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These strawberry tea sandwiches blend delicate sweetness with a creamy texture, making them ideal for afternoon tea or a light, elegant snack. The combination of fresh strawberries and softened cream cheese nestled between tender bread offers a refreshing and visually appealing treat that comes together quickly.
I first made these on a sunny spring afternoon for a casual tea with friends, and they were a hit. Now they are my go-to when I need a no-fuss, charming bite that feels special.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Fresh white bread or bread of choice: choose a soft, fresh loaf without too thick of a crust for the best texture
- Strawberry cream cheese: softened at room temperature so it spreads easily and blends well with the bread
- Fresh strawberries: ripe and firm to keep the sandwich from becoming soggy and to add vibrant color and flavor
How to Make It
- Spoon and Spread Cream Cheese:
- Spread a generous layer of room temperature strawberry cream cheese on one side of each bread slice. Make sure the layer is even to hold the strawberries securely.
- Cut Hearts Carefully:
- Using a cookie cutter shaped like a heart, cut two heart shapes from each slice of bread. Save leftover bread scraps to snack on or toast later.
- Slice and Arrange Strawberries:
- Wash and thinly slice the strawberries. Arrange slices neatly on the cream cheese-covered bread hearts. For a neat presentation, overlap the slices slightly.
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- For open-faced sandwiches, simply serve the strawberries on the cream cheese hearts. For closed sandwiches, place one strawberry-topped heart on top of a plain cream-cheese-covered heart and press gently.
- Serve Immediately:
- These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh to keep the bread soft and strawberries vibrant. Serve on a pretty plate for an inviting presentation.
I love how the fresh strawberry slices add a burst of natural sweetness and a pop of color. One spring, these sandwiches became the centerpiece of an outdoor tea party, and everyone was charmed by their pretty heart shapes and light taste.
Flavor Boosters
Pair these sandwiches with a pot of hot tea such as Earl Grey or chamomile to complement the fruity flavors. Add a small bowl of mixed nuts or a light salad to round out the snack for a more substantial afternoon treat. For a festive touch, dust the sandwiches lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these sandwiches with a pot of hot tea such as Earl Grey or chamomile to complement the fruity flavors. Add a small bowl of mixed nuts or a light salad to round out the snack for a more substantial afternoon treat. For a festive touch, dust the sandwiches lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Creative Twists
Try using flavored cream cheese like vanilla or honey if you want a different twist. If fresh strawberries are out of season, substitute with raspberries or thinly sliced peaches. For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free sandwich bread instead of regular bread. You can swap the hearts for other shapes that suit different occasions like stars for a summer picnic or flowers in spring.
These sandwiches capture the perfect balance of sweet and creamy with a delightful presentation. They’re sure to impress at your next tea gathering.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What bread works best for strawberry tea sandwiches?
Soft white bread is traditional, but any soft bread like brioche or sandwich loaf works well to hold the filling without overpowering the flavors.
- → Can I use other types of cheese instead of strawberry cream cheese?
Yes, cream cheese mixed with a touch of honey or mild goat cheese can be used for variation while complementing the strawberries.
- → How should the strawberries be prepared for these sandwiches?
Strawberries should be thinly sliced to evenly cover the cream cheese layer, ensuring each bite has balanced sweetness and texture.
- → Is there a way to store these sandwiches before serving?
They are best served fresh but can be refrigerated for a short time wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent the bread from drying out.
- → Can I make these sandwiches in advance for a party?
Assembling shortly before serving is ideal to maintain freshness, but preparing components ahead and assembling on-site works well too.