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Golden and Buttery Sourdough Crumpets

As seen in Master the Art of Traditional Bread Making.

Turn a few simple ingredients into these airy and golden sourdough crumpets. Using starter, baking powder, flour, and salt, you'll get a velvety batter that cooks perfectly in greased rings. The bubbles that rise during cooking create the ideal texture to soak up butter and spread of your choice. The subtle tangy flavor from the starter elevates their taste. Whether you’re using discard or fresh starter, they’re absolutely delicious warmed up and ready to melt toppings.
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Created by Sandra
Fresh as of Tue, 25 Feb 2025 01:42:08 GMT
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A Stack of Warm and Tasty Sourdough Crumpets Save Recipe
A Stack of Warm and Tasty Sourdough Crumpets | quickierecipe.com

Homemade sourdough crumpets are a revelation - perfectly crisp on the bottom, filled with signature holes on top, and offering that subtle tang that only sourdough can bring. These three-ingredient wonders transform surplus sourdough starter into an extraordinary breakfast treat. The magic happens as the batter cooks, creating those distinctive holes that become perfect pockets for melted butter.

These homemade crumpets develop a beautifully golden crust while maintaining that classic spongy interior. The telltale bubbles that form during cooking create the perfect honeycomb texture that crumpets are known for.

Key Ingredients

  • Sourdough Discard: Provides structure and distinctive flavor. Both fresh and week-old discard work well
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates ideal texture. Standard baking flour is perfect
  • Baking Powder: Essential for proper hole formation. Must be fresh for best results
  • Water: Adjust quantity based on starter consistency to achieve proper batter thickness
Light and fluffy sourdough crumpets with a crisp edge and soft center. Save Recipe
Light and fluffy sourdough crumpets with a crisp edge and soft center. | quickierecipe.com

Cooking Method

Mix the Batter:
Combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Add sourdough discard and water. Mix to heavy cream consistency. Rest 5 minutes.
Prepare Equipment:
Heat pan on medium-low. Butter crumpet rings generously. Preheat rings in pan. Test temperature with water droplet.
Cook Crumpets:
Pour batter into rings halfway. Cover pan. Cook 10-20 minutes until surface dries. Monitor bubble formation. Use toothpick if needed. Remove rings, briefly brown tops.

Mastering sourdough crumpets requires understanding fermentation timing and temperature control. Each batch teaches something new about the perfect balance of ingredients and technique.

Fermentation Process

Overnight fermentation enhances flavor complexity and improves texture. The extended rest period allows the natural fermentation process to develop deeper, more nuanced flavors.

Heat Management

Proper temperature control is crucial. Medium-low heat provides the ideal balance, allowing thorough cooking without burning while promoting proper bubble formation.

Serving Suggestions

Classic butter is traditional, but these crumpets welcome various toppings. Beyond sweet options like honey or jam, they excel with savory additions such as poached eggs or aged cheese.

Storage Guidelines

Crumpets freeze exceptionally well and revive perfectly in the toaster. Make extra batches for convenient weekday breakfasts.

Sourdough crumpets represent the perfect blend of traditional technique and modern convenience. Their distinctive texture and adaptable nature make them suitable for any meal. When made with care, these crumpets showcase the best qualities of homemade bread with minimal effort.

Homemade sourdough crumpets, a delicious treat for breakfast or tea time. Save Recipe
Homemade sourdough crumpets, a delicious treat for breakfast or tea time. | quickierecipe.com

Recipe Tips & Help

→ Can I swap active starter for sourdough discard?
Absolutely, you can! Since baking powder is used here, either one works well.
→ What can I try if I don’t have crumpet rings?
You can use egg rings or even round cookie cutters that are clean to get the same shape.
→ Why aren’t those bubbles showing up on my crumpets?
Try poking the surface gently with a toothpick while they’re cooking to help create those signature holes.
→ When’s the right time to flip these crumpets?
Wait until the surface bubbles stay in place before flipping; flipping too soon can ruin the holes.
→ What’s the tastiest way to serve them?
Serve them hot so butter melts right in, topped off with jam or honey for a comforting treat.

Homemade Fluffy Crumpets

These sourdough crumpets, made with a simple starter, are super light, airy, and deliciously full of buttery holes perfect for soaking up jam or honey.

Preparation Time
10 Mins
Cooking Time
30 Mins
Total Time
40 Mins
Created by: Sandra

Dish Type: Rustic Breads

Skill Level: Medium

Style: English

Makes: 5 Serves (5 crumpets)

Dietary Notes: Meat-Free

What You'll Need

→ Batter

01 200g of either active sourdough starter or leftovers
02 100g plain white flour
03 A pinch of salt (3g)
04 1.5 teaspoons (10g) of baking powder
05 200g of water

→ For Cooking

06 20g butter, to coat crumpet rings

Method

01

Dump the flour, salt, and baking powder into a small mixing container or jug. Stir the mix gently so it’s all blended well.

02

Throw in the sourdough starter and water with the dry mix. Use a whisk to get it smooth. Add a little more water if it’s too thick—it should feel heavy, like cream.

03

Turn the heat to low-moderate on a skillet or nonstick pan. Butter up the inside of the crumpet rings and pop them onto the warm pan.

04

Pour the batter into the rings, halfway to the top. Cover the pan and let them sit while cooked slowly, about 10-20 minutes. Bubbles should show up on top and burst. If necessary, poke at the tops with a toothpick to get more holes.

05

When the tops are full of holes and firmed up, flip them over to lightly brown the other side. Don’t flip until they’re fully cooked all through—that keeps all the holes intact. Serve warm with your favorite butter and jam.

Cook's Tips

  1. Works with a sourdough starter that's been fed or discarded since baking powder takes care of fluffiness
  2. For a crumpet full of holes, use a toothpick to poke them open while cooking

Kitchen Equipment

  • Rings for crumpets, egg-like rings, or biscuit cutters will work
  • A large skillet with a cover
  • Whisk
  • Mixer bowl or a batter jug

Allergen Guide

Check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your doctor.
  • This recipe includes gluten
  • This recipe contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Per Serving

Values are approximate and should be used as a general guide.
  • Calories: 139
  • Fat Content: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Protein: 3 g