Tea Party Food Ideas – Cake Edition
From classic elegance to whimsical delights, this post serves up delectable cake ideas for any theme or skill level. Plus, discover easy entertaining options and bonus tips for an unforgettable teatime soiree.
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Index
- Why cake is perfect at tea parties
- Which cake is often eaten during afternoon teas?
- How many cakes per person for an afternoon tea?
Tea Party Cake Recipes
- 1. Classic Victorian Sponge Cake
- 2. French Yogurt Cake
- 3. Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4. Lemon Drizzle Cake
- 5. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
- 6. Coconut Almond Cake
- 7. Strawberry Cake
- 8. Peach Ricotta Layer Cake
- 9. Plum Cake
- 10. Strawberry Crumb Cake
- 11. Earl Grey Tea Cake
- 12. Blueberry Lemon Cake`
- 13. Lemon Rosemary Olive Oil Cake
- 14. Basque Cheesecake
- 15. Orange, Almond & Rose Water Cake
- 16. Fresh Peach Ricotta Cake
- 17. Apple And Cinnamon Tea Cake
- 18. Lavender Lemon Angel Food Cake
- 19. Strawberry & Rose Carnation Chiffon Cake
- 20. Lemon and Elderflower Cake
- 21. Blackberry Lavender Naked Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream
- 22. Smashed Raspberry White Chocolate Layer Cake
- 23. Karpatka – Polish Carpathian Cream Cake
- 24. Strawberry Lime Macadamia Cheesecake
- 25. Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake
- 26. Blueberry Basque Cheesecake
- 27. Blackberry Chocolate Cake + Blackberry Mascarpone Filling
- 28. Chocolate Raspberry Cake
- 29. Mile-High Black Forest Cake
- 30. Hazelnut and Chocolate Cake
Why cake is perfect at tea parties
Finger sandwiches, delicate scones, and steaming cups of tea – these are the quintessential elements of a delightful afternoon tea party.
But there’s another essential that often takes center stage: the magnificent cake.
But beyond its undeniable visual appeal, cake serves a much deeper purpose in this delightful tradition.
Let’s delve into the reasons why cake is not just an ornament, but an essential element of the tea party experience.
A Match Made in Teacup Heaven
Tea, with its subtle bitterness or floral notes, craves a sweet counterpart. Cake provides the perfect balance, offering a delightful sugary counterpoint that tantalizes the taste buds.
The combination creates a harmonious dance on the palate, making each sip and bite even more enjoyable.
A Sweet Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
Afternoon tea, typically held in the mid-afternoon, can sometimes coincide with an energy dip. Cake comes to the rescue!
A slice of this delectable treat provides a welcome sugar boost, satisfying hunger pangs and reviving flagging energy levels. It’s a delightful pick-me-up to help you and your guests chat and socialize through the rest of the tea party.
A Centerpiece Worthy of Admiration
From the classic elegance of a Victoria Sponge to the whimsical charm of a themed creation, cake takes center stage on the tea party table. It’s a visual feast that sets the mood and adds a touch of sophistication (or whimsy) to the entire setting.
The beautiful presentation is sure to be a conversation starter, with guests admiring the design and discussing the flavors.
A Slice for Every Preference
The beauty of cake lies in its endless variety. From light and airy sponge cakes to rich fruit cakes, there’s a flavor and texture combination to suit every palate.
This allows you to tailor the cake to your theme or personal preference, ensuring there’s a slice of heaven for every guest to enjoy.
So, the next time you plan a tea party, remember that cake isn’t just an afterthought. It’s an integral part of the experience, adding sweetness, energy, and a touch of elegance to this delightful social tradition.
Let cake reign supreme on your tea party table, and create a memorable gathering for you and your guests.
Which cake is often eaten during afternoon teas?
While many delightful cakes can grace a tea party table, two champions consistently reign supreme for afternoon gatherings: the Victoria Sponge Cake and the Lemon Drizzle Cake.
