All the recipes you could ever need to put on a party to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE day!! Featuring my easy cheats versions of the recent royal trifles along with classics like scones, dips, sausage rolls, veggies and salads plus loads of other sweet and savoury treats!
The 80th anniversary of VE Day will be marked on 8 May 2025. This marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning on staying home with the family and having a little spread for tea or joining a large street party, you can mix and match and pick as many or as few recipes as you want to make from this list.
My recipes are all suitable for such parties but if you are looking for some truly wartime inspired recipes, do have a look at the Ration Book Recipes collection prepared by Janice over at Farmersgirl Kitchen.
VE Day Party Showstoppers – Trifles!
Every feast needs a centrepiece and I learnt from the platinum jubilee is that a trifle remains the popular choice!
Cheat’s Platinum Jubilee Pudding – Lemon Swiss Roll & Amaretti Trifle
The official Platinum Jubilee Pudding but quicker, smaller, easier and cheaper! This easy version of the winning Lemon Swiss Roll & Amaretti Trifle by Jemma Melvin recipe has simple fool proof instructions and full step by step photographs to help you make a stress and faff-free Jubilee centrepiece!
Cheat’s Chocolate Trifle (Extra Easy Recipe)
This Cheat's Chocolate Trifle comes together in one easy session without needing to wait for any layers to chill. There's swiss roll, chocolate custard, angel delight, chocolate spread and fresh cream. All topped off with chocolate chips. When I say it's extra easy, I really do mean it but more importantly, it's absolutely delicious too!
Cheat’s Coronation Trifle – Strawberry & Ginger
The official Coronation trifle created for the coronation of King Charles III wasn't well promoted but I went ahead and made an easier to follow and make version of the Strawberry & Ginger Trifle anyway! This Cheat's Coronation Trifle retains all the essence and flavour of the original but with less effort, cost and time.
Easy Sherry Trifle with Jelly & Sponge Fingers Recipe
There are a million recipes for great trifle out there. But my Easy Sherry Trifle with Jelly & Sponge Fingers harks back to those classic 70s trifles we all know and love. Not as basic as a packet Bird's trifle but with no faffing with gelatine or homemade egg custards, this is the perfect combination of flavour, texture and convenience.
Sherry Trifle Cheesecake Recipe
Want a classic British trifle that’s easy to slice and serve and has a fun twist?! Introducing the show-stopping no bake Sherry Trifle Cheesecake! It’s got all the flavours of a traditional trifle with sherry soaked strawberries, Bird’s custard and real cream topping! Brilliant!
Individual Cheat’s Strawberry & Ginger Coronation Trifles
If you want to make individual version of the Strawberry & Ginger Coronation Trifles for a smaller crowd, this is the recipe for you. The recipe is rewritten so it's easy to follow and uses simplified ingredients and methods. Plus I've shared a few ideas to make them look extra fancy for minimal extra effort.
It Wouldn’t be a British Celebration without Scones!
Best Scones Ever! (Small Batch Recipe)
The Best Scones Ever is a big claim but I'm ok with it. After years of experimenting, I have finally found the perfect recipe for light and fluffy plain scones that rise perfectly and taste delish – no dry or crumbly scones here! What's more, this is a classic scone recipe with no dried fruit and no faffing.
The Best Fruit Scones Recipe! (Small Batch)
If my plain scone recipe is the best ever plain scone recipe (and it really is), then this must be the Best Fruit Scones Recipe! A small batch recipe with the addition of flavour packed raisins, these are quick and easy to make and bake. Perfect for an afternoon tea, cheeky snack or as part of a wonderful celebration feast!
The Best Cheese Scones Recipe!
Look you might just think I'm being big headed but this really is The Best Cheese Scones Recipe. They're delightfully crispy on the outside, beautifully soft in the centre and packed to the brim with cheese. Try them once and I know you'll agree!
Mini British Scones Recipe
They may be small in stature but these Mini British Scones pack plenty of punch. They're full of flavour and soft and crumbly in all the right places. You can whip them up in barely any time at all as a delicious snack or centrepiece for a cream tea or celebration!
Big Fluffy Scones Recipe
These Big Fluffy Scones aren't just on the larger side or simply not dainty and small, they're truly big! And like all of my scone recipes, they're most certainly fluffy too.
