Classic Crumpets

These classic crumpets with their round shape, spongey texture and signature holes are an iconic English breakfast that is easy to make at home! Serve this British bread toasted with some butter and jam for an authentic treat.

One bite of a homemade classic crumpet and you’ll understand why these are irresistible! They are chewy, yet airy, are cooked in a pan until crispy and have a yeasty-bread like flavor.

With their porous little holes, they are perfect for soaking up any butter or jam you spread on them similar to an English muffin yet a crumpet is lighter and spongier in texture.

They are often served for breakfast and in the UK they are also served as an afternoon tea snack just like brown sugar tea cookies, sticky toffee pudding or orange madeira cake. 

Why You’ll Love These English Crumpets

• Classic recipe: While some may say nothing compares to a purchased Warburton’s crumpet recipe, I think this English crumpets recipe is actually better homemade!
• Soft and spongey: This recipe results in the signature holes that make a crumpet the best! 
• A breakfast favorite: Serve this iconic Great Britain food toasted with butter and jam or honey for the best treat!

Homemade Crumpets Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the yeasted griddle cake.
• Milk: At least 2% fat for best taste.
• Salt: Enhances taste.
• Sugar: Adds a slightly sweet taste. 
• Active dry yeast: I have not tested this with instant yeast, but it should work and cut the rise time.
• Water: Warm water is needed to dissolve the baking powder into small bubbles and create the tiny holes.
• Baking powder: This creates the classic holey tops. Always test to ensure your baking powder is fresh.

How to Make Crumpets

Activate yeast: In a small pot on the stovetop, heat milk until just warm. Stir in sugar, sprinkle yeast on top of warm milk and rest for 10 minutes or until frothy.

Make batter: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and beat with the paddle attachment until a thick batter forms. 

Proof: Cover bowl with a towel and let it rest in a warm, draft-free area for about 2 hours or until nearly doubled in size.

Resting time: Dissolve baking powder in warm water and add it to the dough. Beat for 2 minutes. Cover batter and let it rest for 30 minutes in a warm area. Batter should be bubbly.

Add crumpet batter to pan:  Heat a large greased non-stick pan over medium to high heat until hot. Place a greased 3 inch round cutter on the pan and pour the batter in the cookie cutter ring until it’s half full. 

Cook: Cook for approximately 5 minutes then flip the crumpet and cook for another 3 minutes until golden brown. Serve the crumpets warm with butter and jam. 

Expert Tips for Making Crumpets

• Activating the yeast: Only warm your milk to 120°F-130°F, otherwise you risk your milk being too hot and killing the yeast. Not hot enough and your yeast won’t activate.
• Crumpet rings: You will need crumpet rings or English muffin rings to make a crumpet recipe. The batter is quite loose so the rings help shape the batter while it cooks. Egg rings do not work. 
• Resting the batter: For a higher rise and even lighter texture, let the batter sit for an additional 20 minutes or more during the second resting time. 
• Toasting both sides: If you plan to eat these immediately, remove the ring, gently flip them and cook the other side for a minute or two. If you are making these ahead of time and planning on toasting them later, you can opt to not do this step. 
• Type of pan: For cooking crumpets, use a non-sticking skillet, frying pan, cast iron pan or a stainless steel pan that has been well greased.

Serving Crumpets

For the best crumpets, toast them before serving! This crisps the exterior while the inside gets soft and chewy. There is no need to slice them in half, just toast the whole round in the toaster, broiler or grill.

Crumpet toppings can range from traditional to creative! Butter is always first on the top of the crumpet but then you can top them with honey, jam or even a topping like lemon curd. You could even try some ricotta and strawberry sauce, if you would like!  

FAQs

What are crumpets?

A classic English bread, crumpets are the best combination of English muffin and pancake! Their flat surface is distinguished by spongy holes and the inside of the crumpet is fluffy since it is a yeasted bread! When served with butter and jam each bite is unforgettable as the toppings soak down through the holes for the best taste. 

What is the difference between a crumpet and an English muffin?

While both have nooks and crannies and craggy, porous surfaces, English muffins have a more dense texture and are sliced in half to serve. Crumpets on the other hand have a lighter texture, are served whole and the interior of the bread is slightly sweet. 

Can these be made in advance?

Yes! You might actually prefer the chewier texture the next day. Toast before serving and they will taste fresh off the griddle! 

How to store leftovers?

After they have cooled completely, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. 

Can I freeze crumpets?

Yes! Ensure that they have cooled completely then freeze in a freezer safe storage container or ziploc bag for up to three months. To prevent sticking, place a piece of parchment paper between each one. Thaw and then toast before serving although if your toaster is strong enough you can toast from frozen, too! 

More British Recipes

• Toad in the Hole
• British Flapjack Recipe
• Classic Scones
• Bakewell Bars
• Tea Biscuits