How to Throw a Perfect Afternoon Tea Party
What Is Afternoon Tea?
Before diving into the details, it’s worth understanding what makes afternoon tea so special. Afternoon tea originated in Britain in the early 19th century, when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, requested a light meal between lunch and dinner to stave off hunger. It quickly became a fashionable social event among the British aristocracy, and today, it remains a beloved tradition.
An afternoon tea typically consists of tea (naturally), finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, and pastries.
What Food Is Served with a Traditional Afternoon Tea?
In addition to finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes, traditional afternoon tea often includes small, delicate pastries and biscuits. Here are some more ideas for an authentic tea party spread:
- Finger Sandwiches: Light fillings such as cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon with dill, or egg and cress.
- Scones: Freshly baked scones, served warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
- Shortbread Biscuits: Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that go beautifully with tea.
- Mini Pastries: Think éclairs, fruit tarts, or puff pastry twists—perfectly delicate for afternoon tea.
- Tea Cakes: Light, sweet cakes that are easy to slice and serve with butter or jam.
How to Make a Pretty Spread for Afternoon Tea
1. Use Tiered Cake Stands
A tiered cake stand is the perfect way to display your treats. Arrange your sandwiches on the bottom tier, scones on the middle tier, and cakes or pastries on the top tier for an elegant look.
2. Add Decorative Touches
Use fine china, crystal glasses, and vintage silverware to elevate the setting. You can also add flowers to the table, such as fresh roses, peonies, or lavender sprigs, to add a fragrant and visual touch.
3. Use Colour
If you're serving a variety of cakes, sandwiches, and pastries, try to balance the colours. For example, add some fruit to the scones (blueberries or raspberries), and choose cakes in complementary colours like pale pinks and whites, or gold and cream for a vintage look.
Easy Baking Afternoon Tea Ideas with Betty Crocker
Hosting an afternoon tea doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With Betty Crocker’s range of products, you can create delicious, beautiful treats in no time. Whether you're making cupcakes, mini cakes, or muffins, Betty Crocker’s ready-to-use frosting, cake mixes, and other baking essentials make it easier than ever to put together a perfect tea spread. Best of all, these treats pair wonderfully with both tea and coffee!
Here are a few easy baking ideas for your afternoon tea, all made quick and easy:
1. Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
Quick, Easy, and Perfect for Tea or Coffee!
Cupcakes are a must-have for any afternoon tea. With Betty Crocker’s cupcake mixes, you can bake up a batch of light, fluffy cupcakes in no time. Top them with our ready-to-spread frosting for a professional finish. These cupcakes pair perfectly with both tea and coffee—whether you’re serving a delicate tea like Earl Grey or a rich espresso.
2. Mini Cakes
Effortless and Elegant, with Betty Crocker’s Help
Mini cakes are a fantastic way to offer variety at your tea party. They’re perfect for smaller portions and give guests a chance to try different flavors. Using Betty Crocker’s cake mixes, you can easily make a variety of mini cakes, from vanilla to carrot or chocolate. These small cakes are ideal for both tea and coffee.
3. Fruit Scones
No afternoon tea is complete without scones. You can make soft, buttery scones in just a few simple steps—perfect for spreading with clotted cream and jam. Add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to your scones for a delicious twist. Serve them warm with clotted cream and jam for a treat that pairs beautifully with both tea and coffee.
4. Muffins
Quick to Bake, Delightful to Serve
Muffins are another easy treat to bake for your afternoon tea, and Betty Crocker’s muffin mixes make them even easier. Whether you opt for blueberry, cinnamon crumble, or triple chocolate, muffins are perfect for guests who want something a little more substantial than cupcakes but still light and delicious. These pair well with a rich cappuccino or a floral Jasmine tea.
What Should I Serve for an Afternoon Tea Party?
1. Lemon and Lime Cake
Perfect for a bright, zingy and refreshing addition to your tea party spread!
This cake brings a vibrant citrus twist to your afternoon tea. The tangy lemon and lime flavours pair beautifully with a fresh cup of tea, making it a light and refreshing choice that will help balance out richer treats. Its zesty aroma will fill the room, inviting your guests to indulge in something both sweet and tart.
2. Berries & Cream Victoria Sponge Cake
Vanilla sponges sandwiched with softly whipped cream and fresh berries with a sweet strawberry jam glaze. It’s a classic that everyone loves!
A timeless favorite for afternoon tea, the Victoria sponge is light, airy, and perfectly complemented by fresh berries and cream. The sweetness of the jam and the creaminess of the filling create a soft contrast with the fluffy sponge cake. This is a perfect choice for those who enjoy the classics, and its simplicity makes it a crowd-pleaser.
3. Carrot and Mandarin Orange Cake
Juicy chunks of mandarin orange give this classic carrot cake an extra fruity twist.
If you love the warmth of carrot cake, this version with mandarin orange adds an extra
burst of citrusy sweetness. The juicy, tender chunks of mandarin create a delightful
contrast to the spice of cinnamon and nutmeg in the cake. This cake is perfect for those
who prefer something hearty yet refreshing, making it a standout on your tea party
spread.
4. Apple and Rhubarb Dessert Slice
A tart and sweet treat with the perfect balance of tangy rhubarb and the sweetness of apples—ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up!
Apple and rhubarb combine for a delightful and slightly tart treat that pairs wonderfully with tea. The natural sweetness of the apples is nicely balanced by the sharp, zesty rhubarb, creating a flavour-packed dessert that’s not too heavy. This dessert slice brings a homely, comforting feel to your tea party spread.
5. Warm Caramel Apple Cake
Soft, spiced cake filled with warm caramelized apples, creating a cozy and comforting treat for your guests.
This cake is like a warm hug in dessert form. The spiced, tender cake pairs perfectly with the sweet, caramelised apples, making it an irresistible choice for an afternoon tea. The warmth and richness of the caramel flavour bring a feeling of comfort, while the apples keep it fresh and light.
6. Super Moist Strawberry Coconut Cake
A tropical twist on a classic cake—moist, fluffy sponge filled with fresh strawberries and shredded coconut for a fun, flavorful treat.
The combination of strawberries and coconut gives this cake a delightful tropical flair. The moisture of the cake, paired with the sweet coconut and juicy strawberries, makes each bite a refreshing experience. This cake is perfect for those who love fruity, coconutty flavours and want something a little different at their afternoon tea.