Don’t forget the Jam…
Simple Cakes & Bakes
Vanilla & Plain Cakes
Victoria Sandwich Cake with Buttercream Recipe
This Victoria Sandwich Cake with Buttercream takes the simple traditional jam filled sponge cake and adds just a little something extra. Just as wonderful with a cup of tea or as a celebration centerpiece, you'll come back to this classic recipe time and time again!
Vanilla Butterfly Fairy Cakes Recipe
These simple Vanilla Butterfly Fairy Cakes are a classic small cake or bun which are both fun to eat and fun to make. They’re ideal for little ones to help make and slightly older little ones to tackle on their own!
Pound Cake (Easy Loaf Cake Recipe)
This classic plain Pound Cake is the simplest cake you’ll ever make. I’ve stripped the traditional recipe back to basics to make an easy loaf cake that is plain in name but not in nature. Pound cake is a staple in the southern states of America and now I know why!
Sweet Tarts
Cornflake Tart Slice – British School Recipe
Cornflake Tart Slice is an old school dinner classic that's packed with nostalgia but more importantly, is absolutely delicious. Using homemade, shop bought or even ready baked shortcrust pasty, the simple base is filled with golden syrup coated cornflakes and an all important layer of strawberry jam. Just add custard!
Simple Jam Tarts with Shortcrust Pastry
A true British classic, these Simple Jam Tarts made with crisp shortcrust pastry couldn’t be easier to make. With just two ingredients, they’re perfect for a fuss-free treat, whether you fancy a quick snack, want to use up leftover pastry or bake something simple with kids.
Baked Lemon Curd Tarts with Shortcrust Pastry
These Baked Lemon Curd Tarts are a simple yet irresistible treat. Crisp shortcrust pastry and tangy lemon curd work in perfect harmony to make these classic little tarts. With just two ingredients and a short cook time, they're ideal for baking with kids or making the most of leftover ingredients.
Chocolate Cakes & Treats
Chocolate Butterfly Fairy Cakes Recipe
These Chocolate Butterfly Fairy Cakes are a fun twist on classic vanilla butterfly cakes. With a rich cocoa packed sponge cake and a super chocolaty buttercream, they're simple enough to make with the kids and tasty enough to be loved by big and little kids alike!
Small Batch Parkin Recipe
Although this Small Batch Parkin recipe was created to be a layer of a trifle, it's also a really easy and delicious way to make a smaller quantity of traditionally spiced parkin. This oaty twist on rich and sticky gingerbread cake stores well and can be eaten cold or warm, ideally with lashings of custard.
Simple Chocolate Brownie Cake Recipe
This Simple Chocolate Brownie Cake recipe really does keep things simple. By using half milk chocolate its not too dark, heavy or bitter plus making round brownies means no more decisions about whether to have an edge or gooey middle piece – genius!
Easy Chocolate Chip Flapjacks Recipe (British Oat Bars)
These Chocolate Chip Flapjacks are soft, chewy and jam packed full of chocolate. Not to be confused with American flapjacks which are actually pancakes, these British style oat bars are full of beautiful golden syrup flavour. Plus they're a one bowl wonder and super quick and easy to make.
Crispy Chocolate Cornflake Cakes Recipe
Crispy Chocolate Cornflake Cakes are one of the simplest treats to put together. Turn them into Easter nests by adding mini chocolate eggs for a cute Easter treat or top with your favourite chocolates for a year-round treat. Ideal to make with kids but entirely appropriate for adults too!
Savouries – Sausage Rolls
Stick with the classic
Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls
Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls are some of the most moreish foodstuffs on the planet. There is a reason Greggs Sausage Rolls are so damn popular you know! But they are super easy to make at home with great sausage meat for an even better version!
Cheese & Onion Rolls with Puff Pastry Recipe
These easy Cheese & Onion Rolls are almost as common on a British buffet as their sausage cousins! Using fluffy potato as a base and packed with onion and tasty cheese, they really are a delicious veggie puff pastry snack. Air fryer and oven instructions included for extra ease!
Or explore all my recipes including giant rolls to share, shortcrust, filo and suet versions plus a vegan option and different fillings like beef, chicken and a vegetarian mushroom option…
More Savoury Pastry Options
Puff Pastry Quiche with Bacon, Courgette & Mozzarella Recipe
My Puff Pastry Quiche with Bacon, Courgette & Mozzarella is almost a complete meal in itself! I just can’t get enough of the light puff pastry crust packed full of smoky bacon, vegetables and melty mozzarella in a soft and creamy egg custard filling. Serve hot or cold for a tasty and portable treat.
