Individual Raspberry Lemon Eton Mess Trifles

Recipe Introduction
Fancy making a party dessert that's a total showstopper, but without spending all day in the kitchen? Ever find yourself needing a pudding to make and take? Or just simply fancy treating yourself? Course you do!
These Individual Raspberry & Lemon Eton Mess Trifles are absolutely perfect. They are light, refreshing, and look super fancy. These are the perfect elegant dessert ideas .
What’s This All About, Then?
Eton Mess is a British classic, dating back to the 19th century. This version, a twist on the original, brings in the zesty tang of lemon curd.
Its quick, easy and a no bake party desserts . Makes six individual servings, perfect for a small gathering and so much easier than a big trifle.
Making these trifles is dead easy. From start to finish, including chilling time, you're looking at about an hour, with only 20 minutes of actual work.
Perfect for a quick dessert for a crowd .
Why You'll Love These Individual Trifles
Honestly, the best bit is how easy these are to make. You get that "wow" factor with minimal effort. Plus, the combo of sweet raspberries and tart lemon is just banging! This recipe is not only easy to follow but also offers a delightful twist on a classic dessert.
These individual raspberry & lemon Eton Mess trifles are also relatively light, so you won't feel too guilty having one (or two!).
They're perfect for a summer barbecue, a birthday party or any occasion where you want a summer trifle recipe . It's truly an easy party dessert recipe .
Ready to get started? Let's grab the ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment: Raspberry & Lemon Eton Mess Trifles
So, you wanna make some banging individual trifles , yeah? Let's get this sorted. Trust me, you don't need mad skills for this easy party dessert recipe .
I've made these more times than I can count. They are a refreshing summer trifle recipe , and every time is a success!.
Main Ingredients, Sorted
Okay, pay attention. Here's what you need for this no bake party dessert . This is going to be easy party dessert recipe ever.
- Meringue Nests: 6 store-bought (about 5cm each). Quality indicator? They shouldn't be too crumbly.
- Sponge Fingers: 6 , halved (about 85g total).
- Raspberry Liqueur: 60 ml (¼ cup) Chambord. Optional, raspberry juice works too. If not, any is ok too.
- Lemon Curd: 225g (8oz), get decent stuff. You want that zing .
- Fresh Raspberries: 300g (10.5oz), divided.
- Heavy Cream: 300ml (1 ¼ cup), well chilled.
- Icing Sugar: 2 tablespoons .
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon .
Honestly, I sometimes chuck in a bit of lemon zest to the lemon curd layer for an extra oomph . You know?
Spice It Up: Seasoning Notes
Don't be shy with the flavour. It's like a quick dessert for a crowd that tastes elegant.
- Essential: Vanilla extract with the cream. Adds a warm note.
- Aromatics: A tiny bit of lemon zest in the lemon curd. Chef's kiss .
- Substitution: No raspberry liqueur? Raspberry juice it is. Sorted.
Gear You'll Need
Right, what bits and bobs do you need?
- Trifle bowls: 6 individual ones (about 250ml each). Glasses work too.
- Electric mixer: Handheld or stand. Makes life easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Obvs.
- Small bowl: For the booze.
- Piping bag: Optional, but it makes the cream look fancy.
You can totally use a spoon for the cream if you haven't got a piping bag. No dramas, mate. Now go and make some of these elegant dessert ideas .
Whipping Up a Treat: Individual Raspberry & Lemon Eton Mess Trifles
Okay, so I'm obsessed with trifles. They're proper British, innit? But sometimes, big family sized ones can be a faff. That's where these individual trifles come in.
These are perfect to impress your friends and loved ones, and are super easy to put together!. Plus, they look dead fancy! This easy party dessert recipe combines the tang of lemon with the sweet burst of raspberries.
It's summer trifle recipe heaven, honestly!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place , darlings! Have all your ingredients measured out. It really speeds things up, you know? Grab your shop bought meringue nests, sponge fingers, the raspberry liqueur (or juice), the lemon curd , the fresh raspberries, the heavy cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract.
Before you start, pop your bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 10 minutes. Chilled equipment is your best mate when whipping cream! No cutting corners here, alright?
step-by-step: Building Your Masterpiece
- Crush: Lightly crush your meringue nests.
- Divide: Distribute the crushed meringue evenly into your trifle bowls.
- Soak: Briefly dip the sponge fingers in your raspberry liqueur (or juice). Don't soak them silly!
- Layer: Place the soaked sponge fingers on top of the meringue.
- Curd: Spoon a layer of lemon curd over the sponge fingers.
- Berries: Add half of your raspberries over the lemon curd.
