If you’ve ever lived in the UK you’ll recognise just how iconic these crumpets are, perfect for breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea. But what if you can’t find them where you live? The good news is making English crumpets is easier than you think.
Why Make Crumpets at Home?
Crumpets are low in fat, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Plus, homemade crumpets have a fresher taste and fluffier texture than anything you’ll find in a supermarket.
English crumpets should be enjoyed warm, just out of the toaster. I like them topped with jam, Marmite, or melted butter, but you can top them with just about any sweet or savoury topping, such as honey, syrup, peanut butter, or fresh fruit.
This recipe makes 6 English crumpets, and with a prep time of just 25 minutes and a cooking time of 4 minutes per batch, you'll be enjoying them in no time.
What You'll Need
To achieve those crumpet shapes, you'll need non-stick crumpet rings. I recommend ones around 9cm in diameter with a 3cm depth. A flat-bottomed frying pan is also essential for even cooking.
Ingredients
- 150g plain white flour
- 200ml water
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp instant dried yeast
Method
Step-by-Step: Making the Crumpet Batter
- 01
In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, and salt.
- 02
Whisk vigorously for at least 5 minutes. This develops the gluten and helps produce the characteristic holes in the crumpets.
- 03
Add the sugar, baking powder, and yeast to the bowl. Whisk for another 30 seconds until you have a smooth batter.
- 04
Cover your bowl and find a warm, cosy spot for it to rest for 15 minutes. This brief rest allows the yeast to work its magic and the gluten to relax.
Cooking Your Crumpets
- 05
Lightly grease your crumpet rings and place them in a non-stick frying pan. Preheat the pan on medium high heat.
- 06
Before you start pouring, give your batter a gentle stir to release any large air bubbles.
- 07
Using a ladle, pour 60g of the batter into each crumpet ring.
- 08
Now, for the magic! Watch as bubbles start to appear on the surface. After approximately 4 minutes, the edges of the crumpets should be set. Carefully lift off the hot rings using an oven glove.
- 09
Continue to cook until the middle of the crumpet is no longer too gooey.
- 10
Remove the cooked crumpet from the pan (if the top still looks a bit gooey, flip it over in the pan for a few seconds).
- 11
Cool on a wire rack.
- 12
Repeat the process until you've cooked all your batter!
- 13
Toast them until crisp on top and warmed through. Serve with butter or your favourite sweet or savoury topping.
Topping Ideas to Try
-
Classic: Butter and strawberry jam
-
Marmite: Love it or hate it, it’s a British classic
-
Savoury: Cream cheese and smoked salmon
-
Sweet tooth: Nutella and banana slices
-
British twist: Marmite and cheddar
-
Healthy: Greek yoghurt and berries
Can You Freeze Crumpets?
Yes! Once cooled, crumpets freeze beautifully. Just pop them in a freezer bag and toast straight from frozen when you're ready to enjoy.
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