One of my favorite things about hosting an afternoon tea is choosing the desserts! There is something special about bringing out your favorite teacups, arranging homemade treats on a pretty serving tray, and spending the afternoon catching up with friends.
Whether you’re planning a bridal shower, Mother’s Day celebration, birthday, or simply an afternoon with a few friends, these tea party desserts will give you plenty of delicious ideas. I’ve gathered some of my favorite recipes from A Day in Candiland to help you create a beautiful dessert table without spending the entire day in the kitchen.
Tea party desserts traditionally include freshly baked scones, delicate cookies, small cakes, and pastries. These 15 homemade dessert ideas offer a combination of fruity, chocolate, buttery, and tea-inspired flavors that are perfect for an afternoon tea gathering.
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What Desserts Are Served at an Afternoon Tea Party?
Traditional afternoon tea usually includes finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and jam, and an assortment of small cakes and pastries.
But you don’t have to follow every tradition to host a lovely afternoon tea!
I like to offer a little variety. Something lemony, something chocolate, a buttery cookie, and of course, a delicious scone.
You also don’t need to make everything from scratch on the day of your party. Choose a few recipes you can prepare ahead of time so you have more time to enjoy your guests.
15 Delicious Tea Party Desserts
Homemade Scones for Afternoon Tea
Scones are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of afternoon tea. They’re one of my favorites to bake, and there are so many delicious flavors to choose from.
Candiland Tip: Make your scones a little smaller than usual so guests have room to try several desserts. Serve them with homemade lemon curd, clotted cream, or your favorite jam.
Cookies for Afternoon Tea
Cookies are one of my favorite desserts to serve at a tea party because they’re easy to prepare ahead of time and look beautiful arranged on a serving tray.
And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good homemade cookie with a cup of tea?
Pretty Cupcakes for Tea Parties
Cupcakes are another favorite because they’re already individually portioned, easy to decorate, and look beautiful displayed on a cake stand.
You can make regular-size cupcakes or try mini versions for smaller servings
Candiland Tip: Use pretty cupcake liners that coordinate with your tea party colors. Sometimes the simplest details make your dessert table look extra special.
Mini Desserts and Sweet Treats
I love adding a few individual desserts to the table. They provide something different from traditional cookies and scones, and guests can sample several treats without feeling like they’ve eaten an entire dessert buffet!
How Many Desserts Should You Serve at a Tea Party?
You certainly don’t need to make all 15 recipes for one gathering!
For a small afternoon tea with six to eight guests, I recommend choosing three to five different desserts.
A simple menu might include:
- One variety of homemade scones
- Two different cookies
- One cupcake recipe
- One lemon or chocolate dessert
If you’re also serving finger sandwiches and other savory treats, plan for approximately three to five small sweet portions per guest, including a scone.
You can always prepare a few extra cookies. They make wonderful treats to send home with your guests.
How to Arrange Desserts on a Three-Tier Tea Tray
One of my favorite things about afternoon tea is using a beautiful three-tier serving stand.
You don’t need anything expensive or elaborate. Sometimes a pretty vintage plate or a cake stand you already have is all you need.
A traditional three-tier arrangement includes:
Bottom Tier: Finger sandwiches and savory treats.
Middle Tier: Freshly baked scones, with cream and jam served alongside.
Top Tier: Small cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and other sweet desserts.
If you have more desserts than will fit on your stand, arrange the extras on small cake plates around the table.
Add a few fresh flowers, your favorite teapot, and some pretty napkins, and you’re ready to welcome your guests.
Make-Ahead Tips for Tea Party Desserts
I love hosting afternoon tea, but I also want to enjoy the gathering instead of spending the entire afternoon in the kitchen.
Here are a few ways to prepare ahead of time.
Two to three days before: Bake cookies that store well, prepare lemon curd, and gather your serving dishes.
The day before: Prepare cheesecakes, bake cupcakes, and arrange your table decorations. Refrigerate desserts that require chilling.
The day of your tea party: Bake or warm your scones, finish decorating cupcakes, and arrange the desserts on serving trays.
You can also prepare some cookie and scone dough ahead of time, depending on the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scones, shortbread cookies, lemon bars, mini cupcakes, and small cakes are traditional favorites that pair beautifully with tea.
Yes! Many cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and cheesecakes can be prepared ahead of time and stored according to their recipe instructions.
Not necessarily, but smaller portions allow guests to sample several desserts without getting too full.
Lemon lavender cookies, white chocolate raspberry scones, Earl Grey cupcakes, and strawberry cheesecakes make a beautiful bridal shower assortment.
Three to five different desserts are usually plenty for a small afternoon tea, especially if you’re serving sandwiches and scones.
More Afternoon Tea Party Ideas
If you’re planning an afternoon tea, you might also enjoy my guides on hosting a tea party, choosing a theme, and creating a beautiful table setting.
I also love sharing how a simple tea gathering can bring people together. Whether you’re inviting a few girlfriends over, hosting a women’s Bible study, or planning a special celebration, afternoon tea is a wonderful opportunity to slow down and enjoy time together.
You don’t need an elaborate menu or expensive decorations. A few homemade desserts, a pot of delicious tea, and good conversation can make a lovely afternoon.
Which of these tea party desserts would you serve at your next gathering? I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments!
Until next time, keep life sweet—one bite at a time.
