Strawberry tea sandwiches are a delightful treat! They combine soft bread with sweet cream cheese and fresh strawberries, making every bite a little bit of heaven.
These sandwiches are perfect for tea time or a picnic. I love serving them fresh, and they always disappear quickly. Who can resist those bright, fruity flavors? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Soft White Bread: This is perfect for tea sandwiches because it’s soft and easy to cut. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat or gluten-free bread can work too. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.
Fresh Strawberries: Make sure to use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with raspberries or sliced peaches for a different taste. Just be sure to adjust sweetness if needed!
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese gives a creamy texture and rich flavor. If you’re looking for lower fat options, try Neufchâtel cheese, or for a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese. Both are great alternatives!
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese nicely. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using honey or agave syrup, just remember that it will change the texture a bit.
Vanilla Extract: It adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have vanilla, almond extract can be a nice substitute, but start with a smaller amount as it’s stronger.
How Can I Make the Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread?
The key to a delicious strawberry cream cheese spread is ensuring it’s really smooth and well-blended. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with softened cream cheese – let it sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- In a bowl, blend the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or a spatula. Mix until smooth.
- If using food coloring, add it slowly to prevent overshooting your desired shade.
- Mix just until well combined to keep the texture fluffy.
Feeling adventurous? You can add a hint of lemon zest for a refreshing twist!
How to Make Strawberry Tea Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwiches:
- 1 loaf of soft white bread (about 12 slices)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: food coloring (pink, if desired)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You can enjoy these tasty sandwiches right away or place them in the refrigerator for a nice chill until it’s time to serve. Perfect for any tea party or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. Combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s super smooth. If you’d like your spread to have a pretty pink color, add a few drops of food coloring and stir until you get the shade you like!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Next, take your loaf of soft white bread and trim off the crusts from each slice. It’s time to make them cute! Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes from each slice of bread.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now, take half of the heart-shaped bread pieces and spread a generous layer of your strawberry cream cheese mixture on them. Be generous—everyone loves a good spread! Then, layer the sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese.
4. Complete the Sandwiches:
Take the other half of the heart-shaped bread pieces and place them on top of the strawberry layer, making a cute little sandwich. Press down gently to secure the filling.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Arrange your beautiful strawberry tea sandwiches on a serving plate. If you want to make them extra special, feel free to garnish with additional fresh strawberries around the plate. They’re not only delicious but also adorable!
6. Enjoy!
Serve the sandwiches immediately, or if you’re preparing ahead, chill them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy. They’re perfect for any occasion. Yum!
Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Tea Sandwiches at your next tea party or gathering!
Can I Use Different Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While soft white bread is traditional for tea sandwiches, you can use whole wheat, gluten-free bread, or even flavored breads like strawberry or lemon. Just ensure it’s soft enough to make biting through easy!
How to Make These Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the strawberry cream cheese spread a day in advance and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to assemble the sandwiches no more than 2-3 hours before serving, as the bread can get soggy if left too long.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or need a dairy-free alternative, try using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of almond or coconut cream. You can also use mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor, but it may need a touch of sweetener to balance the taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To keep the bread from becoming too soggy, layer them with parchment paper between the sandwiches for added protection.
