Easiest ever afternoon tea
Creating the perfect homemade afternoon tea doesn’t have to be a chore. Simply select your favourites from our easy afternoon tea menu, assemble and enjoy.
Combine mouth-watering sandwiches, simple scones slathered in jam, classic cakes and perfect sweet bites to create your own afternoon tea. Our easy recipes won't take you hours in the kitchen and you'll have every tier covered, each more impressive than the last. We have top tips for throwing your own afternoon tea party with panache to top your delicious spread.
Delicious drinks options
Whether you’d rather be sipping on a chilled glass of homemade pink lemonade or a bubbly prosecco cocktail, there are plenty of easy drinks options to impress your guests. Try a refreshing ginger-beer based apple & vanilla cocktail that packs a punch. Or serve up a simple rosé punch with sherry, a drizzle of honey and plenty of fresh fruit.
Go all out with our 10 champagne cocktails you can make in minutes to posh up your party and serve up brilliant bellinis aplenty. Passing on the booze? We suggest our top 10 mocktails for soft drinks with some pizzazz.
Get more ideas for tantalising tipples with our classy cocktail collection.
Bottom tier: choose your sandwiches
No afternoon tea would be complete without delicate finger sandwiches, and these light bites are bound to disappear in a flash. For a creative veggie option, try our carrot & raisin sandwiches with a healthy dollop of hummus. Go for a classic egg mayonnaise on white bread for an afternoon tea staple – you can even prep the filling one day ahead of time and leave in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Make a zesty summer sandwich with our lemony cucumber & prawn bites or a creamy goat’s cheese, walnut & roasted pepper sandwich on white bread.
If dainty isn’t your thing, these ham & asparagus subs make a chunky addition to any party spread. Add even more bold flavours to your plate with our egg & bacon brioche soldiers.
Find more brilliant baps in our ultimate sandwich recipe collection.
Middle tier: choose your scones
Whether you’re a flavour purist or want something stuffed with fruit and unusual spices, we have a range of easy scones anyone can master. Bake a batch of our elegant fruit scones in just 15 minutes, or go for the perfectly plain variety with our easy fluffy scones. Turn your favourite bake into a different kind of treat with our lemon drizzle scones – we’re a sucker for a mash-up – or add some warmth to your standard scone with our gingery buttermilk version. Serve them with rhubarb & ginger jam and clotted cream.
Want to know the secret to super-light scones? Watch our simple cookery tutorial video and learn how to make perfect scones every time.
Serve up more super fluffy scones with our finest sweet and savoury recipes.
Top tier: choose your sweets & cakes
We love a mix of dainty desserts and slabs of our favourites cakes in an afternoon tea spread. Our irresistible custard tarts take just 10 minutes to prepare. Who could resist that slight wobble and golden sheen? Give the much-loved kitchen staple that is banana bread an update with our banoffee muffins with cream & salted caramel – they’re too moreish for words. Treat yourself to a slice of the millionaire lifestyle with our chocolate and caramel covered shortbread. The feathered icing gives it a truly professional finish.
If all that'll cure your cravings is a slice of sponge, we have just the ticket. Our classic Victoria sponge will perk up any party. Be sure to slather on the cream and strawberry jam. If you’re in the mood for a caffeine boost, try this easy coffee cake with creamy buttercream. Our lemon & poppyseed cupcakes are so pretty you won't want to touch them, but once you start, you won't be able to stop.
Find more old favourites and traditional bakes in our classic cake collection.
Enjoyed these recipes? You need to try our other sweet treats...
Video: lemon drizzle scones
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What's the best part of afternoon tea? Leave a comment below...
