Life
11 Adorable Sandwiches, Scones, and Pastries for the Poshest Afternoon Tea
Let’s be honest. For all this talk of burgers and milkshakes, we have a thing for afternoon tea. And not just any chai pick-me-up from Starbucks—we mean only the most elegant of affairs. A keep calm and carry on kind of occasion, complete with miniature, edible things. Because if we can’t be the Queen of England, we at least want to eat like one.
So if you’re done gorging on your Easter basket, slip on your finest frock and get down to business. We’ve put together your essential teatime treats, from crumpets and tea sandwiches to scones and Bakewell tarts. Pinkies up, ladies.
Image: A Pastry Affair
Coconut Crumpets
Tea without crumpets is an abomination. These pillowy griddle cakes from Adeline & Lumiere are just the thing.
Image: Adeline & Lumiere
Avocado Almondaise Tartines
Is avocado the most traditional teatime fare? Probably not, but we think even the Dowager Countess wouldn’t be able to resist these delicate tartines from Love and Lemons.
Image: Love and Lemons
Lemon Cranberry Scones
These zesty scones by A Pastry Affair are the perfect teatime accompaniment. Don’t forget the clotted cream and jam!
Image: A Pastry Affair
Spelt Scones
For a healthier take on the traditional scone, Green Kitchen Stories subs hearty spelt and muesli for AP flour.
Image: Green Kitchen Stories
Salmon Blinis
We’ll admit we have a serious case of Anglophilia, but these smoked salmon blinis take cues from our friends in Russia. And they’re glorious. Thanks, A Better Happier St. Sebastian!
Image: A Better Happier St. Sebastian
Key Lime Bars
After all those buttery scones and creamy tartines, you’re going to need Hummingbird High’s bright key lime bars to perk you up.
Image: Hummingbird High
Tea Sandwiches
Tea sandwiches are arguably the most essential part of afternoon tea. Spread them with cream cheese and cucumbers or opt for sharp cheddar à la Oh, How Civilized.
Image: Krafted by Kelly
Black Tea Cake
What’s better than afternoon tea? Baking with it. A Pastry Affair whips up a gorgeous, tea-infused cake topped with honey buttercream rosettes.
Image: A Pastry Affair
Lemon Rosemary Madeleines
Delicate and lightly flavored with rosemary, these madeleines are made for teatime dunking. Thanks, A Better Happier St. Sebastian!
Image: A Better Happier St. Sebastian
Bakewell Tarts
It doesn’t get more British than a Bakewell tart, which stars a crumbly shortbread crust, topped with jam and frangipane. Our go-to Brit at London Bakes has the recipe.
Image: London Bakes
Battenberg Cake
My Name Is Yeh has the crown jewel of your next afternoon tea: the infamous Battenberg, featuring a checkered cake all dressed up in marzipan.
Image: My Name Is Yeh
