A vegan afternoon tea can be just as indulgent as a traditional one. With a little creativity and taking advantage of the wide variety of plant-based alternatives available, you can serve up a feast of sandwiches, scones, sweet treats and teas that everyone will enjoy. Here’s how to create your perfect vegan tea party.
1. Savoury Sandwiches
Sandwiches are the heart of any afternoon tea, and with vegan fillings you won’t miss out on flavour. Try hummus and falafel with roasted red pepper or vegan cream cheese. Vegan cheese has come a long way. It’s made with alternatives like cashew, almond and coconut and has the same creaminess without using dairy.
If you want to enjoy an afternoon tea without all the work, why not consider an afternoon tea box delivery like those from Afternoon Tea Box, perfect for celebrating something special or just relaxing with friends or family?
2. Choosing the Perfect Tea
Tea is essential for a proper afternoon tea experience. Traditional black teas like Earl Grey or Darjeeling are classic choices and have bold, aromatic flavours that will pair with both sweet and savoury items. These teas have been central to afternoon tea since the 19th century. To make your afternoon tea vegan, serve with a splash of plant-based milk or keep plain with a slice of lemon.
3. Vegan Scones
Scones are a must for afternoon tea, and vegan versions are just as delicious. Swap out butter for plant-based alternatives like vegan butter. Serve them with coconut cream and fruity jams like strawberry or apricot.
4. Sweet Treats
No tea party is complete without a selection of sweet treats. Fudgy vegan brownies are a crowd-pleaser, often made with dark chocolate and aquafaba for that perfect gooey texture. Flapjacks, packed with oats, syrup and dried fruits, are a good option. Think about cakes, such as a classic Victoria sponge made with vegan butter or a moist carrot cake with a creamy cashew-based frosting. Add a platter of small sweet bites instead of large cake slices to give your guests plenty of variety.