Description
A festive twist on the classic Eton Mess, combining tart cranberries, sweet meringue, and creamy whipped cream for a show-stopping holiday dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)
- Fresh cranberries or mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 225°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Fold in vanilla extract.
- Spoon or pipe dollops of meringue onto the baking sheet. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours until crisp and dry. Turn off oven and let cool completely inside. Break meringues into bite-sized pieces.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar (if using) in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Avoid overwhipping.
- Layer cranberry sauce, meringue pieces, and whipped cream in serving glasses or bowls. Repeat layers and finish with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries or mint leaves. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
[‘Let egg whites come to room temperature before whipping for better volume.’, ‘Cool cranberry sauce completely before assembling to avoid melting the whipped cream.’, ‘Prepare cranberry sauce and meringues a day in advance for convenience.’, ‘Store leftover meringues in an airtight container to keep them crisp.’]
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Cranberry Eton Mess, Holiday Dessert, Christmas Recipe, Thanksgiving Dessert, Easy Dessert, Festive Dessert