How to make an English Cream Tea with Clotted Cream from The Devon Cream Company

Or the companionship of video-calling your granny and raising your best china teacups to each other from the other side of the country? Perhaps it’s just an excuse to eat all your random baking experiments in one sitting for something that (sort of) qualifies as an actual meal. Light and fluffy, with just a hint of sweetness, fresh British scones are perfect for slathering with clotted cream and strawberry jam. So, whether you choose to make your own clotted cream or opt for a substitute, don’t skip this essential component of a British-style cream tea.

Homemade British-style scones

It is a quintessentially British tradition and is a delightful and indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion. If you want to put your own twist to the typical cream tea, then you can add delicious lemon curd to your scones. If ever there was a recipe destined for National Cream Tea Day, it’s this super-sized clotted cream and strawberry jam scone. Whether you want to spread with clotted cream or jam firstis at the cook’s discretion... Traditional Black English tea, Darjeeling (an aromatic floral tea from India) or Earl Grey (a blend of black teas scented with oil of bergamot) were typically served. By using these ingredients, each with its traditional roots, you’ll be sure to craft a cream tea experience that honours its history.

Read on to find out about the making of the cream and the history behind this quintessential British pastime. The glorious combination of tea, scones, clotted cream, and jam – what more could one ask for? But where do you start if you want to learn more about this quintessentially British delight? Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned scone scoffer, there are plenty of resources at your disposal.

Afternoon tea is a much more robust version of cream tea with savory food items such as finger sandwiches and mini quiche. Scones, petit fours, or other small cakes or confections are also part of the fare. To better understand the differences between cream tea, afternoon tea, and high tea, let’s take a look at what sets each one apart from the other. The beauty of tea time in England is that it can be enjoyed at any time!

Traditionally, the upper classes would serve a ‘low’ or ‘afternoon’ tea around four o’clock. The middle and lower classes would have a more substantial ‘high’ tea. This was served later in the day at five or six o’clock, in place of a late dinner. The ‘high’ and ‘low’ names were given for the height of the tables used each time. Rodda’s and Tiptree donate up to 50,000 portions of Cornish clotted cream and jam a year, to help charity event organisers on their way.

What’s The Difference Between Cream Tea And Afternoon Tea?

• It represents a pause from the hustle and bustle, offering a moment to savour and connect.
• A well-thought-out theme ties everything together and creates a memorable experience.
• The scones can have dried currants or other fruits but simple is best here.
• Once scones are shaped, chill them before baking – the final chill relaxes the gluten resulting in a tender texture.

The rich and indulgent flavor of clotted cream is what sets this tea apart and makes it a truly memorable treat. The star of the show when it comes to a British-style cream tea is undoubtedly the clotted cream. This rich and velvety delight adds a luxurious touch to the tea and elevates the entire experience. While it may be difficult to find clotted cream in the US, making it at home is surprisingly simple. On the other hand, high tea is a more substantial meal that is typically served in the early evening. High tea originated as a working-class meal and was meant to be a hearty and satisfying option after a long day of work.

Lemon curd isn’t a traditional scone accompaniment for this tea service but can be served as well if preferred. If you’d like something bold, malty and great with milk, prepare Assam black tea or a classic like Earl Grey tea. It is different from afternoon tea as it is just one course, not three.

But we do know that Cream Tea – for both counties, really started to boom following the opening of the Railways in the mid-1850s. The Cream Tea, much the reserve of the West Country is without a doubt one of the tastiest tourist treats available in the western counties of England. ©2026 Hearst UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 30 Panton Street, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ. These little loaves are reminiscent of lemon drizzle cake, and the addition of courgette and thyme gives them even more character.

However, it’s important to note that not all tea bags are created equal. Some brands use low-quality tea dust, which won’t give you the best flavor. Look for brands like Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders or Murchie’s Tea from Canada, which use high-quality tea leaves in their bags.

Etiquette adds a layer of sophistication to your gathering, making even the simplest event feel special. These timeless venues offer a retreat from the mundaneness of daily life, transporting you to a slower, more reflective era. It’s the way these treats are assembled that makes the main difference.

However, when it comes to the more formal styles of tea, such as afternoon tea and high tea, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind. Afternoon tea is more expensive and takes longer to enjoy than cream tea because it’s more substantial. If you want the tea and scone experience but are short on time or funds, opt for cream tea. This version of afternoon tea is what’s usually served in hotels and restaurants all over the world.

A traditional cream tea is a delightful British treat that pairs perfect with a leisurely afternoon. In essence, cream tea involves enjoying scones adorned with clotted cream and jam, accompanied by a hot cup of tea. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that evokes comfort and tradition.

Devon and Cornwall counties in England are the birthplaces of clotted cream. There’s been an ongoing dispute on which is better, Devonshire or Cornish clotted cream. You won’t find Cornish clotted cream anywhere else except in England because it is made with fresh milk from Cornwall cows. This mid-day time to replenish a growling stomach began in the 1800s.

It can be enjoyed whenever you’re in the mood for a little treat and a cup of tea. Traditionally, cream tea is served with warm scones, ideally freshly baked. If you can’t get them from your local bakery, you can make your own following https://www.thecoffeerush.co.uk/ our recipe for the perfect light and fluffy scones! This version has currants for the proper cream tea experience but you can easily swap them out for raisins, nuts, cheese or make plain scones. Cream tea is afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, pastries and scones with clotted cream and jam.

Regardless of whether you choose Devon or Cornish, you’re embracing a scrumptiously rich part of British tradition. Sip your tea, tuck into your scone (no matter the order), and take a delicious bite out of history. Cornish cream tea insists that jam goes first, followed by a dollop of clotted cream. Maybe it’s a rebellious streak, maybe it’s just local pride, but they argue that a layer of succulent jam under a cloud of cream is the real deal. Created by Le Cordon Bleu cookery school to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, this dish is the kind of 1950s retro we’re glad to rediscover in sandwich form.

Cornish clotted cream was traditionally made from fresh, unpasteurized milk. High tea offers a much heartier food fare for the working class. Foods may include salad, meat, soup, and perhaps dessert. Not to make matters more confusing, the English may refer to a meal as “tea,” which includes foods that would typically accompany high tea. An afternoon tea typically includes a selection of sweet and savoury treats.