The best cakes for afternoon tea: 10 scrumptious delights!
A Comprehensive Guide to the Types of Cakes Served at Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a cherished tradition that evokes images of delicate porcelain cups, perfectly steeped tea, and an assortment of delectable treats laid out on a tiered stand. Originating in Britain in the early 19th century, this delightful custom was introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who found herself feeling peckish between lunch and dinner. To satisfy her hunger, she began inviting friends to join her for an afternoon snack, and thus, afternoon tea was born.
Central to the afternoon tea experience are the cakes and pastries, which add a sweet touch to the elegant affair. Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or new to this delightful tradition, here’s a detailed look at the various types of cakes typically served at afternoon tea.
1. Victoria Sponge Cake
Overview: Named after Queen Victoria, this classic British cake is a staple at afternoon tea. It consists of two light and fluffy sponge cakes sandwiched together with a layer of jam (typically raspberry or strawberry) and whipped cream or buttercream.
Why It’s Popular: The simplicity and elegance of the Victoria sponge make it a timeless favourite. Its light texture and sweet filling perfectly complement a cup of tea.
Additional Information: Often dusted with a sprinkling of powdered sugar, the Victoria sponge can be served as a full cake or in individual slices. Some variations include a layer of fresh strawberries for an added burst of flavour.
2. Madeira Cake
Overview: Madeira cake is a dense yet moist sponge cake flavoured with lemon. It is named not after the Portuguese island, but because it was traditionally enjoyed with a glass of Madeira wine.
Why It’s Popular: Its firm texture makes it easy to slice neatly, and its subtle lemon flavour pairs wonderfully with a variety of teas.
Additional Information: Madeira cake is often enjoyed plain, but it can also be enhanced with a light glaze or served with a dollop of lemon curd.
3. Lemon Drizzle Cake
Overview: This zesty cake is made by soaking a lemon-flavoured sponge with a tangy lemon syrup, resulting in a moist, citrusy delight.
Why It’s Popular: The refreshing lemon flavour provides a nice contrast to the richer cakes and pastries typically served at afternoon tea.
Additional Information: For added texture and flavour, the top of the lemon drizzle cake is often sprinkled with granulated sugar, giving it a delightful crunch.
4. Battenberg Cake
Overview: A striking cake known for its distinctive checkered pattern, Battenberg cake is made from alternating squares of pink and yellow sponge, held together with apricot jam and wrapped in a layer of marzipan.
Why It’s Popular: The colourful appearance of Battenberg cake makes it an eye-catching addition to the tea table, and its combination of almond-flavoured marzipan and fruity jam is deliciously unique.
Additional Information: The origins of Battenberg cake date back to the marriage of Princess Victoria to Prince Louis of Battenberg in 1884.
5. Fruit Cake
Overview: Rich and dense, fruit cake is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and often a splash of brandy or rum. It is typically enjoyed during the holiday season but is also a common feature at afternoon tea.
Why It’s Popular: Its rich, complex flavours and moist texture make it a satisfying treat, and it pairs well with robust teas like Assam or Darjeeling.
Additional Information: Fruit cake can be aged for several months, allowing the flavours to mature and meld together. Some variations include a layer of marzipan and icing for added sweetness.
6. Scones
Overview: Although not a cake, scones are an essential component of afternoon tea. These crumbly, slightly sweet pastries are often served with clotted cream and jam.
Why It’s Popular: The combination of scones, cream, and jam is a quintessentially British treat that epitomises the afternoon tea experience.
Additional Information: Scones can be plain or studded with currants or sultanas. They are best enjoyed freshly baked and still warm from the oven.
7. Carrot Cake
Overview: Carrot cake is a moist, spiced cake made with grated carrots, nuts (often walnuts or pecans), and sometimes pineapple for added sweetness. It is typically topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.
Why It’s Popular: The combination of warm spices and creamy frosting makes carrot cake a comforting and indulgent choice.
Additional Information: The origins of carrot cake date back to medieval Europe, where carrots were used as a sweetener in cakes and puddings.
8. Chocolate Cake
Overview: Chocolate cake is a rich, decadent treat that comes in various forms, from light and airy sponges to dense, fudgy creations. It is often layered with chocolate ganache or buttercream.
Why It’s Popular: Its intense chocolate flavour makes it a favourite among chocolate lovers, and it pairs beautifully with strong teas and coffee.
Additional Information: Variations of chocolate cake include Black Forest cake (with cherries and whipped cream) and Sachertorte (a Viennese chocolate cake with apricot jam).
9. Coffee and Walnut Cake
Overview: This classic cake combines the flavours of coffee and walnuts in a light sponge, often topped with a coffee-flavoured buttercream.
Why It’s Popular: The rich, nutty flavour of the walnuts complements the slightly bitter coffee, making it a sophisticated choice for afternoon tea.
Additional Information: Coffee and walnut cake is particularly popular in Britain and is a lovely option for those who enjoy a less sweet dessert.
10. Coconut Cake
Overview: Coconut cake is a light, fluffy cake infused with coconut flavour and often topped with a coconut cream frosting and shredded coconut.
Why It’s Popular: Its tropical flavour provides a refreshing contrast to the other cakes on the tea table.
Additional Information: Variations may include a layer of lemon or lime curd for added zing, making it a perfect summer treat.
Conclusion
Afternoon tea is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together friends and family over a delightful selection of teas, sandwiches, and of course, cakes. The cakes served at afternoon tea not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also add to the elegance and charm of this time-honoured tradition. From the simple yet sophisticated Victoria sponge to the colourful Battenberg cake, each cake has its own story and unique appeal.
Whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea party or simply indulging in this delightful ritual at a tearoom, understanding the variety of cakes and their origins enhances the experience. So next time you find yourself at afternoon tea, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and history behind each delicious bite. Enjoy your tea, and don’t forget to savour every slice!
