These gluten free afternoon tea recipes ensure that nobody has to miss out. From scones to savouries to tea time treats, there are plenty of ideas to choose from. Time to dust off that cake stand!
Afternoon tea (or high tea as it is sometimes called) may sound like one of the more challenging meals to make gluten free. But with a few tips and plenty of good recipes, you'll find that it's easier than you might think. And an English afternoon tea really is the ultimate treat.
Whether you're just looking for a gluten free cream tea or are hosting a full afternoon tea party, these recipes and ideas will have you covered. They all use easy to obtain ingredients that you'll be able to buy at the supermarket.
Jump to:
Gluten Free Scones
In my mind, a batch of freshly baked warm scones is the archetypal traditional afternoon tea recipe. And with these gluten free scones, no one will notice the difference. They are light and delicious, and simple to make. You'll just need a standard supermarket gluten free flour blend and a few other everyday ingredients. Jam and clotted cream are naturally gluten free so your guests can happily indulge:)

Gluten Free Savoury Afternoon Tea Recipes
If you are going for a full afternoon spread, you might want to offer some savoury items. Often sandwiches are served with afternoon tea, and of course, you can buy gluten free bread. But I don't think it's as nice as regular bread, so I'd rather offer some gluten free alternatives
Quiches
You can use this easy gluten free pastry to make quiches. Make sure that you buy gluten free oats to make the pastry. Or, even easier, make a quiche without a crust.

Drop scones
These dainty little drop scones can be served with savoury toppings. Try them with smoked salmon and cream cheese

Oatcakes
These easy GF oatcakes are perfect to serve with cheese or pate.

Gluten free seed bread
This super easy seed bread recipe is just made with seeds and eggs. It holds together really well and is a little like pumpernickel bread. Try it with egg and cress. (Note most mayonnaise is gluten free, but do check the label.)

Cheese scones
Cheese scones are always a treat and these gluten free cheese scones won't disappoint. You can serve them oozing with butter, or add cheese or some smoked ham.

Savoury muffins
Muffins don't always have to be sweet! These cheese and courgette muffins are made with gluten free oats. Make them into mini muffins for an elegant tea time savoury.

Fruit cake
I think it's nice to serve one or two plain cakes at an afternoon tea party, as well as a few fancier items. Fruit cake is a favourite, and it's really easy to make a good gluten free fruit cake. You can make this gluten free tea loaf, or for something slightly richer I usually bake this sugar free fruit cake recipe using a supermarket gluten free plain flour blend. You could also add a few slices of this easy oat flour banana bread.

Gluten free afternoon tea treats
Of course the top tier of the cake stand tends to have the more indulgent treats. These recipes are all gluten free and have a healthy twist, but they are delicious and nobody will be missing out.
For chocolate lovers, why not try this healthy rocky road? It has popcorn rather than biscuits which gives a lovely crunch and is naturally gluten free. You could also include a few coconut flour chocolate muffins, or these delicious florentines which are clusters of nuts with a thick chocolate base.
Flapjacks are really easy to make using gluten free oats. You could use this gluten free flapjack recipe, or use any of the flapjacks recipes in the baking collection which can all be made with gluten free oats. These no bake flapjacks are one of my favourites, and it'll be one less thing in the oven! Chocolate flapjacks are irresistible. Or try these date and oat slices or apricot slices which have a thick layer of fruit puree between an oaty biscuit layer.
Coconut macaroons make an especially pretty addition to a cake stand. Made with just coconut, egg white and honey they are very quick and easy to make.

If you are hosting your tea party in the spring, you could also add slices of this gluten free flourless rhubarb cake.
Drinks
You'll be pleased to know that tea, wine and champagne are all naturally gluten free. Just take care if you serve any mixed drinks or anything with a beer base as those won't be safe for anyone with coeliac disease. Barley squashes also need to be avoided.
You could also try something a little different with these herbal teas such as rosehip tea, elderflower tea or nettle and mint. Or how about rooibos iced tea in the summer?
Top tips for making gluten free afternoon tea
One of the best ways to ensure that there is no accidental cross contamination when serving gluten free afternoon tea is to serve everybody the same menu. Not only does it take the pressure off your guests, but it also makes things easier for you. And with these gluten free recipes, no one will be missing out!
Take care with any ingredients that you buy in. Check all of the labels carefully, to ensure that everything is coeliac friendly. For example, wheat flour can sometimes be added as a thickener to products such as mustard. Baking powder can contain gluten, and suet has a coating of wheat flour. Read all of your ingredients for allergens.
If you don't always cook gluten free, make sure that items such as your pastry board and rolling pin are spotlessly clean. Whilst coeliacs do not need to use separate kitchenware, it is important that items are washed thoroughly.
If you've got any questions about any of these gluten free afternoon tea recipes, please do get in touch.
Comments
No Comments