Last Updated on 14th July 2023 by
For a lot of Brits, scones are just a staple of afternoon tea, to be enjoyed with clotted cream and jam exclusively. I don’t want to cause a stir in the scone world and I don’t want to defy a classic British food, but scones and scone toppings can be as creative as you like; you can go sweet or savoury depending on your preference.
Over the years I have experimented with many different types of recipes and toppings. Today I’ll tell you about 20 easy toppings that I have tried that are absolutely delicious and that you can whip up in your kitchen without much effort.
Table of Contents
Sweet Scone Toppings
Fresh fruit
Fresh fruit is the perfect breakfast scone topping; chop, top and eat on the go. I personally love fresh blueberries but any berries you can get your hands on will do. Grapefruit with honey and yoghurt topping is also delicious and a perfect way to start the day.
Lemon Curd
You can buy lemon curd in a specialty food shop, but lemon curd is definitely better homemade, I have a guide on how to make lemon curd! It still amazes me to find that there are people out there who don’t know the difference between curd and custard. I advocate you to put both on a scone and see the difference!
Powdered Sugar
This is one of the most common scone toppings and it’s very easy. It requires nothing more than powdered sugar; just put some in a sieve and sprinkle over hot scones and then serve while still warm.
Cinnamon Chip Scones
Add some festive cheer to your scones with the addition of cinnamon. Simply sprinkle some cinnamon on top of your cooked scone and even a chocolate chip if you have a sweet tooth. Alternatively, you can add the cinnamon and chocolate chips to the dough prior to cooking.
Whipped Cream
If you have time and ingredients to make whipped cream from scratch by all means do, but for every day you can buy your favourite brand to slather on your scones.
Clotted Cream
Some people like to use clotted cream with jam on their scones but I like it fine by itself. Just to be safe you can serve both.
Jams
I admit that making jams at home isn’t the easiest thing to do; I usually buy a few different types as they make for quick scone toppings and are absolutely delicious.
In the UK, the classic afternoon staple jam tends to be Bonne Maman mini jams, and for good reason. They’re delicious on scones and look delightful on display!
Marmalades
Marmalades are different from jams. They are made from oranges but have the right sweet/tangy ratio to complete most scone recipes.
Plain Honey
If you can get your hands on plain honey it is one of the best scone toppings. It doesn’t require any special preparation and provides extra sweetness without any nasty additives. I’m a big believer in quality honey, the less processing the better. The Kiva Raw Manuka honey I’ve been using lately is worth every penny. Much better taste and so good for you!
Nutella
Nutella goes with anything really, and it will give your scones added sweetness and flavour. It’s fuss-free too, as it comes straight out of a jar. I keep a jar in my bedside table which once prompted a friend to buy me a Nutella spoon for secret Santa. I saw the funny side.
Icings and Glazes
If you bake and have some icing left over don’t throw it out; it makes the perfect topping for sweet scone recipes.
Chocolate Chip with Chocolate Sauce
This is one of my favourite scone toppings as it’s easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Savoury Scone Toppings
Smoked Salmon
This is another great way to turn day-old scones into a full meal. I’ve tried it with fresh scones too and it’s just as good. Add some sun dried tomato or creme fraiche if you have any lying around.
Guacamole
Guacamole is easy to make in your kitchen, it’ll only take 10 minutes or so and is so much tastier than store-bought guac. Make sure to season it properly to bring out all the flavours and keep your scones from tasting bland.
I’d probably never make my own guac if I’d never stumbled on this 3 in 1 Avocado Slicer, it’s one of those products that you’ll wonder how you lived without for so long….
Pistachio Urbech
This isn’t an every-day treat for me as pistachio urbech isn’t easy to come across, but if you find it use it as a scone topping with some crushed up pistachios and dark chocolate – it’s absolutely heavenly!
Sun-dried Tomato Paste and Basil
This is for those who like their scone toppings savoury and tangy. An option that my kids would call ‘a proper grown-up lunch’.
