Try the Hairy Bikers’ recipe for jam roly-poly. It’s an easy homemade version of a childhood classic. Serve with plenty of custard.
Traditional Jam Roly Poly (British)
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
- 200 g (1 ⅔ cups) self-raising flour
- 100 g (7 tbsp) suet (vegetable or beef)
- 25 g (2 tbsp) caster sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 150 ml (⅔ cup) milk (approx., to form dough)
- 6 tbsp raspberry or strawberry jam (or any fruit jam of choice)
- 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)
- 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / Gas 6.
- In a bowl, mix flour, suet, sugar, and salt.
- Gradually add milk to form a soft but not sticky dough.
- Roll out into a rectangle about 20 × 30 cm (8 × 12 in).
- Spread jam evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll up from the short side like a Swiss roll. Seal edges well.
- Place seam-side down on a lined baking tray or wrap loosely in baking parchment & foil (to steam inside the oven).
- Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar (optional).
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Slice and serve warm with custard or cream.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 portions)
(Using raspberry jam & vegetable suet)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Sugars: 19 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
👉 Served with custard or cream, the calories will increase by ~100–150 kcal depending on portion.