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
Vegan Sandwich Ideas for Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea isn’t just for meat-eaters, vegan sandwiches can be just as indulgent, elegant, and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a fully plant-based tea party or simply want to offer inclusive options, these vegan finger sandwiches are packed with flavour and perfect for layering on your tiered stand.
Why Afternoon Tea in Spring is the Perfect Thing To Do
Spring in the UK is a welcome shift. After months of grey skies and early nights, the first signs of blossom and sunshine feel like a gentle reset. Parks start to fill again, the days stretch out longer, and everything just feels lighter including our appetite for getting out and about.
Afternoon Tea Do’s and Don’ts: Your Guide to the Perfect Experience
Afternoon tea is a delightful tradition, offering a moment of indulgence and elegance. To make the most of your experience, follow these simple do's and don'ts.
You can also follow us on Pinterest for more afternoon tea inspiration
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