- Whip: Whip your heavy cream with icing sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. About 3 minutes at medium speed.
- Assemble: Top with whipped cream, the remaining raspberries, and mint.
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Trifle Game
Want to really knock their socks off? Before whipping the cream, ensure the bowl is well chilled. Trust me ! A common mistake is over soaking the sponge fingers.
They'll turn to mush! These can be made ahead! The make-ahead trifle option is so great! Assemble the trifles earlier in the day, but add the cream just before serving to prevent a soggy bottom! I discovered that the hard way, honestly.
You can also transform it into a no bake party desserts .
Recipe Notes
Okay, so you're ready to make these Individual Raspberry & Lemon Eton Mess Trifles . Ace! Let's chat about a few things to keep in mind, yeah? It's like we're in the kitchen together, having a cuppa and a natter.
Honestly, a little planning makes all the difference.
Plating Like a Pro (Serving Suggestions)
Presentation is key, right? Think about clear glasses. They show off all the gorgeous layers. Individual trifles are super easy to make look elegant.
A sprig of mint, a perfect raspberry on top...chef's kiss! A glass of fizz is a great pairing. It's a summer trifle recipe waiting to happen.
You could serve these after a barbecue, yeah?
Storing Secrets (Storage Tips)
Right, so these are best fresh . But life happens. If you need to make-ahead, assemble everything except the cream.
Keep the cream separate and whip it up just before serving. Once assembled, they’ll keep in the fridge for a few hours, but the meringue might soften.
You could freeze them if you absolutely had to. I’d not recommend it. They are best served chilled .
Remix Time (Variations)
Fancy a change? Go wild with different berries. Strawberries and blueberries work great. Or a "Berry Bonanza"! Want a boozy kick? Swap the raspberry liqueur for Cointreau.
For a no bake party dessert , this is a winner. gluten-free? No probs. Just use gluten-free sponge fingers! You know, make it your own, love.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty (Nutrition Basics)
Each serving clocks in around 450 calories . Not exactly health food, but hey, it's a treat! You get some protein, some carbs, and some lovely raspberries, which are full of good stuff.
Just remember, moderation, yeah? Its an easy party dessert recipe , not a daily staple, LOL!
So there you have it! All the little tips and tricks to make these Individual Raspberry & Lemon Eton Mess Trifles a smash hit.
It’s one of those elegant dessert ideas that looks fancy but is secretly simple. Just remember, have fun with it.
Don’t be afraid to make a mess. And most importantly, enjoy! These are perfect as a quick dessert for a crowd , or perhaps an intimate gathering.
Go on, get baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this party dessert ahead of time? I'm hosting a bash and need to be organised!
Absolutely! You can assemble the Individual Raspberry & Lemon Eton Mess Trifles a few hours in advance. However, for the best results, add the whipped cream just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. Nobody wants a sad, droopy trifle at their party, do they?
Help! I don't have raspberry liqueur. What can I substitute in this party dessert recipe?
No raspberry liqueur? No worries! You can easily substitute it with raspberry juice. Alternatively, a splash of elderflower cordial or even a simple syrup with a few muddled raspberries will work beautifully.
Just remember, we're aiming for a subtle hint of flavour and moisture for those sponge fingers, so don't go overboard!
My whipped cream always seems to go a bit runny. Any tips for getting it perfect for this trifle?
Ah, the bane of every baker's existence! Make sure your heavy cream and bowl are thoroughly chilled before whipping. This is crucial for achieving stiff peaks. Don't overwhip the cream, though; once it forms soft peaks, stop whipping immediately. Overwhipped cream can turn grainy and less appealing.
Adding a stabilizer like a pinch of cream of tartar can also help!
Are there any variations I can make to this Eton Mess trifle to suit different dietary needs?
Definitely! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free sponge fingers. If you're catering to someone who's dairy-free, you can whip chilled coconut cream as a substitute for the heavy cream, although the texture will be slightly different. The beauty of a trifle is its adaptability!
How long will these individual Raspberry & Lemon Eton Mess Trifles last in the fridge?
These trifles are best enjoyed within 24 hours of assembly, as the sponge fingers can become quite soggy over time. However, if stored properly in the refrigerator, they can last for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the texture of the meringue and sponge might change slightly.
Can I use frozen raspberries if fresh ones aren't available for my party dessert?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the trifle. Frozen raspberries can sometimes be a bit softer than fresh ones, so you might want to use them primarily in the raspberry layer underneath the cream, and reserve a few fresh ones for garnish if possible.
Individual Raspberry Lemon Eton Mess Trifles

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 0g |