Let’s explore why these treats hold such a special place in the world of teatime:
The Victoria Sponge Cake: A Timeless Delight
Hailing from England, the Victoria Sponge is a national treasure. Its origins are debated, possibly linked to Queen Victoria herself, but its popularity is undeniable. This cake is all about simplicity and elegance.
Light and airy sponge layers, traditionally flavored with vanilla, sandwich a generous dollop of whipped cream and jam (often strawberry or raspberry).
The lightness of the cake makes it ideal for enjoying alongside finger sandwiches and other tea party treats without feeling overly heavy. Additionally, the classic flavors are universally loved and pair beautifully with a variety of teas.
The Zestful Charm of the Lemon Drizzle Cake
The Lemon Drizzle Cake offers a refreshing twist on the classic tea party cake. Its sunny citrus flavor makes it a perfect choice, especially for warmer weather gatherings. A fluffy lemon cake forms the base, bursting with citrusy goodness. The magic touch comes from a delightful glaze that soaks into the cake, creating a moist and flavorful treat.
The bright lemon flavor cuts through the richness of other tea party treats and offers a refreshing counterpoint. It’s also a relatively simple cake to make, perfect for busy hosts.
These two iconic cakes offer a delightful balance between classic elegance and refreshing flavors. So, next time you’re planning an afternoon tea party, consider these timeless treats to add a touch of tradition and deliciousness to your table.
How many cakes per person for an afternoon tea?
The ideal number of cakes per person at an afternoon tea depends on a few factors:
Size of the cake
A larger centerpiece cake can be cut into smaller slices to serve more people.
Richness of the cake
A richer cake like a fruit cake might be more filling, so a smaller portion per person would suffice.
Variety of other sweet treats
If you’re also serving scones, pastries, or other sweet finger foods, you can offer a smaller slice of cake per person.
Here’s a general guideline:
Light Afternoon Tea
Aim for 1-2 small slices of cake per person (think bite-sized portions).
Full Afternoon Tea
Here, you might offer a slightly larger slice (around 3 bites) per person, but keep in mind there will likely be more savory items like sandwiches as well.
Here’s a tip: It’s always better to have a little extra cake than not enough. Leftovers can be enjoyed later or shared with guests to take home.
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1. Classic Victorian Sponge Cake
Skill Level: Beginner
A timeless and simple choice, the Victoria Sponge Cake consists of two layers of light sponge cake filled with fresh cream and strawberry jam. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
2. French Yogurt Cake
Skill Level: Beginner
Combine the freshness of seasonal fruits with the creaminess of yogurt in this easy and moist cake. You can use berries, peaches, or any fruit of your choice.
Simply fold the fruit into the batter and bake. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of sweetness.
3. Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Skill Level: Beginner
A classic and crowd-pleasing choice, carrot cake is surprisingly simple to make. Grated carrots add moisture and sweetness to the cake, while a cream cheese frosting provides the perfect balance.
Consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra texture and flavor.
4. Lemon Drizzle Cake
Skill Level: Beginner
A zesty and moist lemon drizzle cake can add a refreshing flavor to your tea party. The tangy lemon glaze adds a beautiful shine, and you can garnish it with lemon slices or edible flowers for a touch of sophistication.
5. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
Skill Level: Beginner
Infuse your cake with the bright and citrusy flavor of lemons and the delightful crunch of poppy seeds. This simple yet elegant cake is perfect for a tea party. Consider drizzling a lemon glaze over the top or dusting it with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
6. Coconut Almond Cake
Skill Level: Beginner
This Almond Coconut Cake is a crowd-pleaser, captivating everyone with its exceptionally tender, moist crumb, delightful flavor, and a crisp, candy-like glaze.
And the best part? It’s our little secret that this delectable treat is ridiculously easy to whip up—just one bowl, no mixer required!
7. Strawberry Cake
Skill Level: Beginner
Whip up the speediest and simplest Strawberry Cake ever! Brimming with strawberries both in and on the cake, this recipe is a fantastic way to showcase the season’s fresh berries.
With yogurt ensuring a moist crumb, a perfect balance of sweetness, and a subtle hint of lemon, it’s a delightful treat to savor when strawberries are in their prime.
