Afternoon tea—a time-honored tradition that invites elegance and enjoyment. From delicate finger sandwiches to pastries, this delightful experience calls for an array of dainty recipes.
Here, we present 41 exquisite recipes that promise to elevate your afternoon tea gatherings. They ensure your tea time is both memorable and delicious.
1. Classic Cucumber Sandwiches
Quintessential afternoon tea treat. With their crisp, refreshing flavor, they offer a delightful contrast to the rich assortment of other pastries.
Simplicity is key: thinly sliced cucumbers tucked between two slices of soft, crustless white bread, lightly buttered. An elegant bite that never goes out of style.
2. Smoked Salmon Blinis
Blinis topped with smoked salmon are a luxurious addition to any afternoon tea. These miniature delights are soft and fluffy, providing the perfect base for the silky salmon.
Adding a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprig of dill enhances the flavors, creating a harmonious bite. This dish offers a savory and rich taste experience.
3. Egg And Cress Sandwiches
A timeless favorite. The creamy egg mixture combines seamlessly with the peppery freshness of cress, offering a simple yet satisfying bite.
These sandwiches, often cut into neat triangles, are perfect for adding a touch of classic charm to your tea spread. The soft texture of the bread complements the filling.
4. Lemon Drizzle Cake
Zesty addition to any afternoon tea. Its moist, tender crumb and tangy lemon glaze create an irresistible combination of flavors.
The bright citrus notes provide a refreshing contrast to the sweeter elements of your tea menu.It adds a burst of sunshine to your table.
5. Scones With Clotted Cream And Jam
Scones with clotted cream and jam are the heart of a traditional afternoon tea. The warm, crumbly scones are a delightful vehicle for the rich cream and fruity jam.
Whether you prefer them plain or with a hint of vanilla, these scones are a timeless favorite.
6. Mini Victoria Sponges
Mini Victoria sponges bring a touch of British elegance to your tea table. These charming cakes, with layers of light sponge, fresh cream, and sweet jam, are a nod to tradition.
Dusted with powdered sugar, they are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Their delicate size makes them a perfect bite-sized treat.
7. Macarons
They add a splash of color and sophistication to any tea setting. These delicate French cookies have crisp shell and chewy center.
Their petite size make them an eye-catching addition to your spread. Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s pure joy.
8. Petit Fours
The epitome of elegance, offering miniature bites of sweetness that are as beautiful as they are delicious. These tiny cakes are often elaborately decorated.
They come in a variety of flavors and styles. They add a touch of luxury and refinement to your tea table.
9. Madeleines
Classic French tea-time treat, known for their distinctive shell shape and buttery flavor. These sponge-like cakes are light, airy, and subtly sweet.
Often enjoyed plain or with a hint of lemon. Madeleines are delightful when paired with a fragrant cup of tea.
10. Mini Quiches
Mini quiches provide a savory twist to the traditional afternoon tea menu. These bite-sized pastries, with their flaky crust and creamy filling, are incredibly versatile.
Filled with ingredients like spinach, cheese, or bacon, they offer a rich and satisfying flavor. Their compact size makes them easy to enjoy.
11. Eclairs
Decadent addition to your afternoon tea. These oblong pastries, filled with rich vanilla custard and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze.
Their smooth, creamy filling contrasts beautifully with the crisp choux pastry shell. Eclairs are a luxurious treat.
12. Fruit Tartlets
Fruit tartlets bring a burst of color and freshness to your tea table. These miniature pastries have a crisp crust and creamy filling.
They are topped with an array of vibrant fruits. Whether adorned with berries, kiwi, or citrus, each tartlet offers a refreshing bite.
13. Coconut Macaroons
A sweet and chewy treat that’s perfect for an afternoon indulgence. Made with shredded coconut and sweetened to perfection, these golden delights are often drizzled with chocolate.
Paired with a strong cup of tea, they offer a tropical touch to your tea experience.
14. Profiteroles
A touch of whimsy to your tea spread. These airy choux pastry puffs are filled with luscious whipped cream and topped with a drizzle of chocolate.
Their light texture and rich filling create a delightful contrast. They are a popular choice for those who appreciate a balance of flavors.
15. Raisin Scones
A comforting classic choice for afternoon tea. Their soft, buttery texture and sweet raisin inclusions make them a delightful treat.
Enhanced with a touch of cinnamon, these scones offer a warm, fragrant aroma. Eat them with a spread of butter or cream.
16. Cheese Straws
Cheese straws bring a savory crunch to your tea table. These crispy, golden sticks are bursting with cheesy flavor, thanks to sharp cheddar or parmesan.
Their flaky texture and bold taste provide a satisfying contrast to sweeter items. Perfect for nibbling!
17. Mini Pavlovas
Light and airy dessert option. These delicate meringue nests, with their crisp exterior and soft interior, are topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits.
The combination of textures and flavors creates a refreshing treat that is as beautiful as it is delicious. A perfect end to any afternoon tea.
18. Florentines
Florentines are a nutty and fruity delight, perfect for adding variety to your tea spread. They are made with a mixture of nuts, dried fruits, and caramel.
These crisp confections are often finished with a chocolate drizzle. Their rich, complex flavors and crunchy texture make them a standout treat.
19. Bakewell Tarts
British classic that adds a sweet and nutty flavor to your afternoon tea. These tarts feature a buttery pastry base, a layer of fruity jam, and an almond frangipane topping.
Often finished with a simple icing or a cherry. They provide a delightful balance of flavors.
20. Lemon Possets
Lemon possets offer a creamy, zesty dessert option. Made from just cream, sugar, and lemon juice, this simple pudding is beautifully smooth and refreshing.
Served in small jars or cups, lemon possets add a touch of elegance to your tea table. Their tangy, sweet flavor is a palate cleanser.
21. Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate truffles bring a luxurious touch to your tea experience. These rich, smooth confections are made with high-quality chocolate and cream.
They offer an intense chocolate flavor. Dusted with cocoa powder or rolled in nuts, each truffle provides a melt-in-your-mouth moment of decadence.
22. Apricot Almond Tartlets
Delightful blend of sweet and nutty. These small tarts, with their buttery crusts, are filled with a rich almond paste and topped with juicy apricot slices.
The combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout choice. Ideal for those who appreciate a fruity, nutty dessert.
23. Meringue Kisses
Meringue kisses are a light, airy treat that adds a touch of whimsy to your tea table. These delicate confections have crisp texture and sweet flavor.
They come in a variety of pastel colors. Their simplicity and elegance make them a good choice for any occasion.
24. Pistachio Financiers
Pistachio financiers are a rich, buttery treat perfect for a sophisticated afternoon tea. These small almond cakes are enriched with ground pistachios.
It’s a moist and flavorful bite. Pistachio financiers add variety and depth to your spread.
25. Lavender Infused Cream Puffs
Floral twist to a classic delight. The choux pastry is light and airy, filled with a lavender-infused cream that surprises the taste buds.
Each bite is a blend of fragrant lavender and sweet vanilla. The puffs are topped with a drizzle of lavender glaze.
26. Rosemary Lemon Shortbread
Rosemary Lemon Shortbread is a savory-sweet delight that captivates with its buttery texture. The infusion of fresh rosemary adds an aromatic depth.
The lemon zest brightens each bite. Baked to golden perfection, they crumble delicately in the mouth, leaving a refreshing aftertaste.
27. Matcha Green Tea Roll Cake
They bring Japanese elegance to your tea table. The sponge cake is infused with matcha.
Each slice reveals a swirl pattern, adding visual appeal. This roll cake is ideal for those who appreciate the artistry of Japanese desserts.
28. Chili Chocolate Ganache Tartlets
The buttery pastry shells hold a smooth, glossy ganache with a hint of chili heat. This exciting combination tantalizes the taste buds.
The chili enhances the chocolate’s richness, making these tartlets a memorable choice. Serve them with a robust black tea.
29. Blueberry Basil Scones
Refreshing twist to traditional scones. Plump blueberries provide bursts of sweetness, while fresh basil adds a surprising herbal note.
These scones are a fusion of fruit and herb. Served warm, they pair perfectly with clotted cream and a mild black tea.
30. Elderflower Lemon Bars
Citrusy sensation with a floral twist. The classic lemon bar is elevated by the subtle addition of elderflower.
The buttery shortbread crust adds the perfect base, balancing the tart lemon topping. These bars are sure to delight guests.
31. Cardamom Rose Lassi Shots
A refreshing break from the usual tea fare. This Indian-inspired drink combines creamy yogurt with rose syrup and a hint of cardamom spice.
The result is a cooling, fragrant beverage that awakens the senses. The blend of floral and spicy notes is both refreshing and exotic.
32. Minted Pea Tartlets
Minted Pea Tartlets bring a touch of spring to your tea table. These bite-sized delights feature a crisp pastry shell filled with a vivid green pea puree.
The combination is very refreshing. The tartlets are visually striking and pair well with a light herbal tea.
33. Orange Blossom Honey Madeleines
These delicate cakes are infused with orange blossom water and drizzled with honey, offering a sweet, floral aroma.
Each bite is light and buttery, making them an ideal tea companion. Their elegant appearance ensures they are a memorable addition to any tea party.
34. Ginger Pear Galettes
These mini pastries are filled with thinly sliced pears and a touch of ginger, providing a warm, comforting flavor. The flaky pastry adds a crunch.
Pair these galettes with a spiced tea to complement their taste.
35. Spicy Maple Popcorn Bites
They add a playful twist to the tea table. These clusters combine the sweetness of maple syrup with a spicy kick.
The popcorn is caramelized to perfection, offering a satisfying crunch. A mix of sweet and spicy is ideal for those who love adventurous flavors.
36. Cranberry Almond Biscotti
These twice-baked cookies are studded with tart cranberries and crunchy almonds. Perfect for dipping, they complement any warm beverage.
The biscotti’s subtle sweetness is balanced by the nutty almonds and tangy cranberries. Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or tea!
37. Chamomile Apricot Tarts
Chamomile Apricot Tarts offer a serene and floral dessert option. The buttery tart shells cradle a sweet apricot filling.
It’s infused with chamomile for a calming effect. This combination is both soothing and subtly floral.
38. Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta With Berry Compote
Luxurious addition to your tea menu. The creamy panna cotta is infused with real vanilla bean.
It has a rich and smooth texture. Topped with a tangy berry compote, this dessert is both elegant and delicious.
39. Roasted Fig And Brie Crostini
Savory-sweet sensation for your tea table. The crisp crostini serve as a base for sweet roasted figs and creamy brie cheese, creating a delightful contrast.
Each bite is a fusion of textures and flavors, enhanced by a hint of rosemary. Their elegant appearance make them a luxurious addition to any afternoon gathering.
40. Lemon Thyme Mini Cheesecakes
Lemon Thyme Mini Cheesecakes are a refreshing twist on a beloved classic. These small delights feature a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling with a zesty lemon thyme glaze.
The herbal note of thyme complements the tangy lemon, creating a unique flavor profile. Their petite size makes them perfect for tea time.
41. Savory Lavender Popcorn
Imagine the unexpected delight of savory lavender popcorn at your afternoon tea. This inventive treat combines the floral aroma of lavender with the savory crunch of popcorn.
Light and airy, each kernel is coated with a delicate lavender-infused butter, offering a subtle yet memorable taste experience.