Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A comforting, seasonal version of the classic Eton Mess
Cinnamon and pears create a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall
Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients
A beautiful, elegant dessert that is light yet indulgent
Versatile – you can use different fruits or spices depending on your preferences

Ingredients

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

2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Bosc), peeled and diced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-4 store-bought or homemade meringues, crumbled into pieces
Fresh mint for garnish (optional)

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat the diced pears, cinnamon, and honey (or maple syrup) over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the pears are softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
While the pears cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
Gently fold the crumbled meringues into the whipped cream. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream, as you want to maintain its airy texture.
To assemble the Eton Mess, layer the whipped cream and meringue mixture with the cinnamon pears in individual bowls or glasses, alternating between the two.
Top with a few extra pieces of crumbled meringue for crunch and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for color and added freshness.
Serve immediately or chill for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Servings and timing

Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes (for simmering the pears)

Variations

Spices: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the pears for extra depth of flavor.
Fruit options: Swap pears for apples, roasted figs, or roasted plums for a different fruity base.
Vegan version: Use coconut whipped cream or any non-dairy cream alternative and vegan meringues for a plant-based version of this dessert.
Nuts: Add chopped pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts for a crunchy, nutty element.
Caramel drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for added richness.

Storage/reheating

Eton Mess is best served immediately, as the meringue tends to soften and lose its crispness over time.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but the texture may change. It’s still tasty, though!
It’s not ideal to freeze Eton Mess, as the meringue and whipped cream can lose their texture once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned pears if fresh ones aren’t available, but make sure to drain them well and adjust the sweetness, as canned pears can sometimes be syrupy.

Can I make the meringues myself?

Absolutely! Homemade meringues can make the dessert extra special, but store-bought meringues work just fine for convenience.

How do I prevent the whipped cream from deflating?

Whip the cream just until soft peaks form—don’t overwhip, as that will cause it to become too stiff. When folding the meringue, do so gently to maintain the airiness.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

You can prepare the pears and whipped cream ahead of time, but the meringues should be added just before serving to keep them crispy.

Can I use other fruits besides pears?

Yes, you can use a variety of fruits! Berries like strawberries or raspberries, or even stone fruits like peaches or plums, would also work wonderfully.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the meringues are made with gluten-free ingredients, Eton Mess with cinnamon and pears is naturally gluten-free.

How can I make this dessert more festive?

For a holiday version, try adding a touch of orange zest to the whipped cream or sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and tartness.

Conclusion

Eton Mess with Cinnamon and Pears is a light, seasonal twist on the classic dessert. With its balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors, it’s the perfect fall treat that’s simple to make yet elegant enough for special occasions. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, a casual dinner, or a festive gathering, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Eton Mess Recipe with Cinnamon and Pears

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Eton Mess with Cinnamon and Pears is a fall-inspired twist on the classic British dessert. It combines whipped cream, crumbled meringue, and sweet cinnamon-spiced pears for a comforting and elegant treat.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for simmering the pears)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: British

Ingredients

2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Bosc), peeled and diced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3–4 store-bought or homemade meringues, crumbled into pieces
Fresh mint for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

In a small saucepan, heat the diced pears, cinnamon, and honey (or maple syrup) over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the pears are softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.

While the pears cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
Gently fold the crumbled meringues into the whipped cream. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream, as you want to maintain its airy texture.
To assemble the Eton Mess, layer the whipped cream and meringue mixture with the cinnamon pears in individual bowls or glasses, alternating between the two.
Top with a few extra pieces of crumbled meringue for crunch and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for color and added freshness.
Serve immediately or chill for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the pears while cooking.
Make it vegan by using coconut whipped cream and vegan meringues.
If you prefer a nutty crunch, add chopped pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for added richness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 240
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg