If you’re looking to make a summer dessert to impress the guests, this strawberry Eton mess cheesecake is sure to do just that. Sweet and indulgent, topped with meringue and juicy strawberries, it’s perfect for serving at a summer dinner party, BBQ or special occasion.

Pick up a punnet of British strawberries from our Greengrocers.

Ready in: 30 minutes plus at least 5 hours chilling time

Serves: 8 – 10

Ingredients

100g butter, plus extra for the tin
200g digestive biscuits
375g mascarpone
420g full-fat cream cheese
150g icing sugar, plus extra for the strawberries
1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped and pod reserved
225ml double cream
600g strawberries, hulled and halved if large
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Mini meringues, to decorate

Method

1. Grease and line the base of a 20cm springform tin. Place the biscuits into a food bag, seal and use a rolling pin to bash into crumbs. If you have a food processor, you can use this instead. Melt the butter in a mixing bowl, then add the biscuit crumbs and mix thoroughly. Tip the biscuits into the base of the tin and press down firmly then chill in the fridge for 1 hour.

2. Tip the mascarpone, cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla seeds and a pinch of salt. Use an electric whisk to beat until thick and smooth. Next, pour in the double cream and whisk again until just combined. Spoon the filling onto the base, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon. Return to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

3. Approximately half an hour before serving, place the strawberries into a bowl along with 2 tbsp icing sugar, balsamic vinegar, and the scraped vanilla pod. Mix, then set aside for the strawberries to soften and release juices. Push 1/4 of the strawberries through a sieve along with the juices to create a thick puree.

4. Run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake and release it from the tin. Top with the strawberries and meringues, crushing some as you go. Finally, drizzle with the puree then enjoy.

Top tip: You can top the cheesecake with a variety of fresh summer berries for a tasty twist!