Many households have high tea time, but what is it exactly? In simple terms, high tea means you take a break from the rigorous routine of daily life and settle in to enjoy a hot beverage and snacks. Another advantage of drinking tea is that this beverage includes several health benefits. Also, a splash of caffeine perks you up until the end of the day.
If you need help coming up with ideas of what to serve next at your posh gathering with friends and relatives, you came to the right place. We’ll list our 17 favorite gluten-free high tea ideas you can serve with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile.
Jump to:
- 1. Coconut Cake
- 2. Dark Cherry Pie with Lemon Zest
- 3. Cream Puffs
- 4. Pudding Pie
- 5. Sugar Cookies
- 6. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- 7. Red Velvet Cake
- 8. Lavender Lemon Bars
- 9. Yellow Cupcakes
- 10. Blueberry Scones
- 11. Cucumber Sandwiches with Cream Cheese & Lemon
- 12. Croissants
- 13. Raspberry Macarons
- 14. Cinnamon Bun Bread
- 15. French Crepes
- 16. Lemon Meringue Pie Bites
- 17. Cucumber Bites
- Final Thoughts
- Comments
1. Coconut Cake
Ideal for springtime, this dessert emphasizes the coconut flavor alongside fluffy buttercream icing and spongy cake. Don’t worry about tackling such a huge cake by hand; you just need a gluten-free cake mix.
Your guests will love the taste and texture regardless. The coconut extract and milk add another layer that will have your friends asking for another slice. Pina Colada fans won’t be able to get enough of this cake.
2. Dark Cherry Pie with Lemon Zest
This pie will accompany your tea time wonderfully with just the right amount of tart and lemony notes. The dark cherries supply natural sweetness, and you can serve this pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or as is.
You won’t believe that the flaky, buttery crust is gluten-free after trying this pie! You could probably use this recipe as the base for other fruity pies if you don’t like cherries and instead want to swap them for blueberries or strawberries.
3. Cream Puffs
Did you know you can make eclairs from the same cream puff dough? These elegant desserts are excellent for high tea time, smothered in chocolate or caramel.
The flaky golden-brown outside is the perfect house for any of your most-liked fillings. You could opt for a rich and fluffy cream or another stuffing, like chicken salad, if you want something heartier for your friends around lunchtime.
4. Pudding Pie
If you’re having a loved one visit for your high tea gathering who doesn’t eat gluten or dairy, then this pie is ideal for you to make in just a few hours (to confirm the pudding sets in time!).
A packet of vegan instant pudding mix creates a mouth-watering interior that complements the gluten-free cookie-based crust. If you need to focus on other important tasks, professionally or personally, this dessert is amazing since you let the fridge do most of the work after prep.
5. Sugar Cookies
It’s hard to say no to a sugar cookie. The frosting and sprinkles add a touch of color and fun to your get-together, making an eye-catching platter of cookies.
These cookies also have a delightful, soft mouthfeel (and you can customize the frosting to your preferred flavor, like chocolate!). If your guests have children, there's no better way to satisfy them than with one or two finger-licking cookies as they play in the front yard.
6. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Banana bread is a wholesome snack, and the chocolate makes the bread a touch richer. This recipe works well with your cup of tea for a decadent and luscious treat. Banana lovers will appreciate the noticeable fruitiness mixed with spices and sweeteners for bread that’s more of a cake since this recipe doesn’t call for yeast.
The best part is if you have leftovers, you can eat the slices during the week for breakfast or save them until after dinner for a fruity, chocolatey bite.
7. Red Velvet Cake
Red velvet cake is iconic (nearly as much as carrot cake or cheesecake). You also don’t have to worry too much about assembling; this recipe makes one layer. The best part is you’re not losing anything by using this recipe; you’ll achieve the same texture and flavor as a regular red velvet cake.
Vegans can enjoy this dairy-free recipe, too, using alternatives, such as oil instead of butter. Of course, you can’t forget the red food coloring for that noticeable, deep crimson shade that stands out against the cream cheese frosting.
8. Lavender Lemon Bars
Lavender has a very aromatic note that either you love or hate. If you’re a fan, then these lemon bars are for you. The shortbread crust gives a cookie crunch to the silky, lemony inside.
