Simple, Elegant Cakes You Can Bake Without Stress
Afternoon tea doesn’t have to mean complicated layer cakes or professional piping skills. The best afternoon tea cakes are often the simplest: soft sponge, classic flavours, and beautiful presentation with minimal effort.
If you’re hosting, bringing something to a gathering, or just craving a cosy treat with tea, these easy afternoon tea cakes are reliable, elegant, and beginner-friendly.
What Makes a Cake Perfect for Afternoon Tea?
Afternoon tea cakes are typically:
- Light rather than heavy
- Easy to slice into small portions
- Beautiful but not over-decorated
- Simple to bake with everyday ingredients
They should sit comfortably beside scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries — not overpower the table.
Classic Victoria Sponge
The ultimate afternoon tea cake.
Two light sponge layers, whipped cream, and strawberry jam. It’s traditional, impressive, and surprisingly easy.
Why it works for afternoon tea:
- Light texture
- Simple ingredients
- Easy to portion
- Looks elegant with minimal decoration
Dust with icing sugar and serve on a simple cake stand for an instant centrepiece.
👉 View our Victoria Sponge recipe
Lemon Drizzle Cake
Fresh, bright, and foolproof.
A lemon drizzle loaf is one of the easiest cakes to make, and it slices beautifully for afternoon tea platters.
Why it works:
- Keeps well for 2–3 days
- No complicated decoration
- Perfect balance of sweet and sharp
Top with a thin glaze or serve plain with a dusting of icing sugar.
👉 View Our Lemon Drizzle recipe
Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is a wonderful afternoon tea option when you want something comforting but still elegant.
Why it works:
- Moist and flavourful
- Can be made a day ahead
- Slices cleanly for serving
- Pairs beautifully with Earl Grey or Assam tea
For afternoon tea, keep the frosting neat and simple. A thin layer of cream cheese frosting is plenty — no need for heavy decoration.
Tip: Add a few walnut halves or a light dusting of cinnamon for a refined finish.
View our Carrot Cake recipe
Louise Cake
Louise Cake is a lovely addition to an afternoon tea table, especially if you want something slightly different from traditional sponge.
With its shortcake base, jam layer, and coconut meringue topping, it offers texture and flavour without being overly rich.
Why it works:
- Cuts neatly into small squares
- Looks beautiful without extra decoration
- Easy to portion for guests
- A little unexpected — which makes it memorable
Slice into elegant rectangles for a more refined presentation.
View Our Louise Cake recipe
Tips for Making Easy Cakes Look Elegant
You don’t need advanced decorating skills. Instead:
- Use a simple white cake stand
- Add fresh berries for colour
- Dust lightly with icing sugar
- Slice neatly into even portions
- Serve with proper teacups (this elevates everything)
Presentation does half the work.
Serving Plates & Cake Stands That Work Well for Tea Parties
These serving pieces are practical, easy to style, and suitable for repeated use — chosen to support hosting rather than overwhelm the table.
Tiered Cake Stand (2 or 3 Tier)
A classic tea party staple that adds height without taking up too much table space. Ideal for cakes, scones or pastries.
Large Flat Serving Plate
Useful for savoury items such as sandwiches or quiches, and easy for guests to help themselves.
Vintage-Style Cake Plate
A decorative but practical option for centre placement, especially for a single cake or focal dessert.
Rectangular Serving Tray
Works well for carrying food from kitchen to garden and for arranging items neatly on the table.
Set of Small Serving Plates
Helpful for separating sweet and savoury items without cluttering the table.
Baking Equipment That Makes It Easier
If you bake regularly for afternoon tea, a few simple tools make life easier:
- Good quality 8-inch cake tins
- A reliable hand or stand mixer
- Cooling racks
- Sharp cake knife for clean slices
- Classic cake stand for presentation
Easy Afternoon Tea Cakes for Beginners
If you’re completely new to baking, start here:
- Lemon drizzle
- Simple Victoria sponge
- Carrot cake
Master these three and you’ll always have something appropriate for afternoon tea.
How Many Cakes Do You Need for Afternoon Tea?
For a traditional afternoon tea:
- Plan for 2–3 small cake portions per guest
- Include scones and pastries alongside cakes
- Keep slices small and delicate rather than oversized
Afternoon tea is about variety, not large servings.
FAQs About Afternoon Tea Cakes
Can I make afternoon tea cakes the day before?
Yes. Most sponge and loaf cakes taste just as good — or better — the next day.
How many cakes do I need for afternoon tea?
Plan for 2–3 small cake slices per person alongside scones and pastries.
Should afternoon tea cakes be frosted?
Keep frosting light. Afternoon tea is about balance and elegance, not heavy icing.