Easy Spinach, Edamame Bean & Parsley Quiche Recipe
Created as a quicker and easier version of the official coronation quiche recipe, this Spinach, Edamame Bean & Parsley Quiche turned out delicious! Using ready made pasty and with no blind baking, this simpler recipe includes full step by step images and detailed instructions to make this shortcrust pastry quiche foolproof.
Quiche Lorraine with Homemade Thyme Pastry Recipe
My classic Quiche Lorraine with Homemade Thyme Pastry combines a lovely short and buttery crust with salty bacon, smooth melty cheese and the most delicious and delicate eggy custard filling. Its a mystery how pastry, eggs and bacon can be so light but trust me, this quiche is stunning!
Puff Pastry Bacon & Egg Pie Recipe
Puff Pastry Egg & Bacon Pie is a simple quiche taken to the next level. More pastry for the win! This particular pie includes boiled eggs as well as chunky gammon pieces and the smoothest, creamiest egg filling! You have to try it!
Chorizo Rose Tarts Recipe
My Chorizo Rose Tarts are a ridiculously easy way to make yourself look like a incredibly talented baker with minimal skill required! These beautiful but simple savoury scrolls with chorizo, mozzarella and chutney wrapped in puff pastry are perfect for lunchboxes, picnics or even an on-the-go breakfast. Go on, give them a try!
Puff Pastry Asparagus Wraps Recipe
Puff Pastry Asparagus Wraps are a vegetarian version of the classic bacon & mozzarella variety. The asparagus is tender and sweet while the cheeses provide tang and gooeyness against the crisp and flaky pastry. Be warned, make these and you’ll be eating cheesy asparagus pastries for breakfast lunch and dinner!
More Savouries – Veggie & Vegan
Retro Devilled Eggs Recipe
I'm sad that these Retro Devilled Eggs haven't quite stood the test of time like other 70s classics like trifle or prawn cocktail! But falling out of fashion doesn't make them any less delicious – so lets buck a trend and bring them back to the buffet table!
Confit Tomato Bruschettas with Pesto & Mozzarella Recipe
These Confit Tomato Bruschettas with Pesto & Mozzarella make a perfect light bite, appetiser or canape. Fresh basil, slow cooked and garlic infused tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and classic tangy pesto top toasted ciabatta slices for a perfect Caprese salad inspired antipasto. Classic Italian flavours for the win!
Air Fryer Brie Recipe – Simply Baked
This Air Fryer Brie recipe is simplicity itself. With it's creamy texture, rich flavour and soft white rind, brie cheese is perfect for baking into a near instant hot dip. Ideal as an appetiser to share, a hearty lunch for one or served at a party, it's ready in around 10 minutes with minimal fuss or effort needed.
Tofu Spring Rolls (Vietnamese Summer Rolls Recipe)
These Tofu Spring Rolls are the super tasty vegan version of my classic Vietnamese King Prawn Summer Rolls. They are naturally gluten free, spicy and packed with flavour. And they're easy to make, light and fresh to boot. Perfect.
Meaty Treats
How to Air Fry Chicken Drumsticks
Instructions for how to Air Fry Chicken Drumsticks are actually really simple. With just a couple of easy tips and tricks, this economical cut of chicken leg will come out the air fryer with perfect crispy skin and juicy meat every time. Quick, easy, delicious and super adaptable, what more can you ask for?!
Air Fryer Hot Dogs with Buns Recipe
These Air Fryer Hot Dogs give you a juicy frankfurter sausage with a perfect snap of the skin, all served on a soft bun that's warmed (but not toasted) to perfection right in the air fryer. Whether you keep things simple or serve them fully loaded, hot dogs are a perennial favourite and incredibly easy to put together.
Bacon & Cherry Bites Recipe
My Bacon & Cherry Bites are the perfect canape for almost any occasion. And I know they sound weird and I know that your guests will give you the side eye before trying them but trust me, you’ll wish you made double because everyone loves them, even the strongest sceptics. Including me!
