Afternoon Tea Recipes

Afternoon tea recipes will vary from household to household and person to person, perhaps some are found in old biscuit tin boxes, or on the internet, or even in your grandmother’s clutter drawer. But one thing is for sure, recipes for afternoon tea are available in abundance and come in lots of different shapes and sizes. 

In our blog we’re going to be looking at a traditional recipe for afternoon tea, however a simple Google search will show you countless recipe ideas from the typical to the atypical so everyone can enjoy a delightful afternoon tea, sweet or savoury. 

Ingredients needed to make a sweet Afternoon Tea

While every afternoon tea recipe may differ slightly, there are a few things that are always present: delicious scones with jam and cream and a comforting cup of tea. Below we’re going to provide you with a traditional sweet afternoon tea recipe for how to prepare your fluffy, traditional scones and the tea. 

Ingredients:

• For the scones:
  • 250g all-purpose flour
  • 75g caster sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 85g unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
  • 120ml whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 75g dried fruit (such as raisins or cranberries), optional

• For the tea and cakes:
  • Your favourite tea blend
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 115g unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 180g all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 120ml whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-step instructions to make a sweet Afternoon Tea

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. To make the scones, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture comes together. Fold in the dried fruit, if using.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it comes together. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 2.5 cm (1 inch). Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a drinking glass to cut out rounds of dough.
5. Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
6. While the scones are baking, make the tea and cakes. Brew your favourite tea blend and set it aside to steep.
7. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until well combined.
8. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
9. Pour the batter into a greased 23 cm (9 inch) round cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
10. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Serve the scones and cake with your freshly brewed tea. Enjoy your sweet afternoon tea with your loved ones!

A tasty savoury Afternoon Tea

This sweet afternoon tea recipe is traditional and delicious, the perfect recipe for a small or large gathering. You can add or omit any ingredients, such as orange into the scones for a delicious infused surprise, or even tea infused scones. 

Savoury afternoon teas usually will feature the same delicious sweet treats, as well as some lovely savoury options such as pastries, finger sandwiches and savoury treats. Savoury teas are the ideal lunch time delicacy to be enjoyed with a hot cup of tea and served amongst friends and family. 

Just what you need

An afternoon tea is perfect to be enjoyed amongst friends, family and loved ones across various occasions. Make a show stopping afternoon tea recipe for birthday celebrations, parties, family get-togethers, or evening treats to enjoy a delightful and indulgent experience that can be shared with the ones you love. Sharing afternoon tea recipe ideas is a great way to bond over delicious homemade treats and try new recipe ideas for scones and cakes, and the act of brewing and sipping tea together adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your gathering. 

A sweet afternoon tea can also be customised to suit individual tastes and dietary requirements, making for versatile and inclusive choice for any occasion. 

Afternoon Tea in the New Forest

Enjoy a delicious and plentiful afternoon tea in the New Forest, surrounded by gorgeous scenery and expansive gardens at one of our New Forest Collection locations. Enjoy an afternoon tea in one of our onsite restaurants, such as the award winning 1820, Taylors bar at Beaulieu Inn, inside the gorgeous Bartley Lodge, or the grand Burley Manor.

You’ll find a wealth of choice as part of our afternoon tea range, including various tea options such as Chamomile, Green Tea, Darjeeling, Winchester Breakfast, and a selection of flavoured Rooibos. 

The afternoon tea menus at our restaurants are subject to seasonal change, however our sample menu includes delicious savoury and sweet options such as Caramelized Onion Sausage Roll, Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese sandwiches, Cheddar and Chutney sandwiches, Roasted Vegetable Tarts, Honey Roast Ham and Dijon Sandwiches, and of course decadent cakes and pastries such as a Berry Panna Cotta, Chocolate Eclairs and Mini Lemon Meringue Pies. 

Our afternoon teas are for everyone to enjoy, we have a selection of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options as part of our afternoon tea offering too, simply ask for the specific menu.