Last Updated on October 11, 2023 by Food Articles
Whether it’s a special occasion or just an excuse to gather loved ones, hosting an afternoon tea party can be a brew-tiful way to spend time together. You use the best tea sets and cutlery and even display the finest tablecloth to make everything look aesthetic and perfect. But what about the menu?
After all, it would be best if you had delicious treats to accompany those scintillating conversations and endless cups of tea. Of course, you can serve traditional scones and finger sandwiches, but your guests have probably had them a million times before and might be craving something different.
Think sweet and savory or warm and cold. Mix it to satisfy everyone’s taste buds and cater to dietary restrictions. Here’s the ultimate menu to impress your guests and make your afternoon tea party a hit.
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Cinnamon Roll Cake
Imagine a moist and fluffy cake perfectly swirled with sweet cinnamon goodness. This cake is it.
You need:
- Sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Eggs
- Milk
- Melted butter
- Vanilla
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Powdered sugar
Mix sugar, flour, salt, and baking powder to prepare the cake batter. Then add eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the batter into a pan and top with brown sugar and cinnamon. Swirl it with a knife for a marbled effect.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes and then glaze with powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. Follow this recipe from Eating on a Dime to learn how to make cinnamon roll cake that comes out perfect every time.
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Cheddar and Ham Scones
Serve these savory scones with honey or jam for an irresistible combination of flavors.
You need:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Diced ham
- Milk
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Incorporate the butter until the mixture reaches a coarse and crumb-like texture. Then, gently fold in the cheese and ham.
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring until the dough forms. Roll it out and shape it into wedges or your preferred shape. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, and savor the delicious, flaky, and cheesy goodness.
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Lemon and Raspberry Tartlets
These bite-sized tartlets are a refreshing addition to any tea party menu with their tangy lemon filling and bursts of sweet raspberries.
You need:
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Butter
- Egg yolk
- Heavy cream
- Lemon juice and zest
- Fresh raspberries
To make the crust, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and heavy cream and mix until the dough comes together. Roll it out and cut it into circles to fit into mini tart pans. Bake for 10 minutes at 375°F.
For the filling, mix lemon juice, zest, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Whisk in egg yolk and cook until thickened.
Let it cool, then spoon into the baked crusts. Top with fresh raspberries and chill before serving. Enjoy these tangy and sweet treats!
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Butterfly Cupcakes
This fun and creative twist on traditional cupcakes will be a hit at your afternoon tea party.
You need:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl for the cupcakes. In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy.
Add the eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Alternate incorporating the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, ensuring a well-blended batter. Lastly, stir in the vanilla extract.
Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 15-20 minutes at 350°F. Let them cool completely before decorating.
For the butterfly wings, use colored frosting to pipe two small ovals on either side of the top of the cupcake. Use a toothpick to create a pattern in the frosting to resemble butterfly wings.
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Mini Salt Beef Bagels
Thinking of adding something savory to your tea party? These mini salty and savory bagels will do the trick.
You need:
- Bagels
- Salt beef
- Cream cheese
- Cucumber slices
- Mustard or horseradish sauce
Take mini bagels and lightly toast them. Spread cream cheese on both sides of the bagel. Layer thin slices of salt beef on one side and top with cucumber slices.
Add a dollop of mustard or horseradish sauce on the other side. Put both sides together and serve on a platter.
These mini salt beef bagels are easy to make and satisfy any savory cravings at your tea party. You can also add some arugula or lettuce for an extra crunch.
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Spinach and Feta Phyllo Triangles
Add a touch of Greek cuisine to your menu with these crispy, flavorful triangles.
You need:
- Phyllo pastry sheets
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped spinach
- Olive oil
- Dried oregano
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lay down one sheet of phyllo pastry on a flat surface, brush it with olive oil, and top it with another sheet. Repeat the process until you have 3-4 layers of phyllo pastry.
Cut the layered sheets into equal-sized strips and place a spoonful of spinach-feta mixture at one end of each strip. Fold the pastry into a triangle, and continue folding until you reach the end. Brush the pastry top with olive oil and sprinkle some dried oregano. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp.
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Coffee and Pecan Squares
This crunchy and nutty treat will pair perfectly with a cup of tea.
You need:
- Graham crackers
- Butter
- Instant coffee powder
- Pecans
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper. Crush graham crackers and mix in melted butter, instant coffee powder, and chopped pecans. Press this mixture into the dish to form a crust.
Mix brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract in another bowl until combined. Pour this mixture over the crust and bake for 15-20 minutes. Cool and cut into squares before serving with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Conclusion
Since it’s not a regular run-of-the-mill store-bought teabag affair, make your afternoon tea party memorable with these delectable treats. Prepare the mouthwatering cinnamon roll cake to serve with your piping hot tea, and enjoy the compliments.
Looking for a savory option? Try the mini salt beef bagels, served open-faced with a dollop of horseradish cream and fresh dill. Want something sweet? How about lemon and raspberry tartlets or butterfly cupcakes? You can also whip up spinach and feta phyllo triangles, coffee and pecan squares, or cheddar and ham scones to round out your menu.
