Homemade English Crumpets


INTRODUCTION

Homemade English Crumpets are warm, soft rounds with nooks and crannies that hold butter and toppings. They are simple to make at home and can be a lighter option to store-bought breads. This recipe uses common pantry ingredients and makes about a dozen crumpets. For a sweet treat to serve after brunch, try the delicious easy homemade peppermint patties recipe for a quick dessert idea.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love these crumpets because they are quick to make, great for meal prep, and easy to freeze. This is a healthy version of a classic cafe item when you control the oil and toppings. They work as a lighter option for breakfast or a snack and fit a balanced meal plan when paired with protein and fruit. They can be adapted into a high protein meal or a low calorie choice by using healthier toppings and flour swaps. If you want a simple bread idea to pair with main dishes, try a different bread like a homemade Italian focaccia bread recipe for variety in your meal prep.

HOW TO MAKE Homemade English Crumpets

This method uses an easy batter that rises and then gets a baking soda wash before cooking. The rings give the crumpets their round shape and help the batter rise up with the classic holes. The cook time is short and most of the time is hands-off while the batter rests. You can plan ahead and make a batch for the week, making these great for meal prep and good for weight loss if you serve them with lean protein and low-sugar toppings.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • Large mixing bowl or stand mixer with paddle
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ring molds (about 3 inches) or metal cookie cutters without the bottom
  • Non-stick frying pan or griddle with lid (or a flat heavy skillet)
  • Spatula and tongs
  • Cooking spray (canola or a neutral oil)
  • Plastic wrap or a clean towel for covering the dough

Ingredients You’ll Need :

1-1/3 cup bread floor ((spooned not packed)), 1-1/3 cup all purpose flour ((spooned not packed)), 4-1/2 tsps instant yeast ((or two of the small packages)), 1-1/2 cups warm milk, 1 tsp sugar, 1 cup warm water, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

Stir together the bread flour, the all purpose flour and the dry yeast in your mixers mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar and pour in to the middle of the flour mixture.
Beat on medium speed with the paddle attachment for 2-3 minutes until you have a thicker batter that almost looks like bread dough.
Cover the bowl with saran wrap and let it sit in a warm place for an hour.
In another bowl, dissolve the baking soda and salt in the warm water.
Pour it over the batter and stir it in well until evenly combined.
Cover back up and let sit 20-30 minutes.
Spray your ring molds and your frying pan with plenty of canola oil and place the ring molds in the frying pan over medium-low heat.
Use a 1/3 cup measure sprayed with canola oil to scoop the batter in to the molds, (you want to fill the rings only 1/2-2/3 full maximum.).
Let them cook without touching them for about 6-7 minutes on level 4 heat or until they get all bubbly and start to dry on top.
Use some tongs to gently remove the rings, (remember they are hot), increase the heat to 5, quickly flip them over with a spatula and tongs and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side until they are light golden brown. (You have to flip them very carefully and not move them once they are flipped or you will seal up the holes as I did in most of mine the first time.).
Set your finished crumpets aside, respray the rings and pan with canola oil and repeat until you have cooked all your batter. This recipe made about 12 crumpets.

HOW TO SERVE Homemade English Crumpets

Serve crumpets warm to enjoy the classic texture. For a healthy version, top with a small pat of grass-fed butter and fresh berries or sliced banana. For a high protein meal, add a poached egg or smoked salmon and a side of Greek yogurt. Keep portions small: one or two crumpets per person is a good serving for a balanced breakfast. For those watching calories, use a light spread or a thin layer of nut butter and top with sliced fruit to keep the meal low calorie and filling.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Homemade English Crumpets

Store cooled crumpets in an airtight container or a zip bag in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, layer crumpets with parchment paper between them and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen crumpets by toasting or warming in a skillet until crisp. This makes them great for meal prep and saves time on busy mornings.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

  • For a balanced meal, pair two crumpets with a high-protein side like scrambled eggs or cottage cheese.
  • For a heart healthy option, add avocado and a squeeze of lemon with pepper.
  • For a light snack, spread low-sugar fruit jam or ricotta and fresh fruit.
  • If you want a savory meal, serve with a simple curry or stew. For a rich main dish to place alongside crumpets at brunch, try the quick butter chicken recipe.
  • For dessert after a crumpet meal, small portions of treats work well; see a gluten-free sweet idea like the healthy Twix bars gluten-free recipe for a nicer finish.

