Easy Eton Mess Parfait

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple: No baking required and minimal prep.

• Light and refreshing: Perfect for warm weather or after a heavy meal.

• Classic flavors: Sweet strawberries and crisp meringue with fluffy cream.

• Beautiful presentation: Layers in clear glasses make it visually appealing.

• Customizable: Use different berries or fruits according to preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh strawberries (sliced)

• Store-bought or homemade meringue cookies (crushed)

• Heavy whipping cream

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare whipped cream: In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

2. Crush meringues: Lightly crush meringue cookies into bite-sized pieces.

3. Assemble parfaits: In serving glasses, layer crushed meringues, sliced strawberries, and whipped cream. Repeat layers until glasses are filled.

4. Top and garnish: Finish with a dollop of whipped cream, a few strawberry slices, and mint leaves if desired.

5. Serve immediately: Enjoy fresh for best texture.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Mixed berries: Add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.

• Flavor twist: Drizzle with fruit coulis or chocolate sauce.

• Citrus zest: Add lemon or orange zest to whipped cream.

• Yogurt substitute: Mix whipped cream with Greek yogurt for tanginess.

• Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Best eaten immediately. If storing, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

• Avoid reheating: This dessert is served cold and loses texture when warmed.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but add meringue just before serving to keep it crunchy.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Thaw and drain well to avoid sogginess.

What if I can’t find meringue cookies?

Use crushed store-bought pavlova or make homemade meringue.

Can I use flavored whipped cream?

Yes, add extracts like almond or rose for variation.

How do I keep the parfait from getting soggy?

Assemble right before serving and keep meringue separate until then.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut cream whipped topping and dairy-free meringues.

How sweet is this dessert?

It’s lightly sweet, balanced by fresh fruit.

Can I use other fruits?

Yes, peaches, mangoes, or kiwi are delicious alternatives.

What size glasses work best?

Small to medium parfait glasses showcase the layers nicely.

Is this dessert kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s a favorite for kids and adults alike.

Conclusion

Easy Eton Mess Parfait is a quick, refreshing dessert that beautifully combines crunchy meringue, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped topping. Its simplicity and elegance make it a perfect choice for any occasion where you want a light yet indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.