What Is Afternoon Tea? Cream Tea vs Afternoon Tea Explained
|
|
Time to read 4 min
Introduction
There are few British traditions quite as appealing as sitting down for tea accompanied by something delicious. But mention afternoon tea and cream tea, and things can become surprisingly confusing.
Are they the same thing?
Does a cream tea include sandwiches?
Does afternoon tea always involve scones?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but traditionally they describe rather different things. A cream tea is beautifully simple: scones, jam, clotted cream and tea. An afternoon tea is a more elaborate affair, typically involving finger sandwiches, scones, cakes or pastries and tea.
And if you're enjoying your cream tea the Cornish way? There's one particularly important detail... Jam first.
Here's everything you need to know about cream tea vs afternoon tea, what traditionally goes into each and how to recreate a little taste of Cornwall at home.
What's the difference between cream tea and afternoon tea?
A cream tea consists of scones served with jam, clotted cream and tea. Afternoon tea is a larger meal that typically includes finger sandwiches or savouries, scones with jam and clotted cream, cakes or pastries, and tea.
What Is Afternoon Tea?
Afternoon tea is a traditional British light meal usually enjoyed during the afternoon.
Unlike simply having a cup of tea, a traditional afternoon tea combines tea with a selection of savoury and sweet foods.
A typical afternoon tea menu might include:
Finger sandwiches
Scones
Jam
Clotted cream
Cakes
Pastries or other sweet treats
Tea
The food is often presented on a tiered cake stand, with sandwiches and savouries accompanied by freshly baked scones and smaller cakes or desserts.
It's designed to be enjoyed slowly rather than eaten on the run.
Which is probably part of the reason the tradition remains so popular.
What Is Included in Afternoon Tea?
If you're wondering what is served at afternoon tea, a traditional afternoon tea generally has three main food elements.
1. Finger Sandwiches and Savouries
Afternoon tea usually begins on the savoury side.
Traditional afternoon tea sandwiches might include fillings such as:
Cucumber
Egg and cress
Smoked salmon
Ham
Cheese
The sandwiches are normally small and delicately cut rather than full lunchtime sandwiches.
Modern afternoon teas may also include savoury pastries, tartlets and other bite-sized dishes.
2. Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream
Then we reach our favourite part.
Scones with jam and clotted cream are one of the foods most strongly associated with afternoon tea.
They're usually served alongside the sweet course, although any Cornish person at the table may be paying considerably more attention to the order in which you're applying the toppings.
3. Cakes and Sweet Treats
Finally, an afternoon tea menu normally contains a selection of smaller
cakes, pastries or desserts.
Depending on where you're eating, this might include everything from a slice of
Victoria sponge to macarons, fruit tarts, éclairs or miniature desserts.
And naturally, everything is accompanied by tea.
What Is a Cream Tea?
A cream tea is much simpler than a full afternoon tea.
Traditionally, it consists of:
Scones
Strawberry jam
Clotted cream
Tea
That's essentially it.
There's no requirement for finger sandwiches, elaborate cakes or three-tier stands.
A traditional Cornish cream tea celebrates the combination of a good scone, fruity strawberry jam, rich Cornish clotted cream and freshly brewed tea.
And in Cornwall, there's another important rule...the jam goes first.
What Is Included in a Cornish Cream Tea?
A traditional Cornish cream tea strips everything back to the essentials. You Need:
Scones
Soft, fresh scones form the foundation of the cream tea.
Strawberry Jam
A generous layer of strawberry jam goes onto the scone first.
Cornish Clotted Cream
Thick, indulgent Cornish clotted cream is spooned over the jam.
Tea
Finally, everything is accompanied by a freshly brewed cup or pot of tea.
To discover more about one of Cornwall’s most delicious traditions and settle the all-important jam or cream first question, visit our Jam or Cream First? The Great Cornish Cream Tea Debate blog.
How to Give Afternoon Tea a Cornish Twist
This is where things become particularly interesting.
If you're hosting an afternoon tea at home, you don't have to follow the hotel version.
Give it a Proper Cornish twist.
Start with traditional scones, strawberry conserve, Cornish clotted cream and brew the tea.
Then introduce some Cornish savouries alongside the traditional sweet elements.
Mini or smaller pasties can make an especially fitting addition to a Cornwall-inspired spread, while Cornish biscuits and other local treats can complete the table.
Suddenly, your traditional British afternoon tea has become something rather more Cornish.
Afternoon Tea or Cream Tea: Which Should You Choose?
It really depends on the occasion.
If you want a larger meal with savouries, sandwiches, cakes and several different treats, choose afternoon tea.
If you want something simpler that's easy to prepare but still feels indulgent, choose a cream tea.
For a birthday celebration or larger gathering: Afternoon tea can be perfect like our Fowey Cornish Pasty & Cream Tea Hamper for 4
For a quiet afternoon, gift or little taste of Cornwall: It's difficult to beat a Cornish cream tea like our Bude Cornish Scones Cream Tea Hamper (4)
Although if somebody offers us both, we're unlikely to object.
Shop our Traditional Cornish Cream Tea collection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is afternoon tea?
Afternoon tea is a traditional British light meal typically consisting of tea accompanied by finger sandwiches or savouries, scones with jam and clotted cream, and cakes or pastries
What is a cream tea?
A cream tea traditionally consists of scones, strawberry jam, clotted cream and tea. A Cornish cream tea traditionally puts the strawberry jam onto the scone before the clotted cream.
What is the difference between cream tea and afternoon tea?
The main difference between cream tea and afternoon tea is the amount of food. A cream tea focuses on scones, jam, clotted cream and tea. Afternoon tea normally includes sandwiches or savouries, scones and a selection of cakes or pastries.
Can you have a Cornish cream tea delivered?
Yes. Proper Pasty offers Cornish cream tea delivery, allowing you to enjoy scones, clotted cream, strawberry conserve and Cornish tea at home.