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Golden Fluffy Sourdough Crumpets

Featured in Morning meals for weekdays and weekends.

These Sourdough Crumpets transform simple pantry ingredients into classic English breakfast treats. The recipe combines sourdough starter with flour, salt, and baking powder to create a smooth batter that's cooked slowly in buttered rings. As they cook, signature holes form on the surface, creating the perfect texture for catching melted butter and jam. The sourdough adds a subtle tang that perfectly complements the light, springy texture. Whether using active starter or discard, these crumpets cook up golden brown with a delightfully airy interior. They're best served warm, allowing butter to melt into all those lovely holes.
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Updated on Sun, 09 Feb 2025 03:57:43 GMT
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The Most Delicious Sourdough Crumpets | myhomemaderecipe.com

Sourdough crumpets are pure breakfast magic - a perfect harmony of crispy base, honeycomb-like top, and slightly tangy interior that begs for melted butter to pool in all those lovely holes. These three-ingredient wonders have become my favorite way to use up sourdough discard, transforming what might be waste into something that makes weekend mornings feel special. After discovering this recipe, my family's breakfast routine has never been the same.

The first time I made these for my kids, they couldn't believe we'd made 'real crumpets' at home. Now they ask for them every weekend, watching in fascination as the bubbles form and pop on the surface while cooking.

Essential Ingredients

  • Sourdough Discard: The star of the show, bringing both structure and that subtle tang that makes these crumpets special. I've found that even week-old discard works beautifully here
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the perfect texture when combined with the starter. No need for anything fancy - your regular baking flour works great
  • Baking Powder: This is what creates those signature holes on top. Fresh baking powder is crucial for the best bubble formation
  • Water: The amount might need adjusting depending on your starter's consistency. You're aiming for a thick but pourable batter
Light and fluffy sourdough crumpets with a crisp edge and soft center. pin it
Light and fluffy sourdough crumpets with a crisp edge and soft center. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Detailed Instructions

Batter Preparation:
Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Add your sourdough discard and water. Mix until you achieve heavy cream consistency. Let rest for 5 minutes to activate the baking powder.
Pan Preparation:
Heat your pan over medium-low heat - patience is key here. Grease your crumpet rings generously with butter. Place rings in the warm pan to heat up. Test the temperature with a drop of water - it should sizzle gently.
Cooking Process:
Ladle batter into rings, filling halfway. Cover with a lid - this creates steam for proper hole formation. Cook slowly for 10-20 minutes until the top looks dry. Watch for bubbles forming and popping. If bubbles seem stuck, help them along with a toothpick. Once set, remove rings and flip briefly to brown the top.

My journey with these crumpets started during lockdown when I was experimenting with sourdough. What began as a way to use up excess starter has become a beloved weekend tradition in our home.

The Magic of Fermentation

Letting the batter ferment overnight creates an entirely different experience - deeper flavor, better texture, and even more holes. I often mix the batter before bed so it's ready for a special breakfast.

Temperature Control

Finding the right heat level took some practice. Too hot, and the bottoms burn before the tops set; too cool, and you'll wait forever for those bubbles to form. I've found medium-low heat on my stove is perfect.

The Joy of Toppings

While butter is traditional, we've discovered endless topping combinations. My personal favorite is honey butter, while my daughter loves cream cheese and jam. They're also amazing with savory toppings like eggs and cheese.

Storing and Reheating

These freeze beautifully - I often make a double batch on weekends. A quick toast brings them back to life, perfect for busy mornings.

These crumpets have become more than just breakfast in our house - they're a weekend ritual, a way to slow down and enjoy morning together. Each batch reminds me that sometimes the simplest recipes, made with care and patience, bring the most joy. Whether you enjoy them fresh off the griddle or toasted the next day, these sourdough crumpets turn ordinary mornings into something special.

Homemade sourdough crumpets, a delicious treat for breakfast or tea time. pin it
Homemade sourdough crumpets, a delicious treat for breakfast or tea time. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use sourdough discard instead of active starter?
Yes, both active starter and discard work equally well since the recipe uses baking powder for leavening.
→ What can I use if I don't have crumpet rings?
Egg rings or clean, round biscuit cutters work well as alternatives to traditional crumpet rings.
→ Why aren't holes forming on my crumpets?
If holes aren't forming naturally, gently prick the surface with a toothpick while cooking to encourage hole formation.
→ How do I know when to flip the crumpets?
Wait until bubbles appear and set on the surface before flipping, otherwise you'll lose the signature holes.
→ What's the best way to serve crumpets?
Serve them warm with butter and jam for the traditional experience, allowing the toppings to melt into the holes.

Easy Homemade Sourdough Crumpets

Classic English crumpets made with sourdough starter, featuring a light, airy texture and signature holes perfect for soaking up butter and jam.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: English

Yield: 5 Servings (5 crumpets)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Batter

01 200g sourdough starter (active or discard)
02 100g all-purpose flour
03 3g salt (just a pinch)
04 10g baking powder (about 1.5 teaspoons)
05 200g water

→ For Cooking

06 20g butter, for greasing the rings

Instructions

Step 01

In a batter jug or small bowl, gently combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.

Step 02

Add the sourdough starter and water to the flour mixture. Whisk until the consistency matches heavy whipping cream, adding extra water if needed to thin.

Step 03

Heat a frying pan to moderate heat (low and slow is key). Brush the inside of the crumpet rings with butter and place them in the pan.

Step 04

Fill rings halfway with batter. Cover pan with lid and cook slowly for 10-20 minutes until bubbles form and pop on the surface. If needed, gently prick the tops with a toothpick to encourage hole formation.

Step 05

Once the tops are set with visible holes, flip to brown the other side briefly. Only flip after fully cooked through to preserve the holes. Serve warm with butter and jam.

Notes

  1. Can use either active sourdough starter or discard as recipe uses baking powder for leavening
  2. For more holes, use a toothpick to create additional holes while cooking

Tools You'll Need

  • Crumpet rings (or egg rings/biscuit cutter)
  • Large frying pan with lid
  • Whisk
  • Batter jug or mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 139
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
  • Protein: 3 g