Afternoon Tea Recipes Vegan: Delicious Plant-Based Treats

Afternoon tea is a cherished tradition filled with delightful treats and soothing tea blends. For those who follow a vegan lifestyle or simply want to explore plant-based options, afternoon tea can be just as indulgent and satisfying without any animal products.

This blog post features a collection of delicious and easy-to-make vegan afternoon tea recipes that will impress your guests and brighten your tea time. From delicate finger sandwiches to fluffy scones and decadent sweets, these recipes use wholesome ingredients that celebrate flavors and textures while staying 100% plant-based.

Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated gathering or enjoying a quiet moment, these vegan recipes will elevate your afternoon tea experience. Plus, they are full of nutrients and free from dairy and eggs, making them suitable for everyone.

Dive in, and discover how simple, elegant, and tasty vegan afternoon tea can be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan afternoon tea recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy traditional tea-time flavors with a compassionate twist. You’ll love how these recipes:

• Use natural, plant-based ingredients that are easy to find and wholesome.
• Offer a variety of textures — from soft and crumbly scones to fresh and crisp sandwiches.
• Are customizable to fit your flavor preferences or dietary needs.
• Impress guests with beautiful presentation and delicious taste.
• Include options that are both sweet and savory, providing a balanced tea spread.

Ingredients

Vegan Cucumber & Dill Finger Sandwiches

• 8 slices of white or whole wheat bread, crusts removed
• 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Scones

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, chilled and solid
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• Zest of 1 lemon

Vegan Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam (check vegan-friendly)

Refreshing Mint Green Tea

• 4 cups boiling water
• 2 green tea bags
• Fresh mint sprigs
• Agave syrup or sugar, optional

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter or knife
• Whisk
• Oven
• Tea kettle or pot
• Cooling rack

Instructions

For Vegan Cucumber & Dill Finger Sandwiches

1. Mix the vegan cream cheese and fresh dill in a bowl until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Spread a thin layer of the dill cream cheese evenly on each slice of bread.
3. Arrange cucumber slices over half of the bread slices, overlapping slightly.
4. Top with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down, to form sandwiches.
5. Trim the edges and cut each sandwich into small finger-sized rectangles or triangles.
6. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

For Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Scones

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, poppy seeds, and lemon zest.
3. Cut in the chilled coconut oil using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Mix the almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle (this is your vegan buttermilk).
5. Add the vegan buttermilk to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a couple of times.
7. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges and place them on the baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the scones are golden brown on top.
9. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

For Vegan Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the vegan butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour and stir until a dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
6. Use your thumb or a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
7. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
9. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

For Refreshing Mint Green Tea

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or pot.
2. Place green tea bags and fresh mint sprigs in a teapot.
3. Pour the boiling water over the tea bags and mint, steeping for 3-5 minutes.
4. Remove the tea bags and mint sprigs.
5. Add agave syrup or sugar to taste, if desired.
6. Serve hot or chilled.

Tips & Variations

“For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in the scones and cookies.”

Try adding fresh herbs like chives or basil to your vegan cream cheese spread for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a sweeter sandwich, swap the cucumber for thinly sliced strawberries and use a lightly sweetened vegan cream cheese.

For scones, experiment with other citrus fruits like orange or lime zest, or add dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins. To make the cookies extra festive, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top once cooled.

Looking to elevate your tea selection? Try a floral tea like jasmine or chamomile alongside the mint green tea to offer a variety of aromas and tastes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Present your vegan afternoon tea recipes on a tiered stand or decorative platters for a classic look. Pair the cucumber sandwiches with a light salad of mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Serve the scones warm with vegan butter or a dollop of jam for extra indulgence. The thumbprint cookies make a lovely sweet finish alongside your tea.

To complement the mint green tea, consider offering a selection of other teas like Earl Grey or Rooibos. For a special touch, add fresh fruit slices and edible flowers to your tea cups or platters.

Conclusion

Vegan afternoon tea recipes are a wonderful way to enjoy the timeless tradition of tea time while embracing a plant-based lifestyle. These recipes show that you don’t have to compromise on flavor or elegance when eliminating animal products.

From the crisp cucumber sandwiches to the zesty lemon poppy seed scones and sweet strawberry jam cookies, each dish offers a unique and delightful taste experience.

Hosting a vegan afternoon tea can be both simple and impressive, making it a perfect occasion to gather friends or treat yourself. For more creative recipes that suit various tastes and occasions, be sure to check out our Breakfast Wellington Recipe, the hearty Bread And Gravy Recipe, and the flavorful Blueberry Bagel Recipe Sourdough.

Embrace the joy of cooking and savor every sip and bite of your vegan afternoon tea!

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