8. Peach Ricotta Layer Cake
Skill Level: Beginner
Indulge in the quintessential cake of summer – the Peach Ricotta Layer Cake with Browned Butter Buttercream steals the show without a doubt.
Three layers of ethereal cake embrace a luscious filling of bourbon peach jam and raspberry jam, all harmoniously crowned with the most delectable browned butter buttercream. This cake captures the essence of summer with its light, airy, peachy sweetness – an absolute must-make for the season!
9. Plum Cake
Skill Level: Beginner
This exceptional recipe promises a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
With each bite, you’ll uncover the perfect harmony of juicy, ripe plums melding seamlessly with the tender crumb of the cake.
Whether enjoyed as a comforting treat with your morning coffee or as a sophisticated dessert for special occasions, this Plum Cake is destined to become a cherished and recurrent addition to your baking repertoire.
10. Strawberry Crumb Cake
Skill Level: Beginner
The harmonious blend of tender cake, generously studded with ripe strawberries, creates a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
The crumbly, buttery topping adds an irresistible texture, making each bite a moment of pure indulgence.
11. Earl Grey Tea Cake
Skill Level: Intermediate
This simple yet flavorful delight is crafted in a single bowl, without the need for any special equipment. Infused with ground tea leaves, the batter delivers a fragrant, bergamot-scented bite.
Crowned with a blood orange glaze, this might just be the most deliciously uncomplicated cake you’ve baked in quite some time.
12. Blueberry Lemon Cake
Skill Level: Intermediate
Dive into the delectable world of Blueberry Lemon Cake – a lively layer cake brimming with succulent berries and zesty lemon, crowned with a tangy lemon buttercream frosting.
13. Lemon Rosemary Olive Oil Cake
Skill Level: Intermediate
Indulge in the exquisite flavor symphony of Lemon Rosemary Olive Oil Cake. A moist and airy delight, subtly infused with the essence of rosemary and lemon, and generously crowned with mascarpone whipped cream.
The addition of olive oil imparts a delightful fruity undertone, ensuring both flavor and moisture in every bite. This cake is an absolute culinary delight!
14. Basque Cheesecake
Skill Level: Intermediate
Delve into the delightful realm of a reinterpretation, not an authentic Basque cheesecake but a scrumptious twist featuring a luscious vanilla cookie crust base alongside the characteristic burnt Basque-style cheesecake essence.
This delicious creation is sure to captivate your taste buds with its unique and indulgent flavors.
15. Orange, Almond & Rose Water Cake
Skill Level: Intermediate
Experience the incredible orange-infused moistness of this gluten-free cake, requiring just a handful of ingredients.
Perfect for making ahead, this cake retains its exceptional moisture, best stored in the refrigerator.
16. Fresh Peach Ricotta Cake
Skill Level: Intermediate
Indulge in the moist decadence of a peach ricotta cake, brimming with fresh peaches and crafted without oil or butter.
Delicately sweet, it’s an ideal treat to savor at any time of the day.
17. Apple And Cinnamon Tea Cake
Skill Level: Intermediate
A cherished crowd-pleaser, the apple and cinnamon tea cake remains a go-to comfort recipe with its timeless appeal and warm, aromatic flavors.
18. Lavender Lemon Angel Food Cake
Skill Level: Intermediate
Savor the ethereal experience of the lightest and most delicate cake you’ve ever encountered.
Lavender angel food cake exudes an airy, aromatic essence, making it the ideal conclusion to afternoon tea, a refreshing summer meal, a charming garden party, or even a leisurely Sunday afternoon. It’s truly heavenly.
19. Strawberry & Rose Carnation Chiffon Cake
Skill Level: Intermediate
Indulge in a delicate rose chiffon cake enveloped by layers of rose and strawberry whipped cream, adorned with a sparkling cascade of sprinkles.
Crowned with the elegance of pink carnations, this dessert is a delightful celebration of floral and sweet flavors.
20. Lemon and Elderflower Cake
Skill Level: Intermediate
This delightful elderflower lemon tea cake is an ideal springtime treat!
