Mary Berry Afternoon Tea Recipe

This crumbly, tender Mary Berry Afternoon Tea Recipes classic is made with self-raising flour, butter, and sultanas, ready in 25 minutes. Pulling the golden baked scones from the oven fills the kitchen with a rich buttery aroma. I always look forward to serving these warm with thick clotted cream.

Why This Classic Works

For years, my baking always turned out dense and flat. I learned that rubbing the butter in lightly is absolutely essential. Avoiding overworking the dough ensures a proper crumbly texture.

This straightforward method creates the perfect rise every time. Now I can reliably bake a batch that rivals any top-tier tea room.

Mary Berry Afternoon Tea Recipes Ingredients

• 450g self-raising flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 75g softened butter
• 50g caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 225ml milk
• 75g sultanas

How To Make Mary Berry Afternoon Tea Recipes

1. Prepare Oven And Trays: Preheat the oven to 220C (200C fan) and lightly grease two baking trays.
2. Rub The Butter: Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl, then rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Add Sugar And Fruit: Stir the caster sugar and the sultanas evenly into the dry ingredients.
4. Mix The Wet Ingredients: Beat the eggs in a measuring jug, then add enough milk to reach exactly 300ml of total liquid.
5. Form The Dough: Pour most of the liquid into the bowl, mixing gently until a soft dough comes together.
6. Cut The Shapes: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, pat to 2cm thick, and cut out rounds using a 5cm fluted cutter.
7. Bake To Golden: Place the rounds on the trays, brush with the remaining egg mixture, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until risen.

Recipe Tips

• Handle gently: Over-kneading the dough will result in tough, flat bakes.
• Check the baking powder: Ensure your raising agents are fresh for maximum height and a fluffy interior.
• Do not twist the cutter: Press straight down to ensure an even rise in the hot oven.

What To Serve With Classic Scones

Serve warm with generous dollops of Cornish clotted cream and high-quality strawberry preserve. A freshly brewed pot of Earl Grey or Darjeeling tea is the perfect pairing.

How To Store

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They freeze brilliantly for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in foil. Defrost at room temperature and warm slightly before serving.

FAQs

Why did my bake not rise?

The baking powder may be expired, or the dough was rolled too thinly. Twisting the cutter can also seal the edges and prevent rising.

Can I leave out the sultanas?

Yes, you can omit the dried fruit entirely for a plain version. The base recipe remains exactly the same.

Should I use cold or softened butter?

Softened butter is easier to rub into the flour quickly without overworking the mixture. This keeps the dough light.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 28g
• Protein: 4g

Try More Recipes:

• Mary Berry Mulled Wine Recipe
• Mary Berry Pavlova Wreath Recipe
• Mary Berry Coffee and Walnut Cake Recipe