VARIATIONS

  • Healthier version: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or spelt flour to add fiber and minerals. Use a non-stick spray with olive oil and use less butter on top to keep it lower calorie. This keeps the texture similar while adding more fiber for fuller, longer satiety.
  • High-protein / low-carb version: Make a higher protein batter by replacing part of the flour with a neutral-tasting protein powder or using a blend of almond flour and protein isolate (reduce liquid slightly). Top crumpets with cottage cheese, smoked salmon, or egg whites for a true high protein meal that is also good for weight loss when portioned correctly. You can also try using a low-carb flour mix to make a lower carb crumpet.
  • Air fryer or oven-baked version: If you prefer an air fryer or oven method, once the batter is in the ring molds, place the rings on a tray and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes until top is set, then flip and cook 2 minutes more. For an oven method, preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes on a greased tray until tops set, then broil briefly if you want a slight brown top. These methods can give a lighter, nearly oil-free finish and work well as a lighter option.

For a different bread side idea that pairs with many meals, consider trying the savory flavors in an herb stuffing recipe for family dinners or holiday brunch.

Homemade English Crumpets

FAQs

Q: Are crumpets healthy?
A: Crumpets can be part of a healthy diet when served with balanced toppings. Using whole grain flour and lean protein makes them a healthier version and adds fiber and protein.

Q: Can I make crumpets diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. Use whole-grain or low-carb flour options and top with unsweetened nut butter or eggs. Keep portion control and avoid sugary jams to make them more diabetic-friendly.

Q: How long do crumpets last in the fridge?
A: Store crumpets in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I reheat crumpets in the toaster or oven?
A: Yes. Toasting or warming in a skillet gives the best texture and helps revive their crisp edges.

Q: Is this recipe good for weight loss?
A: It can be, if you keep portions small, use whole grain flours, and pair with protein and vegetables. This makes the meal filling and lower in calories per serving.

Q: Can I make crumpets gluten free?
A: Yes, with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You may need to adjust liquid and resting time. For a gluten-free sweet treat idea, try the linked healthy Twix bars recipe for dessert.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Homemade English Crumpets

  • Mix the batter the night before, cover, and keep in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before finishing the recipe for a faster morning cook.
  • Cook a full batch and freeze extra crumpets in single portions for easy meals. They reheat well, so cooked crumpets are great for meal prep.
  • Pre-spray and stack your ring molds and a measuring cup in a container near the stove for faster assembly on cooking day.
  • Plan toppings ahead: pre-slice fruit, hard-boil eggs, or portion out cottage cheese so each serving comes together quickly. This makes the recipe a great choice for busy schedules and helps support goals like weight loss by controlling portions and ingredients.

Print
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Homemade English Crumpets

Warm, soft rounds with nooks and crannies, perfect for holding butter and toppings. A healthier homemade alternative to store-bought breads.

  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 12 crumpets 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 11/3 cups bread flour (spooned, not packed)
  • 11/3 cups all purpose flour (spooned, not packed)
  • 41/2 teaspoons instant yeast (or two small packages)
  • 11/2 cups warm milk
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Stir together the bread flour, all purpose flour, and dry yeast in your mixing bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk and sugar and pour into the middle of the flour mixture.
  3. Beat on medium speed with the paddle attachment for 2-3 minutes until you have a thicker batter that resembles bread dough.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for one hour.
  5. In another bowl, dissolve baking soda and salt in warm water. Pour it over the batter and stir until evenly combined.
  6. Cover again and let sit for another 20-30 minutes.
  7. Spray your ring molds and frying pan with canola oil over medium-low heat.
  8. Use a 1/3 cup measure to scoop the batter into the molds, filling them only 1/2-2/3 full.
  9. Let them cook without touching for about 6-7 minutes until bubbly and starting to dry on top.
  10. Gently remove the rings, flip them over and cook for an additional 2 minutes until light golden brown.
  11. Set aside and repeat until all the batter is cooked, making about 12 crumpets.

Notes

Serve warm with your choice of toppings. Store crumpets in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Author: miguel-santiago
  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 crumpet
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: crumpets, homemade, breakfast, British, quick, meal prep