If you are searching for a delightful treat that combines fresh fruit, creamy textures, and buttery bread into one mouthwatering bite, look no further than the Strawberry Cream Tea Party Sandwiches Recipe. This charming recipe brings together the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries, light whipped cream, and a luscious cream cheese spread—all nestled between soft, crustless white bread slices. Perfect for an elegant afternoon tea, a summer picnic, or any time you want a sweet and refreshing snack, these sandwiches are as beautiful as they are delicious. Once you make this recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite for your tea parties and gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making Strawberry Cream Tea Party Sandwiches Recipe come alive. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding sweetness, creaminess, or that perfect buttery softness to the bread.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy berries for the best sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Helps to macerate the strawberries, enhancing their natural flavor and juiciness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it adds a fluffy, creamy texture that balances the fruit’s tartness.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle hint of vanilla elevates the cream’s flavor without overpowering the strawberries.
- 8 slices white bread: Soft and fresh, with crusts trimmed, perfect for delicate tea sandwiches.
- 1/4 cup butter, softened: Creates a smooth base spread and adds richness to the sandwich.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened: Brings tang and creamy depth to the butter spread.
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese and butter mixture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and a slight tang to the butter and cream cheese spread.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Tea Party Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by washing and thoroughly drying the fresh strawberries. Remove their green tops and then dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. This makes the strawberries easy to spread and bite into without any mess.
Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries
Next, place the chopped strawberries into a bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Gently stir to coat the fruit evenly. Allow this to rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the sugar draws out the sweet juices, softening the berries and creating a naturally fragrant syrup.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
While the strawberries are macerating, pour the heavy cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Add the vanilla extract and whip the cream using a hand mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream will give your sandwiches a light, airy texture that perfectly contrasts with the berries.
Step 4: Make the Butter and Cream Cheese Spread
In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese, mixing until smooth and fully blended. Then add powdered sugar and lemon juice to balance sweetness with a hint of citrus brightness. This spread adds richness and moisture to each sandwich layer.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a thin, even layer of the butter and cream cheese mixture onto each bread slice. After the strawberries have marinated, gently fold the whipped cream into them. This creates a creamy, luscious fruit filling that’s full of flavor and texture. Then, spoon the strawberry cream mixture onto four of the buttered bread slices and top with the remaining slices, butter side down.
Step 6: Finish and Cut
For the classic tea party look and ease of eating, trim the crusts carefully off each sandwich. Cut each sandwich into halves or quarters depending on the size you prefer. Arrange them neatly on a serving platter, ready to impress your guests.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Tea Party Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Add a personal touch by garnishing your sandwiches with a few whole or sliced strawberries on the platter, or sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely garnish, introducing a pop of green and a refreshing scent that complements the strawberry cream filling.
Side Dishes
Pair these sandwiches with delicate tea blends, fresh fruit cups, or light salads for a complete, balanced tea party menu. A small bowl of mixed berries or a side of cucumber sandwiches can create a beautiful contrast in texture and flavor to accompany the strawberries and cream.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate the experience, serve the sandwiches on tiered cake stands or decorative platters layered with lace doilies or fresh flowers. For a whimsical touch, thread the sandwich quarters onto small skewers or toothpicks garnished with a strawberry slice or edible flower petal—these little details wow your guests and make your Strawberry Cream Tea Party Sandwiches Recipe a true centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cover the sandwiches lightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Because of the fresh ingredients, they are best enjoyed within a day to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
Due to the delicate whipped cream and fresh strawberries, freezing is not recommended for this recipe. Freezing would alter the texture of the bread and the fresh fruit, resulting in a soggy and less appetizing sandwich.
Reheating
Reheating is not needed or advised. These sandwiches are meant to be served fresh and chilled to maintain their signature creamy, fresh strawberry delight.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen strawberries. Be sure to drain excess liquid to avoid soggy sandwiches, and adjust sugar levels depending on the sweetness of the berries.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Heavy cream is essential for achieving the light whipped texture in this recipe. If unavailable, whipping cream can work, but it may result in a slightly less stable whipped cream.
Can I make these sandwiches vegan-friendly?
To make a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives. Fresh strawberries and sugar remain the same, offering a delicious plant-based treat.
How long can I keep the sandwiches before serving?
These sandwiches are best eaten within 30 minutes to an hour after assembly. If you need to prepare them in advance, keep them chilled no longer than half a day to ensure the bread stays fresh and the filling holds its texture.
What type of bread works best for Strawberry Cream Tea Party Sandwiches Recipe?
Soft white sandwich bread with the crusts removed is classic and works beautifully. The bread should be fresh and tender, offering a neutral canvas that allows the strawberry and cream flavors to shine through.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Cream Tea Party Sandwiches Recipe is a joyful celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in the most delightful way. Whether you’re hosting a tea, a garden party, or simply craving a sweet snack, these sandwiches offer elegance and comfort all in one bite. So go ahead, gather those strawberries, whip up the cream, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of happiness. You’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can bring so much joy to your table.
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Strawberry Cream Tea Party Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 20m
- Yield: 4 sandwiches (8 halves or 16 quarters)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Cream Tea Party Sandwiches are delicate and delightful treats perfect for afternoon tea or any elegant gathering. Featuring fresh macerated strawberries folded into fluffy vanilla whipped cream, and sandwiched between butter and cream cheese spread white bread slices, these sandwiches offer a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors. They are easy to prepare, require no cooking, and can be served fresh or chilled for a refreshing taste.
Ingredients
Strawberries and Cream
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bread and Spread
- 8 slices white bread
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash the fresh strawberries thoroughly under cold water, remove the green tops, and cut them into small pieces.
- Macerate Strawberries: Place the chopped strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle them with a tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently to combine and set the mixture aside to macerate for about 10-15 minutes.
- Whip Cream: While the strawberries are macerating, pour the heavy cream into a mixing bowl.
- Add Vanilla and Whip: Add the vanilla extract to the heavy cream and use a hand mixer or whisk to beat it until stiff peaks form.
- Chill Whipped Cream: Set the whipped cream aside in the refrigerator to keep it chilled.
- Make Butter-Cream Cheese Spread: In another bowl, combine the softened butter and softened cream cheese.
- Add Sweetness and Mix: Add the powdered sugar and lemon juice to the butter and cream cheese mixture, then mix well until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Spread Bread: Spread a thin layer of the butter and cream cheese mixture on each slice of white bread, covering it evenly.
- Combine Strawberries and Whipped Cream: Once the strawberry mixture has had time to macerate, gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberries, ensuring that the cream is evenly distributed and the strawberries are well coated.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Take four of the buttered bread slices and spoon the strawberry cream mixture onto each slice, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
- Top and Close Sandwiches: Top each with another slice of bread, butter side down, to create sandwiches.
- Trim Crusts: Using a sharp knife, carefully trim the crusts off the edges of the sandwiches.
- Cut Sandwiches: Cut each sandwich into halves or quarters, depending on your preference, to make them more manageable for serving.
- Serve or Chill: Arrange the sandwiches neatly on a platter, and serve immediately or chill them in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before serving for a fresher taste.
Notes
- Use fresh ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Chilling the whipped cream before whipping can help achieve stiffer peaks.
- Sandwiches can be made up to 30 minutes in advance and refrigerated to keep fresh.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute bread with gluten-free slices.
- Cutting off crusts gives sandwiches a delicate, tea-party feel and makes them easier to eat.
