Jill’s berry and elderflower Eton mess is the dreamy summer dessert made for sunny weekends

Inset: Local woman Jill Stewart of Jill Bakes

Clouds of softly whipped cream, crisp shards of sweet meringue, silky custard and juicy berries soaked in fragrant elderflower syrup come together in this irresistibly light summer dessert that tastes like sunshine in a glass.

With strawberries at their sweetest and bright raspberries adding a sharp burst of freshness, this berry and elderflower Eton mess feels perfectly made for warm evenings, garden gatherings and those relaxed weekends when dessert should look beautiful without keeping you tied to the kitchen for hours.

A simple summer dessert full of flavour

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about an Eton mess. The combination of crunchy meringue, soft cream and berries instantly feels comforting, while the elderflower cordial adds a delicate floral sweetness that gives this version a lovely seasonal twist.

For Portglenone baker Jill Stewart of Jill Bakes, recipes like this are all about keeping things approachable, easy to follow and packed with flavour without needing endless ingredients or complicated steps.

Jill has built a loyal following of more than 65,000 people on Instagram through her warm, relatable style of baking and cooking. A passionate foodie from County Antrim, she has loved baking since childhood, learning many of her skills from her late grandmother, who inspired her love of homemade treats and comforting kitchen traditions.

As a regular contributor to Ireland’s Homes Interiors and Living magazine, Jill’s recipes continue to strike the perfect balance between simple everyday baking and desserts that still feel special enough to impress family and friends.

Berry & elderflower Eton mess

Makes 6-8

• Ingredients

6 meringue nests

250ml double cream

1 tbsp icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

250g ready-made custard

10-12 strawberries, sliced

1 punnet raspberries

For the berry and elderflower compote

250g frozen berries

125g caster sugar

Splash of water

1 tsp cornflour

2 tbsp elderflower cordial

• Method

Add the compote ingredients into a medium saucepan. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

If it is too thick add a splash more water, too runny add more cornflour. Add the elderflower cordial, stir and leave to cool.

In a large bowl with a hand mixer, whip the double cream with the icing sugar and vanilla until it thickens a little but be careful not to overwhip.

Fold the custard gently through the whipped cream.

Add some compote and a few strawberries into the bottom of your serving glasses or bowls.

Crumble over some meringue and add a layer of the cream custard mixture. Repeat until your glasses are full, finishing with some meringue, a drizzle of compote and some berries.

Serve straight away and enjoy — the perfect easy summer dessert.

The beauty of an easy layered dessert

Part of the charm of this recipe is its beautifully rustic finish. The glossy berry compote trickling through layers of cream, the crushed meringue peeking through the glass and the vibrant fresh berries on top make it every bit as inviting to look at as it is to eat.

It is the kind of dessert that feels effortlessly impressive when placed in the centre of a summer table, yet comes together with very little fuss — ideal for busy weekends, family get-togethers or simply treating yourself after dinner.

The contrast of textures is what makes every spoonful so satisfying too. The crisp sweetness of the meringue slowly softens into the cream and custard mixture, while the berries keep everything tasting fresh and light.

A familiar local face readers love to bake with

Jill’s approachable recipes have made her a favourite with home bakers looking for comforting food that feels achievable and full of warmth. Her Instagram page, Jill Bakes, is packed with inspiration ranging from healthier dishes to indulgent sweet treats, all created with her signature easy-going style.

Readers can discover more recipes and baking inspiration by visiting Jill Bakes on Instagram at  @jillbakes_.

Visit Jill Bakes on Instagram

A dessert made for long summer evenings

Whether served after a barbecue, shared with friends in the garden or enjoyed curled up on the sofa while the rain taps against the windows, this berry and elderflower Eton mess captures everything comforting about homemade summer desserts.

Light, creamy, fruity and beautifully simple, it is the sort of recipe that quickly becomes a seasonal favourite — one readers will likely find themselves making again long after the first spoonful disappears.