cream (about 1⅞ cups heavy whipping cream)
• 1 tbsp icing (powdered) sugar

Cooking in the USA? British recipes often use a few ingredients with different names. Heavy whipping cream is the closest substitute for British double cream, while superfine sugar is the American equivalent of caster sugar. Both work perfectly in this recipe.

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Method

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C / 100°C fan) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the caster sugar in three additions, whisking well after each until the mixture is thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks again.

Spoon generous dollops of the mixture onto the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each one.

Bake on the bottom shelf of the oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the meringues are completely crisp and lift easily from the parchment paper. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely.

Step 2

Place one-third of the strawberries into a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth to create a fresh strawberry sauce.

In a large bowl, whip the double cream with the icing (powdered) sugar until it just holds its shape. Be careful not to overwhip.

Roughly crush three-quarters of the cooled meringues, then gently fold them into the cream along with the chopped strawberries. Swirl through the strawberry sauce, taking care not to overmix.

Spoon the Eton Mess into individual bowls or glasses, then crumble the remaining meringues over the top before serving.

Recipe adapted from BBC Good Food. You can view the original recipe here: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/eton-mess

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What Does Eton Mess Pair With?

One of the reasons Eton Mess is such a favourite is because it's wonderfully light after a hearty meal.

It's particularly delicious served after:

•  A summer barbecue
•  Burgers and British Sausages
•  Fish and chips in the garden
•  A traditional Sunday roast
•  Afternoon Tea
•  A Wimbledon watch party

Add a chilled glass of Prosecco, English sparkling wine, or simply a proper cup of tea, and you've got the perfect British summer finish.

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A Wimbledon Favourite

Although strawberries and cream remain Wimbledon's official signature dessert, Eton Mess has become closely associated with the Championships.

Every summer, as the world's best tennis players take to the grass courts, British kitchens fill with bowls of fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and crushed meringue.

It's simple, nostalgic, wonderfully British, and proof that the best desserts don't have to be complicated.

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Bring A Taste Of Britain To Your Summer

Whether you're watching Wimbledon from home in America, hosting friends for a barbecue, or simply making the most of strawberry season, Eton Mess is one of Britain's easiest and most loved desserts.

Fresh, light, and ready in no time, it's a proper taste of a British summer.

Looking for more traditional British recipes? Browse the rest of our blog for classic comfort foods, seasonal favourites, and authentic recipes from across the UK.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eton Mess?

Eton Mess is a traditional British dessert made with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and crushed meringue.

Why is it called Eton Mess?

The dessert is believed to have originated at Eton College, where it was traditionally served during the annual cricket match against Harrow School.

Is Eton Mess served at Wimbledon?

While strawberries and cream are Wimbledon's official signature dessert, Eton Mess has become closely associated with the tournament because it celebrates the same classic British summer ingredients.

Can you make Eton Mess in advance?

It's best assembled just before serving so the meringue stays crisp. The strawberries, cream, and meringues can all be prepared ahead of time and combined just before serving.