INTRODUCTION
Homemade English Crumpets are soft, chewy rounds with lots of little holes on top. They soak up butter and jam or hold savory toppings. This recipe makes a lighter option for breakfast or snack. It is simple and fits meal prep. You can make a healthy version by using whole grain flour or by topping with eggs and avocado for a high protein meal. For a simple weekday menu, try pairing them with a protein main like homemade baked chicken tenders for a balanced plate.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these crumpets because they are quick to mix and easy to cook. The dough rests, and the rest of the work is fast. They make a great meal prep item. You can store them and reheat for a fast breakfast. This is a lighter option compared to heavy breads or pastries. With whole grain flour or high-protein toppings, crumpets become a healthy version of your regular toast. They can be part of a good-for-weight-loss plan if you watch portions and choose lower-calorie toppings. They also work well for diabetic-friendly meals when you control serving size and avoid high-sugar jams.
HOW TO MAKE Homemade English Crumpets
This method uses simple ingredients and a basic mixer step. The batter will be thick and bubbly before you add the baking soda mixture. The batter rests twice to give the crumpets a nice holey top. Use ring molds in a nonstick pan for even shapes. Cook on medium-low heat and flip briefly for light golden bottoms. Follow the Steps below and add your favorite healthy toppings for a balanced meal.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment or large bowl and hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls (two)
- Crumpet ring molds (metal rings) or round cookie cutters
- Large nonstick frying pan or cast iron griddle
- Spatula and tongs
- Cooking spray (canola oil) or neutral oil for spraying
- 1/3 cup measure for portioning batter
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. For a balanced meal, top one crumpet with mashed avocado and a poached egg for a high protein meal and healthy fats. For higher fiber, spread a thin layer of nut butter and add sliced banana. To keep calories low, use low-fat cottage cheese and smoked salmon as a savory topping. Portion control matters: one or two crumpets per person is a good serving size. For people watching carbs or aiming for weight loss, enjoy one crumpet with protein-rich sides like Greek yogurt or an egg white omelet. If you want a sweet treat, pair them with fruit instead of sugary jam. For a full family meal, serve a plate with crumpets, fresh fruit, and a small lean protein like the best homemade chocolate chip cookies on the side for kids’ treats once in a while.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Homemade English Crumpets
Store leftover crumpets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or in a pan with a light spray of oil. For longer storage, freeze cooled crumpets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then move them to a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a toaster or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed. This makes them great for meal prep and quick breakfasts. If you plan to use them for diabetic-friendly meals, thaw and reheat without sugary toppings and pair with protein.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Savory breakfast: one crumpet, smashed avocado, poached egg, and a sprinkle of pepper. (High protein meal.)
- Light lunch: two crumpets with cottage cheese and tomato slices. Add a side salad for fiber and color.
- Snack for weight loss: one crumpet with low-fat ricotta and berries. Keep portions small and avoid honey or syrup.
- Family brunch: crumpets, mixed fruit, and lean baked chicken tenders for protein like this homemade baked chicken tenders recipe.
- Diabetic-friendly option: one crumpet, smoked salmon, cucumber slices, and a cup of unsweetened tea.
VARIATIONS
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Healthier version: Replace half of the white flour with whole wheat flour. This adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Use low-fat milk to cut calories. This healthy version adds more fiber and slows digestion, which helps blood sugar control.
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High-protein or low-carb version: For a higher protein crumpet, swap up to 1/3 of the flour for chickpea flour or add 1/4 cup of protein powder made for baking and a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten to keep structure. For a lower-carb take, try a batter made with almond flour, eggs, and a bit of baking powder. Note: low-carb crumpets will be more like pancakes in texture, but they keep carbs low and can be diabetic-friendly when topped with protein and vegetables.
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Air fryer or oven-baked version: You can finish crumpets in the oven if you prefer not to pan-cook them. Place the rings on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–12 minutes until bubbly and set. For an air fryer, set crumpet rings inside the basket, use a light spray of oil, and cook at 320°F (160°C) for 6–8 minutes. Flip and cook 1–2 minutes more until golden. These methods work well when you make a larger batch and want less hands-on time.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Homemade English Crumpets
- Make the batter the night before and store it in the fridge after the first rise. Take it out 30 minutes before cooking and then add the baking soda mixture and finish as directed.
- Cook all crumpets and freeze them on a sheet. Pack in freezer bags for quick breakfasts.
- Portion cooked crumpets into meal boxes with protein and fruit for a great meal prep plan. They reheat well and save time in the morning.
- Use measured portions when scooping batter (1/3 cup) to keep calories consistent per crumpet. This helps if you follow a meal plan or track macros for weight loss.
FAQ
Q: Are crumpets healthy?
A: Crumpets can be part of a healthy diet when you choose whole grain flour, control portion size, and add protein-rich toppings. A healthy version with whole wheat adds fiber and helps with fullness.
Q: Can I freeze crumpets?
A: Yes. Cool crumpets, freeze in a single layer, then store in a bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven directly from frozen.
Q: Are crumpets good for weight loss?
A: They can be. Use one crumpet as a base and pair with protein and vegetables to make a filling, lower-calorie meal. This makes them a good choice for people focused on portion control and balanced meals.
Q: Can people with diabetes eat crumpets?
A: They can, in moderation. Choose whole grain versions, avoid sugary toppings, and pair with protein or healthy fats to slow blood sugar spikes. Monitor portion size and carbs per serving.
Q: Can crumpets be made gluten free?
A: Traditional crumpets rely on gluten. You can try a gluten-free mix or an almond flour and egg batter for a low-carb version, but texture will change. Gluten-free crumpets may be denser and will not have the same chewy holey top.
Q: How do I make crumpets higher in protein?
A: Use chickpea flour, add a scoop of baking protein powder, or top with eggs, smoked salmon, or Greek yogurt. These changes turn crumpets into a higher-protein meal.
MORE TIPS AND FINAL NOTES
- Keep heat at medium-low for the bubbling top. Too high a heat will brown the bottom before holes form.
- Use canola spray to prevent sticking. Re-spray rings between batches.
- The batter should be thick and bubbly before you add the baking soda mix. The second rest helps create the holes that crumpets are known for.
- For a lighter option, limit butter and choose fruit or low-fat toppings. For a richer treat, add butter and jam sparingly.
Homemade English Crumpets
Ingredients
Method
- Stir together the bread flour, all-purpose flour, and instant yeast in your mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar and pour it into the middle of the flour mixture.
- Beat on medium speed with the paddle attachment for 2-3 minutes until you have a thick batter that looks almost like bread dough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic 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, then pour it over the batter and stir until evenly combined.
- Cover again and let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
- Spray your ring molds and frying pan with plenty of canola oil over medium-low heat.
- Use a 1/3 cup measure sprayed with canola oil to scoop the batter into the molds, filling only 1/2-2/3 full.
- Let them cook without touching for about 6-7 minutes, until bubbly and starting to dry on top.
- Gently remove the rings (they are hot), increase heat, flip them carefully, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until light golden brown.
- Set finished crumpets aside, re-spray molds and pan, and repeat until all batter is cooked.