Air Fryer Cocktail Sausages – Mini Pork Sausages Recipe
These Air Fryer Cocktail Sausages are simplicity itself. They're an ideal little snack or delicious as part of a buffet or picnic spread. Just as tasty served hot or cold, these mini pork sausages are great for lunchboxes too or even as a fun addition to a breakfast feast.
Sticky Maple Chicken Wings (Gluten Free Recipe)
My Sticky Maple Chicken Wings are the ultimate dig-in-and-get-sticky party food! You think you're just going to have one and then all of a sudden you realise you've eaten half the bowl and you're getting evil stares from the rest of the room. And you have sticky glaze all up your face. Yeh, you should make these for sure!
Chicken Satay Skewers Recipe
Chicken Satay Skewers are an ageless classic dish found all over Asia. My recipe uses chicken thighs for extra juicy skewers and my own homemade tasty sauce. Perfect for every occasion from lunchboxes, to picnics, buffets and tasty Asian feasts.
Ginger Ham with Southern Comfort Glaze Recipe
My Ginger Beer Boiled Ham with a Southern Comfort glaze is inspired by a Nigella Lawson recipe with added booze. The ginger beer permeates the ham to give a great twist on a classic party centrepiece. And I am rarely allowed to attend a party unless I bring a ham. True story.
BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe – Boiled & Baked
BBQ Pork Ribs are one of my favourite sticky, sweet and smoky treats. Individual spare ribs are first boiled and then baked in the oven to produce soft and tender glazed morsels. They’re perfect for nearly any occasion.
Classic British Scotch Eggs Recipe
Classic British Scotch Eggs can have a million variations but my favourite is this simple pork sausage recipe. With crispy breadcrumbs, juicy pork sausage and an egg with just the right amount of slightly runny yolk, they're already perfect! Homemade Scotch Eggs are next level but not at all difficult. Give these a try now!
Savouries – Fish
How to Air Fry Salmon Fillets (Fresh or Frozen)
Find out how to quickly and easily Air Fry Salmon Fillets from either fresh or frozen in this easy to follow guide. I've kept things simple so these instruction are a great starting point to add your choice of extra seasoning, marinade or glaze.
Vietnamese Summer Rolls with King Prawn Recipe
Vietnamese Summer Rolls are incredibly easy to make, naturally gluten free and everything you need is available right in the supermarket. King Prawn adds a touch of luxury to a stunning dish with barely any cooking. They’re perfect for a warm summers day!
How to Air Fry Whitebait
These simple instructions for How to Air Fry Whitebait will give you crunchy and crispy fry fish with all the joy of deep frying and none of the fuss. With just a dusting of flour but no breadcrumbs or batter, they simply need a squeeze of lemon to serve.
Salmon Maki Sushi Rolls Recipe
These Salmon Maki Sushi Rolls are my take on the most classic looking sushi. Raw fresh salmon is wrapped in sticky sushi rice and crispy seaweed. The bite-size rolls are a world away from dodgy supermarket sushi and surprisingly easy to make.
How to Air Fry King Prawns (Raw-Peeled)
Discover my handy guide and tips for How to Air Fry King Prawns to perfection. Keeping things nice and simple, I show you how to prepare raw peeled prawns ready to air fry and how to get the best caramelisation without overcooking them.
Dips
Just add crisps, raw veggies, tortilla chips or fresh breads!
Guacamole Recipe
Holy Guacamole! Did you know that you can own a house and enjoy avocado on a regular basis? I’m living proof folks! Guacamole is a family favourite around these parts this is my recipe for a fully loaded but nearly smooth guacamole. So tasty!
Peach Salsa Recipe (with Canned Peaches)
Peach Salsa is a fresh and light side dish or sauce packed with tomatoes, peppers and coriander. Canned peaches add a fruity sweetness to this twist on a classic Mexican pico de gallo or salsa fresca. It’s ideal for summery barbecues and my favourite way to bring some colour and life to winter!
Coriander Mint Yoghurt Sauce Recipe
This super simple Coriander Mint Yoghurt Sauce is a 5 minute versatile wonder that brings a soothing hit to all manner of dishes. Cool a curry, dress up a taco or take a mezze feast to the next level. It makes everything better so you’ll end up whipping up a batch most days like me
Satay Sauce (Vegan Recipe)
Satay Sauce is one of my absolute favourite Asian sauces and I’m so pleased that I’ve finally settled on the perfect recipe. This ultimate versatile sauce can be used as a marinade, stir fry sauce or dipping sauce.