Cheese and Chutney
Another one for the savoury palate; you can sprinkle it with peri peri sauce to make it even more delicious. If your friends aren’t onto the savoury scone trend, it’s your duty to educate them.
I love to throw some onto a tasty cheese board with plenty of quince and chutney. Cheese boards are always a winner at dinner parties. I’ve had tons in my time but my current bamboo cheese board is my favourite ever, integrated tools are a big help and look so cute!
Scrambled Egg and Cheese
Scrambled eggs and cheese are every-day breakfast fare, but have you ever thought to try the combination as a scone topping?
Cured Meats and Cheese
This is perfect for Sunday brunch especially if you had a late, alcohol-soaked night! Adding pretty much any antipasti style foods to this will only make it better.
Grilled Cheese
This isn’t a traditional topping and not even a topping at all if you think about it, but I promise you it works. I like to use it with day-old scones as the cheese makes them filling enough to be a meal.
Split the scones into two and grill for a few minutes and then top with whatever cheese you like and pop back in the grill until the cheese starts to melt. You can add sliced tomatoes and lettuce if you like. If you can get it where you are, the ultimate cheese choice is Hickory Farms Hearty Selection. Thank me later….
Herbed Butter
You can make herbed butter at home if you have fresh herbs. It makes a perfect finish for savoury scones. Make just enough to last a day or two and be sure to store it in a cool place.
Of course you can just melt some butter and let it solidify with added herbs, but if you want extra special herbed butter, I love using my gorgeous Kilner butter churner to make extra fresh, extra delicious herbed butter.
I’ve given you my favourite scone toppings; some of these I discovered by accident and others by trial and error. I encourage you to try different combinations of ingredients for scone recipes and toppings of your own.
Sconing Up!
We hope this guide on exploring delicious scone toppings has been both delightful and inspiring for you.
Remember, experimentation is key, and soon you’ll be a connoisseur of pairing scones with the most scrumptious and creative toppings.
If you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment below, or if you prefer a more direct approach, don’t hesitate to contact me directly.
Happy topping and bon appétit!
FAQs
What factors should I consider when choosing a topping for my scones?
When choosing a topping for your scones, consider the flavor profile of the scone itself. A sweeter scone might pair well with tangy or tart toppings like fruit preserves, while a savory scone might be nicely complemented by herbed cream cheese or a rich gravy. Also consider the texture of your scones and how a topping might complement or contrast it. For example, a crunchy sugar topping can add a nice contrast to a soft, fluffy scone.
Can I combine multiple toppings on a scone, or should I stick to just one?
You can definitely experiment with combining multiple toppings on a scone! For example, you might try a layer of clotted cream topped with a dollop of strawberry jam, or a drizzle of honey over butter. Just be sure to consider how the flavors and textures will work together so that one doesn’t overpower the others.
Are there any specific pairings of scone flavors and toppings that you recommend?
Some classic pairings include butter and honey on a plain or whole wheat scone, cream and strawberry jam on a vanilla scone, or cream cheese and smoked salmon on a savory cheese scone. For a fall-themed scone like pumpkin or apple cinnamon, you might try a spiced glaze or a dollop of whipped cream. The possibilities are endless, and the best pairing is often a matter of personal preference.
I'm Pauline, a mother of four grown children, my passion for cooking stemmed from the joy i get cooking for my family. I love to try new dishes, especially when dining out but creating and sharing my own recipes is my favourite thing to do!
Lucy King
Sunday 24th of May 2020
WOW! I tried all of these toppings, and they were all delicious! (Well, except for sun dried tomato and basil. I'm not a big fan of basil, though, so it may just be me.) I've got to say, my favorites were the guac (because who doesn't like guac?) and the whipped cream. My whipped cream recipe is very lemony, and it adds a nice burst of flavor to an otherwise dull scone. The link is below: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/lemon-whipped-cream-234449 Anyway, I suggest you try it. It is delicious!