Making homemade crumpets is a truly rewarding experience, and once you’ve tasted these soft, spongy delights, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought version. Whether you’re serving them up for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these crumpets will quickly become a favorite. The recipe is straightforward but does require a little patience to allow the dough to rise, making them the perfect special treat for weekends or a lazy morning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade crumpets are a deliciously indulgent treat that are far superior to the pre-packaged varieties. With their warm, golden crusts and soft, airy centers, these crumpets provide the ideal base for slathering with butter, golden syrup, or jam. The yeast gives them a lovely, distinctive flavor, and cooking them in a pan with egg rings ensures they retain their iconic shape and texture. They’re easy to make, and though the recipe takes a little time, the results are more than worth the wait.

Ingredients

• 5 g Yeast

• 1 cup Plain Flour

• 1 tsp Salt

• 2 tbsp Butter

• 2 cups Warm Water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a bowl or jug, mix the yeast with a few tablespoons of warm water. Stir until the yeast dissolves, then leave for about five minutes.

2. In a separate bowl, add the salt and sift in the flour. Whisk about 2/3 of the remaining water into the flour, then add the yeast mixture.

3. Cover the bowl and leave the mixture in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. The mixture should be thick yet pour easily. Add more water if necessary.

4. Heat a frying pan gently and spray with canola oil.

5. Lightly grease egg rings with canola oil and place them in the pan. Pour enough batter into each ring to fill it about halfway.

6. Cook on a low heat for about 4 minutes, or until small holes appear and the tops of the crumpets look pasty.

7. Carefully remove the egg rings and flip the crumpets to brown the tops for about 1 minute.

8. Butter lightly and serve hot. They are wonderful with golden syrup or jam. This recipe makes about 6 crumpets.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Wholemeal Crumpets: Replace plain flour with wholemeal flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and more fiber.

• Vegan Crumpets: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your yeast is activated with warm water.

• Flavored Crumpets: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist, or stir in spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Homemade crumpets are best enjoyed fresh and hot. They don’t freeze well, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster or warm them in the pan for a minute or so until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour?

Self-raising flour is not recommended for crumpets, as they rely on yeast for their rise. Stick with plain flour for the best results.

2. Can I make crumpets without egg rings?

While egg rings help maintain the crumpet’s shape, you can use cookie cutters or a similar round mold if you don’t have egg rings.

3. Can I make these crumpets ahead of time?

Crumpets are best made fresh. If you need to make them ahead of time, store them and reheat them in a toaster.

4. How do I know if my yeast is active?

If your yeast mixture starts bubbling and foaming after about five minutes, it’s active and ready to use.

5. Can I add sugar to the dough for sweetness?

Adding a small amount of sugar will make the crumpets slightly sweeter, but it is not necessary for the traditional savory flavor.

6. How can I get the characteristic holes on top of my crumpets?

Ensure your pan is on low heat and give the crumpet enough time to cook through before flipping. The holes will appear naturally as the batter rises.

7. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly. Ensure the yeast used is gluten-free.

8. How can I make the crumpets fluffier?

If your crumpets aren’t as fluffy as you’d like, try increasing the water content slightly for a lighter batter.

9. Can I use cold water instead of warm water?

Warm water is best for activating the yeast. Cold water will not activate the yeast properly and can result in a dense texture.

10. Can I make these crumpets without yeast?

Yeast is what gives crumpets their signature texture. Without it, you’d need to use a different recipe entirely, like a baking powder-based crumpet.

Conclusion

Making homemade crumpets is a fun and rewarding process that results in a deliciously fluffy and soft breakfast treat. Though it takes a bit of time for the dough to rise, the final product is well worth the wait. With the added bonus of being able to customize the flavor, homemade crumpets are perfect for special occasions or any time you want to enjoy a fresh, warm, and comforting snack. Whether you slather them with butter, golden syrup, or jam, these crumpets will quickly become a family favorite.