Crumpets Recipe

Fluffy Homemade Crumpets Recipe: Golden Breakfast Comfort

Soft, pillowy crumpets have captured my culinary curiosity since childhood memories of weekend breakfasts.

Every British kitchen holds a special magic around these delicate griddle cakes.

My grandmother’s worn notebook revealed secrets passed through generations of bakers.

Crispy edges and tender centers make crumpets a delightful treat you can easily master at home.

Small holes dotting the surface catch melted butter in delicious pools of richness.

Warm, golden, and irresistibly comforting, these classic english treats promise a delectable journey into traditional baking.

Your kitchen will soon fill with the most inviting aroma of homemade comfort.

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

Why James Martin Crumpets Are Light And Fluffy
  • Master Bubble-Making Magic: 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.
  • Weekend Culinary Adventure: Transforms an ordinary morning into a delicious British-inspired cooking project that feels like a special treat, encouraging kitchen creativity and skill-building.

What You’ll Need For James Martin Crumpets

Dry Ingredients:
  • 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.
Wet Ingredients:
  • 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.
Additional Ingredients:
  • 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

How To Cook James Martin Crumpets Easily

Step 1: Prepare Crumpet Batter

Mix the dry and wet ingredients until smooth. You’ll want to blend thoroughly using an electric mixer to create a silky, lump-free batter. The ingredients needed:
  • 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 its magic, 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

Transfer the crumpets to a serving plate. Enjoy immediately while warm, or cool completely and store in an airtight container. When ready to eat, toast lightly and serve with:
  • Butter
  • Jam
  • Honey
  • Clotted cream

Pro Tip: Crumpets are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days and quickly revived in a toaster.

Tips To Make James Martin Crumpets Perfect

Tips To Make James Martin Crumpets Perfect
  • Measure Flour Precisely: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy or carefully scoop and level flour to ensure the right texture.
  • Beat Batter Thoroughly: Whip ingredients with a high-speed mixer for two full minutes to develop perfect consistency and aeration.
  • Rest Batter Patiently: Allow batter to sit covered at room temperature for an hour, letting it develop signature bubbles and rise.
  • Control Griddle Temperature: Heat pan to medium (around 325°F) for even cooking, using lower heat than typical pancake preparation.
  • Master Ring Technique: Use English muffin rings for authentic shape, removing carefully with tongs after bubbles form and edges dry.
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Crumpets Recipe

Crumpets Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

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

Description

Homemade crumpets bring British breakfast magic straight to your kitchen with their signature honeycomb texture. Crisp edges and buttery centers invite you to savor each delightful bite of this classic morning treat.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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, delicately remove metal rings using tongs. Continue cooking until surface develops numerous small holes and edges appear dry and slightly wrinkled, approximately 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.
  • Gluten-free alternative: Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice and potato flour for similar texture.
  • Vegan version: 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, Snacks
  • 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
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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