Can you get gluten free crumpets?

What are crumpets?

Crumpets are a classic British teatime treat that are similar to English muffins. They are made from a yeast-leavened batter that is cooked on a griddle. The batter contains flour, milk, salt, and baking soda. As the crumpets cook, the carbon dioxide bubbles created by the baking soda get trapped in the dough, which creates the characteristic crumpet holes on the top surface.

Traditional crumpets are made with wheat flour and therefore contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune response in the body that damages the small intestine. This intestinal damage leads to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue and more. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.

What makes crumpets different from other baked goods?

Crumpets have a unique spongy texture thanks to the carbon dioxide bubbles created during the cooking process. This gives them a different mouthfeel compared to muffins or scones. The holes on top allow butter to pool and melt into the crumpet while toasting.

Crumpets are denser and chewier than an English muffin. The moisture content is also higher, which prevents them from becoming too crisp when toasted. Unlike a muffin, the inside of a crumpet is an open sponge rather than being bread-like.

When making crumpets, the batter is very thin, almost the consistency of heavy cream. It requires a specialized crumpet ring pan to cook them in which has small round indentations for the batter to pool into. This creates the characteristic round shape.

Are gluten free crumpets available to buy?

Thankfully for those avoiding gluten, crumpets can be made gluten free! Gluten free crumpets provide the same great taste and texture as regular wheat crumpets.

There are a few brands of pre-made gluten free crumpets that you can purchase online or in some grocery stores:

  • Schar – This Italian brand makes gluten free crumpets using rice flour, corn starch, buckwheat flour and guar gum.
  • Bfree – Bfree’s gluten free crumpets contain brown rice flour, potato starch, buckwheat flour, tapioca flour, psyllium husk and guar gum.
  • Genius Gluten Free – Genius uses a blend of potato starch, buckwheat flour, maize flour, rice flour and xanthan gum.
  • The Crumpet Shop – You can order gluten free crumpets online from this artisan bakery based in Scotland. They are made with sorghum flour, tapioca starch, potato starch and xanthan gum.

Many major supermarket chains in the UK like Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Asda also carry gluten free crumpets under their own gluten free private label brands.Availability continues to improve as demand rises.

What ingredients are used to make gluten free crumpets?

Since traditional wheat flour contains gluten, it needs to be replaced with gluten free alternative flours when making gluten free crumpets. Each brand uses a unique flour blend, but some common ingredients include:

  • Rice flour – Provides structure.
  • Potato starch – Helps achieve the right texture.
  • Buckwheat flour – Has an earthy, nutty flavor.
  • Sorghum flour – Contributes texture and flavor.
  • Corn starch – Acts as a binding agent.
  • Tapioca flour – Lightens texture.

Binding agents like xanthan gum or guar gum are typically added to improve the elasticity and help the flours stick together in the batter. Psyllium husk adds fiber which can help make the crumpets more dense.

Despite the modifications required to make them gluten free, gluten free crumpets are very similar in taste and texture to regular crumpets. The flavor and appearance when toasted is nearly identical.

What is the nutrition content of gluten free crumpets?

The nutrition content of gluten free crumpets can vary slightly between brands depending on the exact flour blend, but they typically provide:

  • Calories: approximately 100-140 calories per crumpet
  • Carbohydrates: around 20-25g total carbs per crumpet
  • Protein: 3-5g protein per crumpet
  • Fat: 1-2g fat per crumpet
  • Fiber: 1-3g fiber per crumpet

Compared to regular wheat crumpets, gluten free crumpets tend to be slightly higher in carbohydrates. However, the fiber content is also higher thanks to the added psyllium husk in many brands.

One of the benefits of gluten free crumpets is that they can provide a good source of protein on a gluten free diet, where getting adequate protein can be challenging. The protein comes from the buckwheat flour and other gluten free flours used.

Can you make gluten free crumpets from scratch?

Indeed, you can make homemade gluten free crumpets that taste amazing! This requires finding the right combination of flours and binding agents to produce a batter with the proper consistency.

Here is an overview of how to make gluten free crumpets at home:

Ingredients

  • Gluten free flours (combination of rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch etc)
  • Xanthan gum
  • Dry yeast
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Milk
  • Water
  • Baking powder
  • Egg
  • Butter or oil for cooking

Steps

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flours, xanthan gum, yeast, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
  2. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, water, egg.
  3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while beating continuously to prevent clumping.
  4. Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate and helps the xanthan gum thicken up the batter.
  5. Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat. Grease it lightly with butter or oil.
  6. For each crumpet, spoon about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan and spread it into a round shape with the back of the spoon.
  7. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the surface is covered in holes and the bottom is nicely browned.
  8. Gently flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve crumpets warm with butter and jam!

