Afternoon tea is an age-old tradition known for its elegant presentation and delightful offerings. However, for those following a plant-based lifestyle, the typical spread of scones, finger sandwiches, and tea may need some reimagining. Luckily, there’s no need to sacrifice taste or style! A plant-based afternoon tea can be just as delicious and satisfying, offering a variety of vegan-friendly recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a cozy gathering or a full-on high tea, these afternoon tea recipes for a plant-based tea party impress your guests without compromising on flavor.
What Makes a Great Plant-Based Afternoon Tea?
An afternoon tea menu typically includes a selection of finger foods, such as finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats, all complemented by a pot of tea. For a plant-based twist, we simply substitute traditional ingredients with vegan-friendly options. This means no dairy, eggs, or meat, but still everything you need for a truly enjoyable tea party experience.
When planning your plant-based tea party, think about creating a balance of flavors and textures. You want a mix of savory and sweet treats that offer variety and a satisfying experience for all your guests. To help you get started, here are some ideas for a vegan-friendly afternoon tea that will wow your friends and family.
Vegan Afternoon Tea Recipes to Try
- Vegan Scones
A classic afternoon tea favorite, scones are a must-have at any tea party. Traditional scones are typically made with butter and milk, but they can easily be swapped for plant-based alternatives. For these vegan scones, use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.
Ingredients:
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- 2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ cup vegan butter
- ½ cup non-dairy milk (almond or oat milk works well)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup dried fruit (raisins or currants are great)
Instructions:
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- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add the vegan butter and mix it in with your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the non-dairy milk and dried fruit, then knead until it forms a dough.
- Roll out the dough to about 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds.
- Place on a baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve with vegan cream and jam for the full experience!
- Tea Sandwiches with a Vegan Twist
Finger sandwiches are a staple of any afternoon tea. They are light, flavorful, and easy to eat with one hand while sipping your pot of tea. Here are a few plant-based versions of classic afternoon tea sandwiches:
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- Cucumber and Vegan Cream Cheese Sandwiches: Thinly sliced cucumber and a spread of dairy-free cream cheese on soft, crustless bread. Add fresh dill or mint for an extra pop of flavor.
- Avocado and Tomato Sandwiches: For a simple and satisfying sandwich, layer ripe avocado slices with juicy tomatoes on whole-grain bread. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Hummus and Roasted Veggie Sandwiches: Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant pair wonderfully with a spread of hummus. This vegan sandwich is packed with flavor and texture.
- Vegan Clotted Cream
What’s a scone without some clotted cream? Don’t worry, a plant-based version can be just as indulgent. To make vegan clotted cream, blend coconut cream with a little sugar and vanilla extract to mimic the rich, creamy texture of traditional clotted cream.
Ingredients:
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- 1 can full-fat coconut milk (chilled)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions:
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- Scoop the thick coconut cream from the top of the chilled can of coconut milk.
- Whip the coconut cream with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then whip again until well combined.
- Serve with your vegan scones for the ultimate afternoon tea experience.
- Vegan-Friendly Finger Foods
Afternoon tea is all about the small bites, so let’s round out your plant-based tea menu with a few more finger foods that will complement the other dishes.
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- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized morsels are filled with vegan cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, making them the perfect savory treat.
- Mini Veggie Quiche: A vegan quiche made with tofu, veggies, and a gluten-free crust is a great addition to your tea spread.
- Vegan Finger Rolls: Make mini rolls with mashed chickpeas, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon juice for a refreshing bite.
- High Tea Drinks: Black Tea and Beyond
No tea party would be complete without the perfect tea to accompany your treats. When it comes to plant-based afternoon tea, there are plenty of black teas to choose from, such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast, that are naturally vegan-friendly. Pair these robust brews with a splash of your favorite non-dairy milk for a comforting drink.
If you want to get creative, you can also try herbal teas or fruit-infused teas to add variety. Consider offering a selection of teas so your guests can choose their favorites. For an added touch, serve the tea in elegant teacups, and always brew your tea to the recommended time to ensure the perfect pot of tea.
Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Afternoon Tea
A plant-based afternoon tea not only delights the taste buds but also offers several health benefits. By choosing vegan-friendly options like gluten-free scones, fresh veggie sandwiches, and herbal teas, you're nourishing your body with nutrient-rich, dairy-free ingredients. These foods are often lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, while providing essential vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, enjoying a peaceful tea time can help ease stress, aid digestion, and encourage mindfulness, making it a perfect way to unwind while supporting overall well-being.
Vegan Afternoon Tea: A Complete Experience
A plant-based afternoon tea can be just as indulgent and satisfying as the traditional version. By offering a variety of savory finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and flavorful teas, you’ll create an unforgettable tea party experience that all your guests can enjoy—whether they’re vegan or not.
Don’t forget to consider dietary restrictions, and feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures. With these vegan afternoon tea recipes, you can offer a spread that’s not only plant-based but also gluten-free and dairy-free, ensuring everyone at your tea party is happy and well-fed.
Conclusion
A plant-based tea party doesn’t have to be difficult to organize or prepare. With these simple and delicious vegan afternoon tea recipes, you’ll have everything you need to host an elegant, stress-free gathering that your guests will love. Whether you're serving vegan scones with clotted cream or savory tea sandwiches filled with fresh veggies, your plant-based afternoon tea is sure to impress.
So go ahead and plan your next tea party—invite friends over, brew a pot of Earl Grey or English Breakfast, and enjoy a delightful, plant-based afternoon tea experience that everyone will enjoy!
