Step-by-step recipes for classic and creative sweet delights
No Afternoon Tea is complete without a layer of sweet indulgence. From dainty pastries and classic cakes to rich tarts and fruit-filled bites, the dessert tier of your Afternoon Tea stand is the final flourish and the most eagerly anticipated.
This blog shares a collection of traditional and modern desserts you can easily prepare at home for your next Afternoon Tea. Whether you’re hosting a themed garden party, a cosy gathering indoors, or just treating yourself, these recipes will bring elegance and deliciousness to your tea table.
Afternoon Tea Dessert Menu
- Mini Victoria Sponges
- Classic Scones with Clotted Cream & Jam
- Lemon Drizzle Loaf Bites
- Chocolate Éclairs
- Strawberry Shortcake Cups
- Macarons (Beginner-friendly)
- Mini Fruit Tarts
1. Mini Victoria Sponges
You’ll need:
- 200g unsalted butter (softened)
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 eggs
- 200g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Strawberry jam
- Whipped double cream or buttercream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease a mini sandwich tin or use a cupcake tray.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well.
- Fold in the flour and vanilla.
- Spoon into your tray and bake for 12–15 minutes.
- Cool, then slice each sponge in half and fill with jam and cream. Dust with icing sugar.
2. Classic Scones with Clotted Cream & Jam
You’ll need:
- 350g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 85g butter, cubed
- 3 tbsp caster sugar
- 175ml milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Clotted cream & strawberry jam to serve
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan).
- Rub butter into flour and baking powder until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in sugar, then milk and vanilla to form a dough.
- Roll to 2cm thick and cut into rounds.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden. Serve warm with cream and jam.
3. Lemon Drizzle Loaf Bites
You’ll need:
- 100g butter
- 100g caster sugar
- 2 eggs
- 100g self-raising flour
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon + 50g icing sugar (for drizzle)
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and zest.
- Fold in flour and spoon into mini loaf tins or cupcake cases.
- Bake at 180°C for 15–20 minutes.
- While warm, drizzle over lemon juice/icing sugar mix.
4. Chocolate Éclairs
You’ll need:
- 60g butter
- 150ml water
- 75g plain flour
- 2 eggs
- Whipped cream
- Dark chocolate for topping
Instructions:
- Heat butter and water until boiling. Add flour and stir to a dough.
- Cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until glossy.
- Pipe onto a baking tray and bake at 200°C for 20–25 mins.
- Cool, slice, fill with cream, and top with melted chocolate.
5. Strawberry Shortcake Cups
You’ll need:
- 150g plain flour
- 50g butter
- 25g sugar
- Splash of milk
- Strawberries
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Rub butter into flour and sugar. Add milk to form a dough.
- Roll, cut into circles, and bake at 180°C for 12 mins.
- Layer shortcake, cream, and chopped strawberries in a dessert glass.
6. Macarons (Beginner-Friendly)
You’ll need:
- 100g icing sugar
- 100g ground almonds
- 2 egg whites
- 50g caster sugar
- Food colouring
- Buttercream or ganache for filling
Instructions:
- Whisk egg whites to stiff peaks, adding caster sugar gradually.
- Fold in sifted icing sugar and almonds with colouring.
- Pipe small circles on parchment, rest for 30 mins.
- Bake at 150°C for 12 – 15 mins. Fill once cooled.
7. Mini Fruit Tarts
You’ll need:
- Pre-made shortcrust pastry or tart shells
- 250ml milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 50g sugar
- 1 tbsp flour + 1 tbsp cornflour
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh fruit (berries, kiwi, grapes)
Instructions:
- Make custard: heat milk, whisk yolks, sugar, flour, and cornflour.
- Slowly add warm milk to the yolk mix, then return to heat and whisk until thick.
- Cool and spoon into tart cases. Top with sliced fruit.
Tips for Dessert Presentation
- Use a tiered stand, placing heavier items (scones) on the bottom and delicate ones (macarons, fruit tarts) on top.
- Garnish with edible flowers or mint sprigs.
- Dust with icing sugar just before serving for a polished look.
Conclusion
These homemade Afternoon Tea desserts strike the perfect balance between tradition and creativity. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply enjoying a quiet moment of indulgence, each recipe offers simple steps and beautiful results.
Pair your treats with a pot of Earl Grey or Champagne, and you’ve got the perfect sweet finale to your Afternoon Tea.
Looking for savoury ideas too?
👉 Explore our Afternoon Tea Sandwich Recipes Here
Vegan or vegetarian?
👉 Browse our plant-based Afternoon Tea recipe guides
Don’t forget your presentation!
👉 View our guide to the perfect Afternoon Tea stand setup
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