The uncomplicated lemon cake foundation carries the subtle fragrance of elderflower blossoms, soaked in a delightful elderflower lemon and honey syrup, and crowned with a sweet glaze infused with elderflower.
Whether baked as a rustic teatime loaf or transformed into a stunning tiered celebration cake adorned with edible flowers, it’s a perfect springtime indulgence.
21. Blackberry Lavender Naked Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream
Skill Level: Advanced
Featuring four layers of delicate vanilla cake, infused with homemade blackberry lavender jam and adorned with luscious white chocolate buttercream.
This delectable creation is nothing short of delightful, offering a harmonious blend of fresh berries, subtle lavender notes, and sweet vanilla cake in every scrumptious bite. An ideal berry-filled masterpiece for any and every special occasion!
22. Smashed Raspberry White Chocolate Layer Cake
Skill Level: Advanced
Indulge in the decadence of a Smashed Raspberry White Chocolate Layer Cake. Three tiers of airy vanilla cake are adorned with a blend of fresh raspberries and raspberry jam.
Generously frosted with a swirl of vanilla-white chocolate frosting, each delectable bite unfolds with the sweetness of fresh berries, vanilla, and velvety frosting.
23. Karpatka – Polish Carpathian Cream Cake
Skill Level: Advanced
Karpatka, a beloved Polish delight, boasts dual layers of choux pastry embracing a luscious vanilla cream filling.
Topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, the rustic pâte à choux mirrors the snow-kissed peaks of the Carpathian Mountains in Poland.
24. Strawberry Lime Macadamia Cheesecake
Skill Level: Advanced
Distinguish this unique raw cheesecake from the rest—can you spot the difference? Unveiling a cashew-free twist!
For those who steer clear of cashews, here’s a delightful alternative to the traditional raw cheesecake, offering a scrumptious choice without compromising flavor.
25. Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake
Skill Level: Advanced
Luxurious chocolate cake layers, moist and decadent, encase a luscious caramel pecan sauce.
The ensemble is beautifully cloaked in a velvety caramel frosting, adorned with an exquisite caramel and ganache drip, and generously sprinkled with chopped pecans for a truly sumptuous experience!
26. Blueberry Basque Cheesecake
Skill Level: Advanced
Drawing inspiration from the Basque region of France, this delightful treat features a flaky puff pastry crust embracing a creamy cheesecake filling.
Its rich, cracked brown top exudes an old-world charm, perfectly complemented by a generous sprinkle of fresh summer blueberries. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that adds a touch of elegance to your day.
27. Blackberry Chocolate Cake with Blackberry Mascarpone Filling
Skill Level: Advanced
Indulge in the richness of a Blackberry Chocolate Cake – three decadent layers of dark chocolate cake, generously filled with a luscious blackberry mascarpone cream, and elegantly frosted with a fudgy blackberry chocolate buttercream.
It’s a symphony of flavors that promises a truly delightful experience.
28. Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Skill Level: Advanced
Explore the art of crafting a Chocolate Raspberry Cake with my step-by-step guide!
This delightful recipe features a scrumptious vegan chocolate cake, skillfully layered with velvety chocolate mousse and complemented by the exquisite addition of homemade raspberry jam.
29. Mile-High Black Forest Cake
Skill Level: Advanced
Behold the spectacular Black Forest cake with moist chocolate layers, a vibrant cherry filling, and a fluffy whipped cream frosting.
Elevated to new heights, this showstopper is adorned with mini chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, and fresh cherries on top, making it a beautiful, delicious, and surprisingly easy centerpiece for your dessert table!
30. Hazelnut and Chocolate Cake
Skill Level: Advanced
This ultra-indulgent Hungarian Hazelnut and Chocolate Layer Cake is an absolute treat!
Also known as Esterhazy Torte, it’s made up of soft layers of hazelnut dacquoise, a silky-smooth hazelnut praline chocolate pastry cream and is topped with a chocolate and vanilla glaze. Finally, it’s coated in hazelnuts.
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