Fluffy Homemade Crumpets Recipe: Golden Breakfast Comfort

Crumpets are a beloved British classic, known for their light texture and signature griddle-baked appearance.

Soft in the center with a slight crisp on the edges, they’re the perfect balance of tender and toasty.

The small holes that form on top hold melted butter or jam, making each bite rich and satisfying.

Though steeped in tradition, crumpets are simple enough for home bakers to prepare with ease.

A warm batch fresh from the pan fills the kitchen with an aroma that speaks of comfort and familiarity.

What You’ll Need For James Martin Crumpets

• All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation that provides structure and texture for the crumpets.
• Instant Yeast: The essential leavening agent that helps the batter rise and develop bubbles.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crumpet.

• Milk: Creates a smooth, liquid base for the batter and contributes to the crumpet's tender texture.
• Water: Helps achieve the right consistency for the batter.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Butter, Cooking Spray: Used for greasing the pan and preventing the crumpets from sticking.
• English Muffin Rings: Provides the classic round shape and helps control the batter's spread during cooking.

How To Cook James Martin Crumpets Easily

Step 1: Prepare Crumpet Batter

• Flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Sugar
• Warm water
• Milk

Beat the mixture on high speed for about 2 minutes to develop the right consistency.

Step 2: Rest and Develop Flavor

Cover the batter and let it sit at room temperature for one hour. During this time, the mixture will become bubbly and develop a rich, tangy flavor. The resting period allows the yeast to work, creating those signature crumpet holes.

Step 3: Set Up Cooking Station

Prepare your cooking surface by heating a griddle or non-stick pan to medium heat (around 325 degrees Fahrenheit). Lightly grease the surface and arrange English muffin rings for perfect circular shapes.

Step 4: Pour and Cook First Side

Carefully scoop the batter into the rings, filling each about 3/4 full. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, watching for characteristic bubbles to form on the surface. The edges will look dry and wrinkled, with a golden-brown bottom developing.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Remove the rings using tongs. Flip the crumpets and cook for an additional 5 minutes to ensure complete cooking. The tops should turn a light golden color, though traditional crumpets remain mostly white.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Butter
• Jam
• Honey
• Clotted cream

Tips To Make James Martin Crumpets Perfect

• Use a kitchen scale for accuracy or carefully scoop and level flour to ensure the right texture.
• Whip ingredients with a high-speed mixer for two full minutes to develop perfect consistency and aeration.
• Allow batter to sit covered at room temperature for an hour, letting it develop signature bubbles and rise.
• Heat pan to medium (around 325°F) for even cooking, using lower heat than typical pancake preparation.
• Use English muffin rings for authentic shape, removing carefully with tongs after bubbles form and edges dry.

Tasty Twists On James Martin Crumpets

• Gluten-Free Crumpets: Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice flour and tapioca starch for a celiac-friendly version that maintains a similar texture and taste.
• Whole Wheat Wellness Crumpets: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, robust flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative Crumpets: Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of regular milk, and substitute butter with coconut oil for a vegan-friendly option.
• High-Protein Power Crumpets: Incorporate protein powder or add ground almond meal to the batter, creating a more filling breakfast option with enhanced nutritional benefits.

What To Serve With James Martin Crumpets

• Pair with Creamy Clotted Cream: Spread luxurious, thick clotted cream from Cornwall for a classic British breakfast experience that melts perfectly into warm crumpets' nooks and crannies.
• Complement with Fruity Preserves: Choose rich raspberry, strawberry, or blackcurrant jam to add sweet, tangy notes that balance the crumpet's savory, buttery texture.
• Match with Earl Grey Tea: Brew a fragrant, bergamot-infused Earl Grey to enhance the crumpet's delicate flavor and provide a traditional English morning ritual.
• Elevate with Honey Drizzle: Drizzle golden wildflower or lavender honey for a natural sweetness that adds depth and complements the crumpet's slightly yeasty undertones.

How To Store James Martin Crumpets Right

• Store cooled crumpets in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual crumpets in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the bag.
• Pop frozen or refrigerated crumpets directly into the toaster. Toast on medium setting until crispy and heated through. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place crumpets on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly heated and slightly crisp around edges.

FAQ Help For James Martin Crumpets

• What ingredients do I need to make crumpets?

You’ll need flour, milk, yeast, salt, sugar, and baking soda to create the classic batter.

• Do I need special equipment to make crumpets?

You’ll want English muffin rings or round cookie cutters to shape the crumpets, and a griddle or non-stick pan works best.

• Why does the batter need to rest for an hour?

Resting allows the yeast to activate, creating bubbles that give crumpets their signature holes and light texture.

• How can I tell when crumpets are perfectly cooked?

Look for lots of small bubbles on the surface and dry, wrinkled edges – this means they’re ready to flip and will have that classic crumpet texture.

Why James Martin Crumpets Are Light And Fluffy

• Master Bubble-Making: Create those signature crumpet holes that capture butter and jam perfectly, making each bite a delightful texture experience.
• Craft with Minimal Kitchen Gear: Requires basic mixing tools and simple rings, perfect for home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without complicated equipment.
• Flexible Serving Champion: Enjoy fresh off the griddle or toast later, giving you breakfast, snack, or tea time versatility that adapts to your schedule and hunger.

Homemade Crumpets Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crumpets are soft and spongey with a golden base – great for butter and jam, they bring a homemade feel to any morning.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups (420g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 cups (340g) water, lukewarm
• 1 cup (227g) milk, lukewarm

Leavening Agents:

• 2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Seasoning and Fat:

• 1 1/4 teaspoons (8g) salt
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Precisely measure flour by weighing or gently scooping into a measuring cup, leveling off excess with a straight edge.
2. Utilize an electric mixer (stand or hand) to thoroughly combine ingredients, blending on high speed for exactly 2 minutes until smooth and uniform.
3. Cover batter and allow to rest at ambient temperature for one hour, during which time it will develop bubbles and increase in volume.
4. Preheat griddle to 325°F on medium heat, or use a frying pan set slightly lower than typical pancake temperature.
5. Lightly grease cooking surface and position English muffin rings (3 3/4 inches diameter) across the pan, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
6. Carefully ladle batter into each ring, filling approximately 1/4 cup per ring with the sticky mixture.
7. After 4 minutes, lift the rings off with tongs. Cook until small holes form on top and the edges look dry, about 10 minutes total.
8. Gently turn crumpets and cook an additional 5 minutes, allowing tops to develop a light golden color while ensuring complete internal cooking.
9. Repeat cooking process with remaining batter, maintaining consistent temperature and technique.
10. Serve immediately while warm, or cool completely and store at room temperature. When ready to enjoy later, briefly toast to restore optimal texture. Accompany with butter or jam as desired.

Notes

• Precise flour measurement matters, use a kitchen scale for accuracy and consistent texture.
• High-speed mixing creates optimal batter consistency, helping develop those signature crumpet bubbles.
• Resting batter at room temperature allows yeast to activate and develop complex flavor profiles.
• Use low-medium heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking with perfect bubble formation.
• Non-stick rings or English muffin rings are crucial for authentic crumpet shape and structure.
• Watch for distinctive bubble patterns on top, indicating proper fermentation and cooking progress.
• Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice and potato flour for similar texture.
• Substitute milk with plant-based alternatives and use egg replacer for binding.
• Freeze extra crumpets in sealed bags for up to one month, toasting directly from frozen state.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 198 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 402 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 8 mg