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Vegan Eton Mess: A Dairy-Free Twist on a Classic British Dessert
Eton Mess is a classic British dessert that traditionally combines meringue, whipped cream, and fresh berries. It’s sweet, light, and perfect for summer. But what if you’re vegan or dairy-free? Don’t worry! You can still enjoy this delicious treat with a few simple swaps. Enter Vegan Eton Mess – a plant-based version of this beloved dessert that’s just as decadent and satisfying as the original.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make a vegan version of Eton Mess, using easily accessible plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or just looking to try something new, this version will surely hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love Vegan Eton Mess
- Simple and Quick: Vegan Eton Mess comes together in just a few minutes with minimal preparation. It’s perfect for a last-minute dessert or a simple treat.
- Dairy-Free and Egg-Free: With a combination of dairy-free whipped cream and vegan meringue, this recipe is entirely free from animal products.
- Fresh and Flavorful: This dessert is loaded with fresh berries, offering a naturally sweet and tart contrast to the creamy elements of the dessert.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the fruits or toppings to suit your preferences. You can experiment with different berries, nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Light but Satisfying: Despite being light and airy, the meringue and whipped cream provide enough indulgence to feel like a special dessert.
Ingredients:
To make Vegan Eton Mess, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Vegan Meringue:
- 1/2 cup aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas or white beans)
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, but helps stabilize the meringue)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (use more if you like it sweeter)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Vegan Whipped Cream:
- 1 can of full-fat coconut milk (refrigerated overnight)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Rest of the Dessert:
- 2 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Crushed almonds or pistachios (optional, for extra crunch)
How to Make Vegan Eton Mess
Follow these simple steps to create your own plant-based Eton Mess:
Step 1: Make the Vegan Meringue
Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Next, pour the aquafaba into a mixing bowl (the liquid from your canned chickpeas) and add the cream of tartar. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the aquafaba on high speed for about 5-10 minutes, or until soft peaks form. You’ll see it start to become fluffy and white.
Once you’ve achieved soft peaks, gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, while continuing to beat. This will help to stabilize the meringue and make it glossy. Keep mixing until the meringue holds stiff peaks and looks smooth and shiny. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
Spoon or pipe the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet into small mounds (roughly the size of a tablespoon or two). Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meringues are crisp on the outside but still soft and marshmallow-like in the center.
Once baked, turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely in the oven with the door ajar to avoid cracking from sudden temperature changes.
Step 2: Make the Vegan Whipped Cream
While the meringue is baking, it’s time to prepare the vegan whipped cream.
Start by opening the refrigerated coconut milk can. Scoop out the solid coconut cream (leave behind any liquid). Place the coconut cream into a chilled mixing bowl.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the coconut cream on medium-high speed for about 3-5 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until fully incorporated. The whipped cream should be smooth and airy.
Step 3: Assemble the Vegan Eton Mess
Once everything is ready, it’s time to assemble your Vegan Eton Mess.
Start by gently crushing the vegan meringues wit
