Delectable, sweet treats are one of our favorite things to serve with afternoon tea. Enjoy a selection of teatime dessert recipes, many of which we’ve served here at The St. James Tearoom.
Inspired by traditional English Christmas treats, these mini mincemeat pies, with flaky lattice tops, are the perfect addition to any holiday teatime or dessert table. With warm spices, sweet and tart fruits, and a hint of rum, they pair splendidly with strong black teas, such as Indian Assam, swirled with creamy milk. Make the filling […]
French butter cookies are believed to have originated in Normandy in 1670. Often just called Sables, which is the French word for sand, these shortbread-style cookies are buttery, delicate, and delicious. But take care to use a good European-style butter, because the higher fat percentage will help produce the right texture. Our version is made […]
This banoffee pie recipe (banana + toffee = banoffee) is our take on the classic British dessert that we imagine could have been one of the selection of pies that Professor Slughorn passed around on the Hogwarts Express at his first meeting of the “Slug Club” at the beginning of Harry Potter and the Half […]
Dainty, flaky plum turnovers are just the sort of thing one could imagine eating on a picnic blanket at Pemberley or Netherfield Park. For this easy version of the treat, a sweet and tart homemade plum jam is encased in puff pastry for the perfect handheld delight. Serve these plum turnovers with hot or iced […]
Our Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars recipe is a sweet, savory, and crunchy treat that was inspired by the youthful spirit of Neverland and the Lost Boys. The first ever reference to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich was in 1901, and its subsequent rise in popularity over the next two decades occurred at the […]
Queen Victoria’s favorite afternoon tea treat is now known as the Victoria Sponge Cake, a simple vanilla cake filled with strawberry preserves and cream. However, it was Anna Russell, the Duchess of Bedford and good friend of Queen Victoria’s, whom we have to thank for introducing the world to the ritual of afternoon tea, for […]
Willy Wonka said “Time is a precious thing. Never waste it.” Well, just imagine dipping your dessert spoon into a glass of fluffy chocolate cream and finding a decadent layer of salted caramel fudge at the bottom. And now imagine being able to create this delightful dessert for your friends and family in less than […]
Poires Belle Hélène was created in the mid-1860s by famed French chef and restaurateur Auguste Escoffier and named after the operetta La belle Hélène by Jacques Offenbach. The French have invented countless delectable desserts, and these pears, poached in a homemade syrup and enrobed in a decadent chocolate sauce flavored with pear liqueur, are a […]
If you’re a fan of The Chronicles of Narnia, you’ve probably noticed that C.S. Lewis describes food quite often. Though the most well-known book in the series is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the other six books in the series also describe numerous meals in the land of Narnia. This baked apple recipe […]
In the 18th century, syllabubs were a common feature of the dessert course, often served alongside puddings and jellies. Syllabubs evolved throughout the century from a sweetened wine-based drink into a more solid whipped dessert, similar to mousse, and then were eventually replaced by ice cream as a cold refreshing treat to end a meal. […]
Celebrate the 4th with a little teatime flair! Fun and elegant, creamy and delicious, these festive little cups make for an easy Independence Day dessert sure to please the eye and the taste buds. No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Cups Makes about 10 servings. Ingredients: Graham Cracker Crumbs 1 1 ⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 1 […]
These delightful shortbread cookies were inspired by the directions to Neverland — two star cookies stacked with a clear, golden, candy center. We recommend enjoying these cookies with either our house-blended English Breakfast tea or the malty black tea Sir Philip Sidney. Neverland Star Cookies Makes about 20 cookies. Ingredients: 8 oz. butter at room […]
Just in time for strawberry season, we bring you this strawberry mousse recipe that couldn’t be easier. In just 10-15 minutes you can have this light, refreshing dessert ready for your next summer tea party. We think it pairs quite well with our popular Lemon Soufflé tea, especially if you ice the tea! This recipe […]
Combining real Champagne, fresh berries, and sweet white grape juice, our Berry Champagne Gelées are a refreshing accompaniment to any celebration, particularly in the warmer months of the year. They make for a sophisticated and light dessert following any meal, sure to add a splash of color to your menu. And if you want an […]
Yields about 20 cookies For the Dacquoise (meringue cookie): 2/3 cup (3 ½ ounces) sliced almonds 1 cup powdered sugar 1/8 tsp. salt 3 egg whites ¼ cup granulated sugar For the Buttercream: 6 ounces of your favorite milk chocolate chips (we recommend Guittard brand if you don’t have a favorite) 2 sticks (8 ounces) […]
Yields about 4 dozen mini tea cakes For the Cake: 1 1/2 cups brown rice flour 1/2 cup potato starch 1/4 cup white rice flour 1/4 cup tapioca flour 2 Tbsp. matcha green tea powder** 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 1/3 cups sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 3 eggs, beaten 1 cup […]