Tahini Yogurt Dressing Recipe
This easy no-cook Tahini Yogurt Dressing is a flavour bomb which takes a simple garlic, coriander sauce and ramps it up a notch with the tang of sesame paste. In even better news, it’s so versatile that it’s equally at home with Indian, Mexican and Middle Eastern inspired dishes.
Hot Honey Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe
This Hot Honey Butter Garlic Sauce is a magical 5 minute elixir of incredible flavour that makes anything that it touches taste incredible. Now this might sound like an exaggeration but nope, it really is that good!
Simple Plain Hummus Recipe (Super Smooth)
This classically flavoured Plain Hummus is one of those foods where the homemade version ruins you for the shop-bought kind. Luckily it is super simple to make with easy to obtain ingredients. My version is creamy, silky smooth and ready in just 15 minutes.
Salads & Vegetables
Salt & Chilli Edamame Beans Recipe
My Salt & Chilli Edamame Beans are inspired by the tasty morsels served by Wagamamas. But with my version, there is no popping beans out of pods or wasting precious seasoning on the inedible bits! Did I mention they’re ready in under 10 minutes?
Air Fried Roasted Radishes Recipe
Air Fried Roasted Radishes are a bit of a revelation! They crisp up on the outside and go beautifully soft and creamy in the middle. They can be air fried from raw and are a really versatile veggie side – try in salads or even serve them in place of baby potatoes!
Griddled Courgettes (Zucchini) Recipe
These slightly charred Griddled Courgettes are a simple side with less than simple flavour! With a touch of garlic and finished with zaatar spice mix, they’re ideal as part of a middle eastern inspired mezze platter, bbq side or simple salad!
Ingredients
Griddled Bell Peppers Recipe
These easy Griddled Bell Peppers are simple to make but pack a big punch flavour wise. You can make them indoors or outside on a bbq or grill. They only take 15 minutes and are a brilliant side dish or ingredient. And they’re ideal for meal prep too!
Roasted Aubergine Recipe with Pomegranate Molasses
This Roasted Aubergine with Pomegranate Molasses & Pul Biber recipe is incredibly simple but the perfect addition to a mezze feast. The flesh is scored before roasting for maximum flavour & it is equally great cooked directly over charcoal.
Easy Creamy Coleslaw with Crème Fraîche Recipe
A Light & Easy Creamy Coleslaw is a staple of any cooks repertoire and everyone seems to have their own classic recipe. This is mine. Its light, sweet and crunchy without being claggy or feeling like a “healthier” version of something better.
Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
Classic Caesar Salad is exactly that. Classic. Minimal ingredients give maximum flavour which makes it perfect as a starter or side dish. Make sure this classic makes it into your repertoire.
Bread and Carbs
Lemon & Coriander Couscous Recipe
This How to Cook Couscous guide shows you how to quickly and easily prepare couscous in around 8 minutes. Add any flavourings you like or keep it plain. My lemon & coriander version is the perfect base for a summery salad or a perfect side dish for a Middle Eastern mezze platter, BBQ or picnic!
Turkish Rice with Vermicelli Pasta (Şehriyeli Pilav Recipe)
This Turkish Rice recipe is not only packed with flavour but the addition of small strands of vermicelli pasta adds an extra nuttiness and lovely texture. It's the perfect side dish that is ideal for serving with many meals, not just a Turkish feast!
Chilli and Oregano Soda Bread (No Buttermilk Recipe)
My Chilli and Oregano Soda Bread is ready from start to finish in just 30 minutes. With a glorious texture, this no-knead bread contains no yeast, requires no buttermilk and uses store cupboard ingredients. Its the perfect emergency loaf.
Cheesy Garlic Rolls Recipe
My Cheesy Garlic Rolls are the perfect grab-and-go version of my ever popular Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread. The enriched bread is gorgeously soft, the cheese stringy and the garlic bordering on spicy. You’re going to want to make a double batch!
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Karen says
What a great roundup of celebratory recipes. I made your cheats strawberry and ginger trifle and it was perfect.
Brenda says
What a fantastic selection of tasty recipes. I wish I could make them all!
Sisley White - Sew White says
So many delicious recipes. I wish I had time to make them all before the Coronation.
Janice says
Thanks for bringing all these recipes together. It will make it so much easier to cater for a crowd.