Afternoon Tea Cakes Recipe

A cherished British tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries and a delightful little treat to be enjoyed in the afternoons whenever you fancy, afternoon tea is an activity we can all enjoy.

Afternoon tea is a delightful and indulgent affair that typically takes place between lunch and dinner, providing a bit of time for a light snack, some tea and gossip. During afternoon tea you’ll be presented with a selection of teas, delicate finger sandwiches, scones, and delectable cakes of course! 

Cakes play a significant role in afternoon tea, adding a touch of sweetness to the experience. The cakes up for grabs are usually small, bite-sized creations that are beautifully presented on tiered cake stands. They are meant to be enjoyed alongside the other components of afternoon tea, such as sandwiches and scones. However, today we’re going to look at cakes and delve into a delicious Victoria Sponge afternoon tea cake recipe so you can enjoy an afternoon tea at home!

Some of the most popular afternoon tea cakes include:

1. Victoria Sponge: A classic cake featuring delightful layers of fluffy sponge filled with sweet strawberry jam and whipped cream. It is named after Queen Victoria, who was known to enjoy a slice with her afternoon tea.
2. Lemon Drizzle: A zesty and tangy cake infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, topped with a crunchy sugar glaze. The combination of tartness and sweetness makes it a refreshing choice and a favourite of most people.
3. Battenberg: A distinctive cake made of colourful marzipan-wrapped squares of almond sponge, often arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Its striking appearance adds a touch of elegance to any afternoon tea table.
4. Carrot Cake: Moist and flavourful, carrot cake is a popular choice with its spiced sponge, shredded carrots, and a luscious cream cheese frosting!
5. Chocolate Éclairs: While not technically a cake, these delectable pastries are a common addition to afternoon tea. Filled with smooth cream or custard and topped with chocolate icing, they provide a delightful chocolatey treat.

Ingredients needed to make an afternoon tea cake

Okay, now for your classic Victoria Sponge, you’ll need:

For the cake:

• 225g unsalted butter, softened
• 225g caster sugar
• 4 medium eggs
• 225g self-raising flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling and decoration:

• Approximately 150g strawberry jam
• 150ml double cream
• Icing sugar, for dusting
• Fresh strawberries or other fruits to decorate. 

For bigger cakes or making several, adjust your measurements accordingly. 

Step-by-step instructions to make an afternoon tea cake

Afternoon tea cakes recipes may vary from person to person, but we like this one:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and grease two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins. Line the bottoms of the tins with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using an electric mixer or by hand with a wooden spoon, but an electric whisk will be much easier.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This will ensure a smooth and well-incorporated batter and a velvety cake. 
4. Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl with the butter, sugar, and eggs. Gently fold (not mix) the dry ingredients into the mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a denser cake.
5. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the batter becomes smooth and evenly mixed.
6. Divide the cake batter equally between the prepared cake tins, smoothing the tops with a spatula for an even bake.
7. Place the cake tins in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the cakes are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
8. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tins for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cakes are completely cooled, it’s time to assemble your delightful Victoria Sponge! Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
10. Spread a generous layer of strawberry jam over the surface of the cake layer.
11. In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until it reaches a soft peak consistency. Spoon the whipped cream over the jam layer, spreading it evenly and thickly.
12. Here you can also place fresh halved strawberries if you’d like. 
13. Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the whipped cream, sandwiching the filling.
14. Dust the top of the cake with icing sugar for a decorative touch.
15. Decorating your Victoria Sponge is of course down to personal tastes. Halved strawberries can make a great addition, dollops of fresh cream, or just simple icing dusting. 
16.  Slice it into wedges and enjoy with some tea. 

A tasty Afternoon tea cake

The Victoria Sponge is truly the most classic and elegant of the afternoon tea cake recipes. Its light and fluffy texture makes it a delightful light treat to enjoy as part of a larger afternoon tea. The cake layers, filled with sweet strawberry jam and whipped cream, provide a balance of flavours that are both indulgent and refreshing without being too overpowering. The simplicity of the Victoria Sponge allows it to pair well with a variety of teas, enhancing the overall tea-drinking experience of your afternoon tea. Its elegant appearance, often adorned with a dusting of icing sugar, adds a touch of sophistication to any afternoon tea table and everyone will be impressed with your creation. 

Just what you need

Of course, an afternoon tea cake recipe doesn’t have to only be used when enjoying an afternoon tea; you can make your new masterpiece to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or as a lovely garden party addition as the weather begins to brighten up. The Victoria Sponge could even be dressed up as the perfect wedding cake for its simplicity and elegance. No one is likely to turn down a slice of a delicious fresh Victoria Sponge cake. 

Afternoon tea cake in the New Forest

If you’d love to experience the simple pleasures of afternoon tea, join us in the New Forest for an unforgettable afternoon tea in one of our restaurants. Across our collection, you can indulge in a delightful afternoon tea experience at our exquisite Burley Restaurant or the sophisticated Bartley Lodge Restaurant, You can also head to 1820 in Forest Lodge, which is conveniently located close to the foodie town of Lyndhurst, or visit the lovely Taylor’s in Beaulieu. Treat yourself to an unforgettable afternoon tea experience with us. 

Our afternoon tea menus change seasonally, but you’ll be able to enjoy a range of sweet and savoury options at each of our locations. Please ask for vegetarian and vegan menus and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea with us in the gorgeous New Forest. 

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