Perfect for summertime, you’ll want to break out this recipe whenever people come over to chat, drink, and nibble. (You can omit the lavender if you prefer indulging in regular lemon bars without the additional ingredient; we promise they’ll be just as succulent!).
9. Yellow Cupcakes
This recipe yields a dozen moist and delicious portable cakes with a dollop of frosting (vegan or otherwise). Once you try one, you’ll swoon; their taste and consistency are just like normal cake!
You can also include coloring or flavoring to customize the cake batter recipe as much as you’d like to ensure that all your guests enjoy your baking. You can’t go wrong with cupcakes; any age enjoys this dessert.
10. Blueberry Scones
Tea and scones go together like peanut butter and jelly. These scones are a good way to ween yourself into the gluten-free diet if you recently made the change with a straightforward and recognizable recipe without any funky ingredients. Vegetarians can also enjoy this recipe.
The blueberries and lemon make the scones pop. Make sure you stock up on napkins when serving these crumbly scones.
11. Cucumber Sandwiches with Cream Cheese & Lemon
We’ll briefly steer more into the savory side of the kitchen. These cucumber sandwiches are the quintessential snack at tea time.
The ingredients, like lemon and cucumber, add a crunch and bright summertime freshness that contrast the richness and texture of the cream cheese. Exchange the bread for your preferred gluten-free brand, and watch as everyone ravenously devours this healthy dish.
12. Croissants
While croissants are relatively labor and time intensive, the final product is worth it. You also don’t need a ton of ingredients either. You can serve it with sweet toppings (butter and jam) or top with meat and cheese.
The egg wash provides a shiny, deep golden brown exterior to the flaky interior. Who also doesn’t love saying croissant? Transport yourself to another country without leaving your backyard.
13. Raspberry Macarons
Macarons are a hard French dessert to get exactly right, but once you perfect the process, this cookie cake is addictive. The shiny shell and chewy inside filled with jelly and buttercream make a stunning side to your tea.
Almond flour sneaks in as a gluten-free substitute. You might want to adjust the recipe depending on how many people are coming over (since you can’t have just one!).
14. Cinnamon Bun Bread
This recipe includes multiple variations, such as gluten-free, vegan, and lower sugar, to fit all dietary needs.
The ingredient list is extensive (and you may have to stop by the grocery store beforehand), but you’ll fall in love with the cinnamon bread, swirled with spices and covered in sugary, milky glaze. This recipe takes all the deliciousness of cinnamon buns and transforms them into bread form.
15. French Crepes
Cassava flour takes center stage with these crepes alongside eggs, salt, butter, and milk for a simple recipe that can serve as a blank canvas.
You can load these crepes with sweet or savory ingredients (from cream and strawberries to vegetables and meat). Those who prefer gluten-free meals and snacks or can’t eat gluten for specific health reasons won’t miss out on anything with these crepes.
16. Lemon Meringue Pie Bites
If lemon meringue pie is your favorite after-dinner snack, you’re in luck with this recipe! You can finish these tasty little desserts in about two hours with only four ingredients; the lemon curd and fresh zest pair well with the whipped and crisped meringue. Saffron provides a unique taste to the otherwise tangy snack.
17. Cucumber Bites
These cucumber bites won’t last long at your next high tea gathering! With three different kinds (salmon, egg salad, and tuna salad), there will be one that satisfies all cravings and diets.
The cucumber acts as a refreshing bite, and the filling contrasts the veggie. The paprika and sriracha sauce packs a small punch of heat that no one can resist! You can serve these cucumber bites as is or in accompaniment to some of the previous recipes we listed in this article.
Final Thoughts
High tea sounds super intimidating, but once you realize this event is just a bunch of friends socializing with good food and yummy tea, more of us should do it weekly. Life gets busy, and sitting down with friends and homemade food is a great way to destress.
You can have fun with the above recipes, and hopefully, one of the previous gluten-free high tea ideas got you brainstorming on what to make at your upcoming party. Enjoy cooking, and get your family involved in the kitchen, too (kids love helping)!
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