This nostalgic Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly is made with a simple suet pastry, raspberry jam, and a touch of milk. The result is a soft, steamed dessert with a classic sweetness that brings a cozy feeling. This recipe is a perfect end to a Sunday roast and makes a hearty dessert for 6 people.
Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly Ingredients
- 100g shredded suet
- 200g self-raising flour
- 50g caster sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 100ml milk
- 100g raspberry jam
How To Make Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the suet, flour, caster sugar, and salt. Gradually add the milk and stir with a knife to form a soft, moist dough.
- Shape the roly poly: Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, about 1cm thick. Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the dough, leaving a 2cm border at one end.
- Roll and seal: Tightly roll the dough into a sausage shape, starting from the jam-covered end. Pinch the seam and ends together to seal the jam inside.
- Prepare for steaming: Place the roly poly on a large piece of baking parchment, then wrap it tightly in a layer of foil. This double-wrapping method helps to keep the moisture in.
- Steam the pudding: Place a trivet or upturned bowl in the bottom of a large saucepan. Add enough water to come halfway up the side of the roly poly. Bring to a boil, then lower the pudding into the pan. Cover and steam gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, making sure to check the water level and top it up as needed.
- Serve: Carefully unwrap the pudding and slice it into thick rounds. Serve immediately with custard or cream.

Recipe Tips
- Don’t overmix the dough: The key to a light, tender suet pastry is to mix until the ingredients are just combined. Overworking the dough can make the roly poly tough and chewy.
- Use the right jam: While raspberry jam is traditional, you can use any good quality jam you prefer. A thick, fruity jam works best and won’t leak out during steaming.
- Seal the pudding properly: Ensure the seams and ends of the dough are pinched together firmly. This prevents the jam from escaping during the long steaming process.
- Check the water level: It’s important to monitor the water level in the pan while steaming. If it runs dry, the pudding can burn. Keep a kettle of hot water on hand to top up as needed.
- Wrap it tightly: The double layer of parchment and foil is crucial for steaming. It protects the pudding and keeps the steam and moisture inside, ensuring it cooks evenly and stays moist.
What To Serve Jam Roly Poly
This classic steamed pudding is best served warm, sliced thick, and drenched in a generous pour of creamy custard. For a different texture, you could also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that will melt slightly over the warm pudding. A drizzle of heavy cream or a simple dusting of powdered sugar would also complement its classic sweetness. To add a bit of tang, try serving it with some fresh raspberries on the side.
How To Store Jam Roly Poly Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover slices in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can steam the slices for a few minutes or warm them gently in a microwave.
- Freeze: Jam roly poly can be frozen whole or in individual slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350 kcal Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is suet and can I substitute it? Suet is a hard, white fat found around the kidneys of beef or mutton, often sold shredded for cooking. It is the traditional ingredient for this pudding, giving it a unique lightness. You can substitute it with vegetarian suet, which is widely available in supermarkets, or cold, grated butter, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Why did my roly poly leak jam? This is a common issue that usually happens if the dough is not sealed correctly. Make sure you firmly pinch the seam and the ends of the roll together after spreading the jam and rolling it up. Rolling it tightly also helps to prevent leaks.
- Can I bake this instead of steaming? This recipe is specifically for a steamed pudding, which is what gives it its unique soft, moist texture. Baking it would result in a hard crusty exterior and a dry interior. Steaming is the best way to achieve the traditional result.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Apple Cake Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Bread And Butter Pudding Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Apple Pie Recipe

Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly
Description
Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly is a classic British steamed pudding made with a simple suet pastry and a sweet raspberry jam filling. The result is a wonderfully soft, comforting dessert perfect with a generous pour of custard.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Combine suet, flour, sugar, and salt. Add milk to form a soft dough.
- Shape the roly poly: Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread with jam, and roll it up tightly. Seal the ends and seam.
- Prepare for steaming: Wrap the roly poly tightly in parchment paper and foil.
- Steam the pudding: Place in a large saucepan with a trivet. Add water and steam for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, topping up the water as needed.
- Serve: Carefully unwrap, slice, and serve warm with custard.