Tasty Afternoon Tea Time Treats

Tea time may not be a common practice here in the United States, but across the pond it’s been a daily staple in Britain for over two centuries! 

History of tea time 

When we think of tea time, we might think of dainty desserts and milk tea served in fine china cups. And, incidentally, you wouldn’t be far from the truth of it, as that’s just how it started!

Tea time wasn’t always a common practice. In fact, coffee was a far-more popular drink in the country before the leaf-based drink ever was. Tea was an expensive drink for a large part of history until the start of the 19th century when it finally became more popular and accessible to people in England. Thus, tea time and tea culture only really started taking off around the mid-19th century in England when a duchess started feeling, well, a little peckish mid-afternoon.

Back then, upper-class lunches were fairly small, light meals that were served around noon. Dinner was served much, much later, usually around 7:30 p.m. or later, so it makes sense that the nearly eight-hour break between meals would get a little tedious at times. 

Duchess Anna Maria Russell of Bedford was the first aristocrat to implement tea time into her day. When she began to feel hungry around three or four in the afternoon, she’d order a tray of snacks and tea to munch on to tide her over until dinner time. She enjoyed this so much that she began to take tea and treats every day around the same time, and soon she got her other aristocratic friends to share in her tea time, too. 

One of her friends happened to be Queen Victoria, and once the queen was hooked, then tea time officially became a part of daily custom.

High tea vs. afternoon tea

One important thing to note is the difference between high tea and afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is the fancy midday treat that includes tea, sweets, pastries and delicate treats, and is often served at three or four-o’clock in the afternoon. 

High tea was what the working classes would eat after coming home from work in the evenings. Since many workers would not have had time to eat lunch during the day, a hearty meal of pies, tarts and tea was what many would eat as soon as they returned home. The reason this tea time was called “high tea” is because this was a full meal that would be eaten at a dinner table rather than on sofas and lounges like the afternoon teas were. 

This high tea would serve as the dinner to many people, and eventually the meal did start to be referred to as “supper” rather than “high tea.” This definitely shows how the tea culture differed based on social and economic class, but nevertheless both types of tea times were large parts of many people’s lives for well over two centuries, and they continue to be today!

Afternoon tea time treats

Now that we’re all squared away on what type of tea time we’re looking for, here are some classic afternoon tea treats that you can easily make at home for you, your family or, if you happen to be friends with her, the Queen of England!

Tea

The type of tea you want for your tea time is entirely up to you, but here are a few options you can choose from to get you started.

Earl Grey tea is a black tea that’s been flavored with bergamot oil, giving the drink a slightly citrus taste. It can be drunk with or without milk and is a popular choice for afternoon tea.

Assam tea from the region of the same name in India is another popular black tea, and if you’re looking for something a little less strong, then chamomile or mint tea is also a good way to go.

Scones

Similar in texture to a crumbly southern biscuit, scones are slightly sweetened baked goods that are perfect with a dollop of cream or a layer of strawberry jam spread on top. 

Here’s how you can make some scones for yourself! And don’t forget to get creative with flavors, fillings and toppings while you’re at it.

Victoria sandwich

Although this sounds like a lunch-time meal, this treat is actually a popular cake generally served at afternoon tea. The Victoria sandwich or Victoria sponge cake consists of two layers of light vanilla cake separated by a thin layer of strawberry jam and cream, and it’s believed to have first been served in 1861, the very time that the afternoon tea itself was popularized. Apparently, Queen Victoria loved this light, airy cake so much that it was named after her!

Here’s a recipe for a Victoria sandwich here!

Strawberry tart

This simple tart is refreshingly fruity with a good amount of cream to balance the acidity. Make a large one to share or multiple small ones for individuals to have their own!

Make your own strawberry tart here!

Swiss roll

This rolled-up cake features either cream or fruit preserves in between the layers, making for an attractive tea time treat. There are recipes out there for practically any flavor combination you may have, so give it a go!

Here’s a recipe for a swiss roll here!

Cucumber sandwiches

What’s an afternoon tea without some dainty cucumber sandwiches? They’re easy to make but are also a great treat for those looking for a slightly healthier option than pastries and cakes. Plus, they’re super refreshing and wonderfully crunchy!

Here’s a recipe for some easy cucumber sandwiches with fresh dill and chives!.

Lemon curd

Finally, there’s no better condiment to have at an afternoon tea than a jar of homemade lemon curd. This tangy lemon topping is full of flavor and is a perfect pairing with scones, tarts, yogurt or even ice cream!

Here’s an easy recipe for lemon curd that you’re sure to enjoy!

Enjoy your tea time!

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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/TerriC