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The Perfect British Pastries to Go with Afternoon Tea

April 15, 2021
2021-04-15
If you're in Great Britain—or you grew up in Great Britain but you've since moved to another country—there's probably one thing you just have to have every single day: afternoon tea. More than just a timeless tradition. it's almost as if there's built-in your system inside of you that makes you want (or even need) to drink tea when it's the afternoon. Suddenly, out of nowhere, you're feeling thirsty and hungry, and nothing will satisfy them more than a nice cup of tea. But even if you're not British, you can still enjoy this pastime of a meal. And when you do, these are the best pastries to have on the table!

The Perfect British Pastries to Go with Afternoon Tea

 

Bakewell Tart

A tart is always a good idea to go with your afternoon tea. And on this list, there's a good number of them! Let's start with one that's oh so sweet and fruity: the Barkwell tart. Associated with the town of Bakewell in Derbyshire, this lovely pastry is a variation of the famous pudding of the same name. A combination of soft and crunchy textures, the jam filling inside the tart helps bring the flavour out with every spoonful. Since it's made up of a nice thick shortbread crust, the sweetness doesn't overwhelm the palette, especially when you take it with a light tea. 

The Perfect British Pastries to Go with Afternoon Tea

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Get the recipe by clicking here!  


Bath Bun

During the Regency era, the town of Bath used to be a luxurious resort town where society's elite often retreated to for a holiday. It often served as the epicentre for the social scene and of course, during the afternoon, the great ladies and gentlemen of the era took their afternoon tea. What do you suppose they took it with? The Bath Bun. Seemingly simple, this pouffy pastry actually has a fruity filling that makes for quite a zesty kick during afternoon tea. And the bun was so popular and common at the time (well, to this day as well) that it was even mentioned in a Jane Austen novel. 

The Perfect British Pastries to Go with Afternoon Tea

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Get the recipe by clicking here!  


Chelsea Bun

Who knew that a cinnamon bun would pair so well with afternoon tea? Imagine how this light and smooth warm beverage will cleanse your palette after a bit or two of this rich and flavorful pastry! The people over at London's Chelsea district sure knew what they were doing. Know as the "Chelsea Bun," this variation of the classic cinnamon-drizzled treat has become quite the fixture for tea time in the British capital. Most probably because the pastry itself is easy to get in the city, as well as easy to make if you have time to bake before afternoon tea! 

The Perfect British Pastries to Go with Afternoon Tea

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Get the recipe by clicking here!  


Custard Pie

The Brits sure do love their custard. So much so that a pie made out of the stuff has become a favourite during tea time. With its airy lightness and gentle flavour, this comes as no surprise. Tea time is all about a gentle snack that won't overwhelm your taste buds. And a slice of custard pie fits the bill perfectly. Even when you pour some caramel or vanilla sauce all over it, the soft texture and scrumptious crust offset the flavour quite well. It's also one of the least messy treats on this list and tea time should be neat and tidy! 

The Perfect British Pastries to Go with Afternoon Tea

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Get the recipe by clicking here!  


Eton Mess

Although Eton Mess isn't technically a pastry, it still deserves a spot on this list. This Eton College-inspired treat has all the distinctions of a worthy teatime dessert. It's light and airy, especially with the dominance of the cream. The strawberries give off a flavorful zest that's just right, enough to bring out some much-appreciated sweetness without overwhelming the palette. Furthermore, the fruit bits bring about the run ch just as well as any other pastry. And aesthetics-wise, it's just a pretty dessert to have on your tea table. What more can you ask for with a nice afternoon tea? 

The Perfect British Pastries to Go with Afternoon Tea

Source: Flickr.com/ Aaron Brady

Get the recipe by clicking here!  


Victoria Sponge Cake

This might be every Brit's favourite pastry dessert on this list. It's the type of Sunday treat that your grandmother would make after a Goode family meal. It's also the type that you'll expect any bakery or pastry shop to have. Think about it: two well-baked layers of sponge cake combined with rich jam filling and topped with airy whipped cream. Include some fruit slices o top or in the middle and you've got yourself a culinary goldmine.  It may seem so simple but the flavour and the sweetness is anything but! A slice or two will go so well with afternoon tea! 

The Perfect British Pastries to Go with Afternoon Tea

Source: Flickr.co/ Kelly Hunter

Get the recipe by clicking here!  


Welsh Cake

Sometimes, even during afternoon tea, you'd just want a party that's a little harder in texture. Well, in that case, the Welsh cake is your treat! Similarly to a scone, this Wales-based pastry has a rich crusty texture that might not seem fitting for afternoon tea at first, but after a few bites, you won't get enough of it. Especially when you put some cream or jam into it. The bursts of sweetness with the roughness of the pastry make for quite a unique sensation. Just a mouthful will have you feeling full already. And what's great to wash it all down? Some tea, of course! 

The Perfect British Pastries to Go with Afternoon Tea

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Get the recipe by clicking here!


Yorkshire Curd Tart

Why not go for something savoury as well? With all these sweet treats, you'd want a little palette cleanser too, you know? And what better treat than a Yorkshire curd tart! Made with curd cheese and duck egg, it's a flavorful salty pastry that ticks all the boxes. A nice textured crust? Tick! Some rich savoury filling? Tick! Mouth-watering flavours? Tick! This is the type of clean pastry that makes the meal better. Tea time isn't all just sweets. This is a good alternative for those who want something a little saltier to go with there tea! 

The Perfect British Pastries to Go with Afternoon Tea

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Get the recipe by clicking here!  

  

Time for some tea? Don't you worry! These delectable pastries will make your afternoon tea a completely British experience. So even when you're not in the country. you'll still feel as if you belong there with these tasty teatime treats!  

 

 




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