The trickiest part is getting the batter consistency correct. It needs to be thin enough to spread out and develop holes while thick enough not to become a pancake. Playing around with different flour combinations and xanthan gum amounts helps dial in the right texture.

What is the best way to eat gluten free crumpets?

One of the joys of crumpets is all the tasty ways you can eat them! Here are some of the best ways to enjoy gluten free crumpets:

  • Buttered – Spread liberally with butter and enjoy the way it melts into all the nooks and crannies.
  • With jam or honey – Swap butter for your favorite jam, marmalade or honey for a sweet twist. Raspberry and strawberry jam pair wonderfully.
  • With eggs – Top with a fried egg, slice of ham and cheddar cheese for a satisfying breakfast sandwich.
  • As a pizza base – Top with tomato sauce, cheese and veggies for a fun pizza-like meal.
  • With smoked salmon – Pile smoked salmon and cream cheese on top for an elegant appetizer.
  • With chocolate spread – For dessert, use Nutella or another chocolate-hazelnut spread.
  • With cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top then broil for cheesy garlic crumpets.

You really can’t go wrong with a toasted gluten free crumpet oozing with butter or your favorite topping!

Are there variations of gluten free crumpets?

There are all kinds of ways to enjoy innovative twists on classic gluten free crumpets:

  • Flavored crumpets – Herb and spice mixes or extracts can be added to the batter, like onion, chive, basil, sun-dried tomato, rosemary, cinnamon, orange, lemon etc.
  • Fruit crumpets – Add blueberries, raspberries, raisins or dried cranberries to the batter before cooking.
  • Cheese crumpets – Grate cheddar, Parmesan or other cheeses into the batter for baked-in cheese.
  • Nut crumpets – Chopped walnuts, pecans or almonds add nice crunch and flavor.
  • Sweet crumpets – Honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of sugar for a sweetness boost.
  • Savory crumpets – Incorporate herbs like thyme, rosemary and savory or spices like garlic powder.
  • Multigrain crumpets – Use a blend of different gluten free flours like sorghum, buckwheat, quinoa, teff etc.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to experimenting with gluten free crumpet flavors and variations. Feel free to get creative!

What are some tips for making gluten free crumpets?

Here are some helpful tips for achieving crumpet success when making them gluten free:

  • Make sure to whisk the batter very thoroughly to prevent any lumps.
  • Resting the batter before cooking allows the yeast to puff up the crumpets nicely.
  • Use butter, oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Cook over medium-low heat to prevent the outsides over browning before the insides cook through.
  • Flip the crumpets gently with a spatula just once during cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan. Leave space between each crumpet while cooking.
  • Let the cooked crumpets cool for at least 5 minutes before removing from the pan so they hold their shape.
  • Store leftover crumpets in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

It may take some trial and error to get your gluten free crumpet technique just right. Starting with a recipe from a gluten free site or cookbook helps set you up for success.

Where can you buy gluten free crumpet rings?

To give homemade gluten free crumpets an authentic shape, you’ll need crumpet rings. These are circular metal rings that sit flat on the cooking surface to keep the batter contained.

Crumpet rings can be found at most cooking supply stores or ordered online through sites like:

  • Amazon
  • eBay
  • Etsy – Many handmade options
  • Lakeland – UK-based kitchenware store
  • Nisbets – Restaurant & catering supply company

Stainless steel or aluminum crumpet rings work best. The rings should be about 3-4 inches across and 1-2 inches deep.

If you can’t find crumpet rings, round biscuit cutters or tuna cans with both ends removed also work in a pinch! The key is finding something to help form the signature crumpet shape and holes.

Conclusion

Craving traditional crumpets but need to avoid gluten? Don’t despair – delicious gluten free crumpets are readily available! Pre-made options can be purchased online and in stores for convenience. Additionally, you can successfully make them at home with the right combination of alternative flours and binders. Gluten free crumpets can be topped with sweet and savory favorites or experimented with using inventive flavor combinations. With proper gluten free crumpet rings, you can achieve the classic crumpet look. So go ahead and enjoy this classic British staple, gluten free!

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