Crave warm and sticky pudding? This Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly Recipe is pure British comfort. Suet pastry rolled with sweet jam and steamed to perfection. Learn how to make Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly at home.
Get ingredients for Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly right here. Perfect for cold nights. One bite takes you back to grandma’s kitchen.
My Story With This Comforting Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly
I discovered Jam Roly Poly during a rainy UK trip. A pub served it steaming hot with custard. Jam oozed out—pure joy. Now I make this Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly recipe often. Last winter and my kids begged for seconds.
We laughed as jam stained our shirts. It warms hearts like a hug. Share your roly poly tales below!
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl.
- Rolling pin.
- Measuring jug for water.
- Steamer or large saucepan with lid.
- Baking parchment or foil.
- Kitchen string.
- Knife for spreading jam.
- Spoon for jam.
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 90 mins
- Total Time: 110 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: British
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly
- 250g self-raising flour.
- 125g shredded suet (or butter for lighter version).
- 150ml cold water (approx).
- Pinch of salt.
- 4-5 tablespoons strawberry jam (or any thick jam).
- 1 tablespoon caster sugar (for dusting).
- Extra flour for dusting.
- Butter for greasing parchment.
These ingredients for Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly are simple. They create magic.
Instructions for Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly
1. Make the Suet Pastry
Mix flour, suet, and salt in a bowl. Add cold water bit by bit. Stir until it forms a soft dough. Don’t overwork it. Knead lightly on floured surface. Pastry should be smooth and elastic.
2. Roll Out the Dough
Dust surface with flour. Roll dough into 20x30cm rectangle. About 1cm thick. Keep edges neat. Use rolling pin gently. This shape holds the jam well.
3. Spread the Jam
Warm jam slightly to spread easy. Spread evenly over dough. Leave 1cm border on edges. Too much jam leaks out. Smell that fruity sweetness already?
4. Roll It Up Tight
Start from short end. Roll dough like a sausage. Keep it tight but not too tight. Seal edges by pressing. This traps the jam inside perfectly.
5. Wrap for Steaming
Grease parchment paper. Place roll seam-side down on paper. Roll paper around it loosely. Twist ends. Tie with string. Foil on top seals steam.
6. Steam the Pudding
Fill steamer with boiling water. Place pudding in steamer. Cover and steam 1.5 hours. Check water level often. Top up if needed. Kitchen fills with cozy aroma.
7. Cool and Serve
Lift out carefully. Unwrap gently. Let rest 5 minutes. Slice into thick rounds. Dust with sugar. Serve hot with custard. Pure bliss awaits.
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Use cold water for flaky pastry.
- Warm jam spreads better, less tearing.
- Don’t overfill—jam expands when hot.
- Variation: Apple sauce instead of jam.
- Chocolate spread for kids’ delight.
- Golden syrup drizzle for extra stickiness.
- Bake version: 180°C for 30 mins wrapped in foil.
- Lighter: Swap suet for butter or lard.
These tips perfect your Jam Roly Poly recipe.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Jam Roly Poly dates to Victorian times. Poor families used cheap suet and jam. Steaming saved fuel. Hairy Bikers revived it on TV. Si and Dave called it “school dinner heaven.” Navy sailors loved portable versions. Now it’s a British classic. My twist keeps it easy for home cooks.
What to Serve With This Dish
Hot custard is a must. Pour thick and creamy over slices. Vanilla ice cream melts perfectly too. Whipped cream adds fluff. Strong tea cuts the sweetness. Fresh berries on side balance richness. Keep it simple—star is the roly poly.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Perfect for Bonfire Night. Warmth fights the chill. Family Sunday lunches shine with it. Kids’ parties love mini versions. Cozy movie nights call for this treat. Afternoon tea twist—slice thin. Winter holidays too. Any rainy day works great.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Wrap well, store 2 days.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months, slice first.
- Reheat: Steam 30 mins or microwave covered.
- Oven: 160°C for 20 mins, foil-covered.
- Best fresh, but reheats like new.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal | 21% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 18g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Carbs | 58g | 21% |
| Sugar | 20g | – |
| Sodium | 320mg | 14% |
| Iron | 2.1mg | 12% |
*Based on 2,000 calorie diet. Values approximate.
Is This Dish Good for You?
This Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly recipe is a treat, not everyday food. Flour and suet give energy. Jam adds fruit sweetness. At 420 calories, enjoy in moderation.
Pair with custard for calcium. Kids love it for happy memories. Balance with walks after. Indulge guilt-free sometimes.
Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 g self-raising flour.
- 125 g shredded suet or butter for lighter version.
- 150 ml cold water approx.
- Pinch of salt.
- 4-5 tablespoons strawberry jam or any thick jam.
- 1 tablespoon caster sugar for dusting.
- Extra flour for dusting.
- Butter for greasing parchment.
Instructions
Make the Suet Pastry
- Mix flour, suet, and salt in a bowl. Add cold water bit by bit. Stir until it forms a soft dough. Don’t overwork it. Knead lightly on floured surface. Pastry should be smooth and elastic.
Roll Out the Dough
- Dust surface with flour. Roll dough into 20x30cm rectangle. About 1cm thick. Keep edges neat. Use rolling pin gently. This shape holds the jam well.
Spread the Jam
- Warm jam slightly to spread easy. Spread evenly over dough. Leave 1cm border on edges. Too much jam leaks out. Smell that fruity sweetness already?
Roll It Up Tight
- Start from short end. Roll dough like a sausage. Keep it tight but not too tight. Seal edges by pressing. This traps the jam inside perfectly.
Wrap for Steaming
- Grease parchment paper. Place roll seam-side down on paper. Roll paper around it loosely. Twist ends. Tie with string. Foil on top seals steam.
Steam the Pudding
- Fill steamer with boiling water. Place pudding in steamer. Cover and steam 1.5 hours. Check water level often. Top up if needed. Kitchen fills with cozy aroma.
Cool and Serve
- Lift out carefully. Unwrap gently. Let rest 5 minutes. Slice into thick rounds. Dust with sugar. Serve hot with custard. Pure bliss awaits.
Notes
- Use cold water for flaky pastry.
- Warm jam spreads better, less tearing.
- Don’t overfill—jam expands when hot.
- Variation: Apple sauce instead of jam.
- Chocolate spread for kids’ delight.
- Golden syrup drizzle for extra stickiness.
- Bake version: 180°C for 30 mins wrapped in foil.
- Lighter: Swap suet for butter or lard.
FAQs about Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly
What if I can’t find suet for this recipe?
Use cold butter or lard instead. Grate it into flour. Same amount works fine. Pastry stays light and flaky. Tastes just as good.
How to make Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly without steamer?
Use large saucepan. Add water halfway up pudding. Simmer with lid on. Same time—1.5 hours. Check water often. Foolproof method.
Can I use different jam flavors?
Yes! Blackberry, raspberry, or apricot shine. Thick jam best—no runny mess. Warm it first for easy spread. Experiment for fun.
Is this recipe egg-free and dairy-free?
Yes to eggs. For dairy-free, use vegan suet and margarine. Pick fruit jam. Perfect for allergies. Still delicious.
Why does my roly poly split open?
Too much jam or loose roll. Leave border and roll firm. Twist paper tight. Practice makes perfect slices.
Final Thoughts
There it is—your Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly Recipe ready to steam. Simple joy in every sticky bite. I whip it up when skies turn gray. Family gathers and smiles widen. Tweak the jam and share the love.
Nothing beats homemade warmth. Try it this weekend. Tell me your results—I’d love to hear!
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!