If you’re craving a delightful afternoon treat that bursts with classic charm and a fruity twist, this Cream Tea Scones with Blackberry Whipped Cream Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture golden, tender scones with a lightly crisp exterior, topped with a creamy whipped cream infused with rich blackberry jam. This recipe captures the perfect balance of subtle sweetness and luscious berry flavor, making it ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying a cozy moment by yourself. It’s a timeless British-inspired delight that’s surprisingly easy to make and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cream Tea Scones with Blackberry Whipped Cream Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create magic. Each component plays a vital role: the flour gives structure, the cream adds richness and moisture, and the blackberry jam introduces a fresh, fruity pop that elevates the entire dish.
- 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base and delicate crumb texture for the scones.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the scones their light, fluffy rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the scones just enough without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that complements the cream and berries.
- 1 1/3 to 1 1/2 cups heavy or whipping cream: Moistens the scone dough and contributes to its tender crumb.
- Coarse white sparkling sugar: Sprinkled on top for delightful crunch and sparkle.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for filling): Whipped to soft peaks for the luscious whipped cream.
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens the whipped cream gently.
- 1/4 cup seedless blackberry jam: Swirled into the whipped cream for that beautiful blackberry burst.
How to Make Cream Tea Scones with Blackberry Whipped Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Scone Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until evenly combined. The dry ingredients lay the foundation for tender scones with just the right rise and crumb texture.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Moisture
Stir in the vanilla extract, then gradually pour in 1 1/3 cups of the heavy cream, mixing gently with a fork or spatula. You’re aiming for a soft, slightly sticky dough—if it feels too dry, add a tablespoon or two more cream. Be careful not to overmix, as tender scones require a light hand.
Step 3: Shape and Cut the Dough
Dust your workspace lightly with flour and turn the dough out. With floured hands, pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a round cutter or a sharp knife to cut about 8 equal rounds or wedges. Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart to allow even baking.
Step 4: Add the Sparkling Sugar and Bake
Brush the tops of the scones lightly with cream, then sprinkle them generously with coarse white sparkling sugar for that delightful crunch and shimmer. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the tops turn a lovely golden brown and the scones feel set to the touch.
Step 5: Whip the Blackberry Cream
While your scones are baking, whip together 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 tablespoon powdered sugar until it holds soft peaks. Gently fold in the seedless blackberry jam to create luscious blackberry whipped cream, with pretty purple swirls and a fresh fruity flavor.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack so they stay tender but aren’t too hot. Then, generously dollop the blackberry whipped cream on each scone. This final step transforms simple scones into an elegant treat that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Cream Tea Scones with Blackberry Whipped Cream Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra elegant touch, sprinkle fresh blackberries or a tiny dusting of powdered sugar on top of the whipped cream. A few mint leaves add a lovely pop of green and a subtle herbal freshness that complements the berry flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your scones alongside a pot of robust black tea or a delicate Earl Grey to soak in the full cream tea experience. A small bowl of clotted cream or extra jam on the side also pairs wonderfully, letting guests customize their bites with added richness or fruity sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Cream Tea Scones with Blackberry Whipped Cream Recipe on a rustic wooden board with handwritten labels or atop a pretty cake stand for a charming afternoon tea display. Individual ramekins filled with extra whipped cream and jam give guests delightful little extras they can enjoy at their leisure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep their perfect texture, avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out. Keep the blackberry whipped cream separate in the fridge and add it fresh when ready to serve.
Freezing
Scones freeze beautifully. Place unbaked or baked scones on a tray in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven to refresh that freshly baked glow. Whipped cream should not be frozen; prepare it fresh instead.
Reheating
To bring your scones back to life, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps restore their flaky exterior and tender interior perfectly. Add the blackberry whipped cream only after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of jam?
While fresh or frozen blackberries can be used to make your own jam or stirred directly into the whipped cream, using seedless blackberry jam ensures a smoother and more consistent spread. Fresh berries may make the cream a bit watery unless cooked down first.
What’s the best flour to use for scones?
Unbleached all-purpose flour is ideal for these scones because it offers a good balance of gluten strength and tenderness. Using self-rising flour isn’t recommended here since we control the leavening with baking powder for the perfect rise.
Can I make these scones vegan or dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free cream alternatives such as coconut cream for the dough and whipped topping, but note the texture and flavor will vary from traditional scones. Also, vegan baking powder and sugar should be used to keep it completely plant-based.
How long do scones keep fresh after baking?
Freshly baked scones are best enjoyed within a day or two. After that, they start to lose their softness. To prolong their life, you can freeze them immediately after baking and reheat before serving.
Can I add flavors like lemon zest or spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! Lemon zest or a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a new dimension of flavor to your scones. Just add these to the dry ingredients before mixing, and enjoy a lovely twist on the classic recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and utterly charming about the Cream Tea Scones with Blackberry Whipped Cream Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone who loves baking and afternoon treats. These scones offer the perfect blend of buttery richness and fruity brightness, effortlessly elevating any tea time or cozy gathering. I encourage you to give this recipe a spin—you’ll be rewarded with a batch of warm, tender scones and luscious blackberry cream that will quickly become a favorite to share over good conversation and steaming cups of tea.
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Cream Tea Scones with Blackberry Whipped Cream Recipe
These Cream Tea Scones with Blackberry Whipped Cream are a perfect blend of tender, crumbly scones paired with a luscious, fruity whipped cream topping. Ideal for afternoon tea or a delightful brunch treat, these scones boast a subtly sweet flavor enhanced by vanilla and crunchy sparkling sugar on top, complemented with homemade blackberry whipped cream for a fruity finish.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 scones
Ingredients
Scones
- 3 cups unbleached all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup granulated sugar, to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 to 1 1/2 cups heavy or whipping cream
- Coarse white sparkling sugar (for topping)
Blackberry Whipped Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup seedless blackberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for a good rise and tender crumb in your scones.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract and 1 1/3 cups of the heavy cream to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the dough just comes together, adding more cream as needed up to 1 1/2 cups, to form a soft but manageable dough.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a round disk about 1-inch thick. Avoid overworking to keep the scones tender.
- Cut the Scones: Use a floured round cutter or knife to cut the dough into desired shapes, typically circles or wedges. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Sparkling Sugar: Sprinkle the tops of each scone with coarse white sparkling sugar to add a crunchy, sweet crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Blackberry Whipped Cream: While scones bake, combine 1 cup heavy whipping cream and 1 tablespoon powdered sugar in a chilled mixing bowl. Whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Incorporate Blackberry Jam: Gently fold in the 1/4 cup seedless blackberry jam into the whipped cream to create a marbled fruity whipped cream topping.
- Serve: Once scones have cooled slightly, slice them in half and spread generously with the blackberry whipped cream. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Do not overmix the scone dough to keep the texture light and flaky.
- Use cold heavy cream to help achieve the right dough consistency.
- Sparkling sugar on top adds a lovely crunch and pretty finish to the scones.
- The blackberry whipped cream can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving; re-whip slightly if it deflates.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, but note the texture and flavor will differ.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
