UK afternoon tea treats are a customary practice, and they reflect refinement and luxury at the same time. It is more than just a meal. Each sweet morsel that accompanies the tea, from the luxurious buttery scones to the delightful cakes, illustrates a piece of history. If you’re preparing for a proper afternoon tea or you’re interested in the traditional British afternoon tea, these are the 7 best afternoon tea foods in the UK that you must try.
Classic Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam
One of the most common scone recipes is made with flour, butter, sugar, and milk, and it is the ‘crown jewel’ of afternoon tea. Scones are baked until golden and served warm with a side of thick clotted cream and strawberry jam. Calcium- and energy-rich, they are very delicious with a cup of black tea. Gluten and dairy are the most common allergens of this scone. The best option for tea time is to serve traditional English scones.
Finger Sandwiches
Finger sandwiches are sliced sandwiches filled with cucumber, deli ham, and mayonnaise; smoked salmon and mustard; or egg. They are quite lightweight but filling, providing a satisfying balance of rich taste alongside sweet cakes. They are abundant with vitamins and protein and simple to make. The allergens include dairy, fish, eggs, and, of course, gluten, which depend on the filling. These snacks are often found in the UK, in every afternoon tea set.
Victoria Sponge Cake
This iconic British cake has layers of fluffy sponge filled with cream and jam, which is a British passion. Afternoon tea has become a custom in homes and hotels, the Victoria sponge adding the perfect sweet treat. The cake, which is light and fluffy, provides the perfect energy boost while satisfying sweet tooth cravings. Allergens: gluten, eggs, and of course, dairy. The dish is always a perfect match for tea.
Battenberg Cake
Completing the tea is the iconic Battenberg, a light sponge cake with a unique and trademark mixture of pink and yellow squares, all elegantly wrapped in a layer of sweet and rich marzipan. A feast for the eyes and a treat for the taste buds, the Battenberg is made with butter, flour, eggs, and sugar for the sponge and sweetened almond paste for the marzipan. With the marzipan comes the protein and healthy fats. The signature tea includes soft and rich marzipan, along with gluten and eggs, which are used to create the icing on the cake. This tea is ideally suited for an afternoon tea.
Shortbread Biscuits
Shortbread biscuits are among the simplest types of biscuits. To make the biscuits, one needs butter, sugar, and some plain flour. They are rich in carbohydrates and useful for boosting energy, making them ideal for tea breaks. Shortbread biscuits are sugary and buttery biscuits that powder in one’s mouth. They are also very famous in Britain and are considered one of the main biscuits served during afternoon tea. Gluten and dairy ingredients are included in the biscuits.
Eccles Cakes
Eccles cakes are also a treat for tea lovers and provide a different touch to the other blankets of pastries for tea. They originated from Lancashire and are known for the spiced currants that are wrapped in flaky pastry. These pastries are buttery and made with sugar, dried fruit, butter, and puff pastry; the addition of currants makes the Eccles cakes very unique. Contains gluten and dairy, and rich with the antioxidants and fiber from the currants, making the Eccles cakes a great treat.
Lemon Drizzle Cake
The Lemon Drizzle Cake is most known for being refreshing and helps take a break from the heavier treats during tea time. The minute the Lemon Drizzle Cake is served and the glaze is added, the Insta story column instantly fills with the glow of the delicious lemon and sugar glaze. The cake comprises flour, sugar, butter, lemon juice, and, of course, eggs. Despite gluten, eggs, and dairy being part of the tea, this is an adored cake during tea time and is a great addition to the table.
Conclusion
No matter if it’s sweet, delicious bakes like scones and a slice of delectable sponge cake or savory finger sandwiches, all these seven traditional UK afternoon tea treats have the balance of flavors just right. If you are hosting a party or if you just want to treat yourself, these classic UK tea snacks are sure to make your tea a little more British. Just brew yourself a pot of Earl Grey, serve these favorites, and you’ll have a little taste of tradition.
