There’s nothing like a mid-morning treat to ease those post-breakfast cravings and boost productivity. From fluffy scones and banana bread to quiches, there’s something in a classic morning tea spread for everyone to enjoy - little ones, house guests, and workmates alike. Read on to discover our picks for the best sweet and savoury morning tea ideas NZ-wide!
Sweet morning tea ideas
Sweet treats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser in the late morning. Your kids will love tucking into Kiwigarden’s Corn and Quinoa Cakes or Strawberry Yoghurt Drops during school morning tea breaks. Inspired to try new things? Going beyond your classic cake and cupcakes, we’ve included our favourite home-baked goods below:
Chocolate chip banana bread
Got extra bananas lying around? Don’t let them go to waste - this moist and flavourful baking staple is great as a late breakfast. Combine mashed bananas and melted butter, then add flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in chocolate chips and bake for around an hour. Once cooled, it’s ready to eat!
Lemonade scones with jam and cream
This four-ingredient baked treat is super easy to make and is a staple addition to any morning or afternoon tea event. Combine flour, butter, lemonade, and whipped cream together, knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth, then bake rounds for 15-20 minutes. Finish them off with some delicious jam and leftover whipped cream.
Fluffy pancakes with a choice of toppings
You can’t go wrong with a freshly whipped-up plate of pancakes. Serve them hot and offer a range of different toppings alongside the classic maple syrup to satisfy every taste. Butter, cinnamon, or fresh berries rich in antioxidants are some delicious options. Sprinkle Kiwigarden’s Yoghurt Drops over your young one’s pancake for an extra creamy touch.
Easy blueberry tarts
Reap the health benefits of this superfruit and get energised for the day ahead. Use pre-made frozen tart shells for extra convenience. All you need for the filling is blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon juice. Bake until golden, then offer as a sweet treat for morning tea!
Savoury morning tea ideas
Our tasty Carrot Cheesy Bites and Green Pea and Sweetcorn Kernels are a simple way to add vegetables into even the fussiest eater’s diet. Whether it’s a light brunch or an office tea party, both meat-eaters and vegetarians will love these mouth-watering savoury snacks:
Bacon and egg muffins
This is one of those recipes that you can’t go wrong with when feeding a crowd. Simply combine bacon, eggs, cheese, onions, salt, and pepper, divide the mixture into muffin cups and cook for about 15 minutes. Feel free to customise to your preference for maximum flavour! These muffins taste great served hot or cold.
Spinach and feta mini quiches
A great vegetarian alternative to bacon and egg muffins, these tasty quiches are perfect as a snack at any time of the day. Mix together spinach, feta cheese, spring onion, cream, eggs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, then enjoy!
Classic cucumber sandwiches
These traditional finger sandwiches are perfect for morning tea, afternoon tea, and anything in between! Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, chives, salt, and pepper, then spread over each slice of bread. Layer the cucumbers, top with another bread slice, and remove the crusts. Add different fillings like tomato for a pop of colour. For an extra buttery option, swap the bread with warm croissants.
Cheese and crackers platter
A cheese and cracker spread is the perfect morning tea idea if you’re short on time. Include some gluten-free crackers and dairy-free dips so people with all kinds of dietary requirements can join in. Serve with some dried fruits and nuts for an extra fancy touch!
Morning tea drink ideas
There’s nothing like soothing hot tea, refreshing iced coffee, or nutritious fruit juice to wash those morning tea sweets, cakes, and slices down with. Grab some strawberries, bananas, coconut, and other tasty items, and get creative with juices and smoothies. Alternatively, opt for a simple but beloved orange juice and hot chocolate offering to boost office morale.
