Description
This Classic Jam Roly-Poly with Custard is a timeless British pudding that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Made with a soft suet pastry rolled up with sweet raspberry jam, it’s gently steamed (or oven-steamed) to a tender finish and served with a generous pour of warm custard. Whether you grew up eating this nostalgic dessert or are trying it for the first time, it’s guaranteed to win hearts around the table. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this cozy bake is perfect for family dinners, weekend treats, or anytime you need a little taste of tradition.
Ingredients
-
15g butter, plus extra for greasing
-
175g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
-
1 pinch of salt
-
2 level tbsp caster sugar
-
75g shredded suet (vegetarian or beef)
-
115ml milk, plus extra for brushing
-
125g raspberry jam (or other preferred jam)
-
Custard, to serve warm
Instructions
-
Prepare your steamer or oven setup:
-
Butter a large sheet of baking parchment and foil.
-
If using the oven, fill a deep roasting tin halfway with boiling water and preheat the oven to 160°C fan (180°C conventional).
-
-
Make the dough:
-
In a large bowl, rub the butter into the flour and salt until crumbly.
-
Stir in the sugar and suet, then add the milk gradually to form a soft dough.
-
-
Roll it out:
-
Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough into a 20x30cm rectangle.
-
Brush the edges with milk, then spread the jam evenly over the surface, leaving a 2cm border.
-
-
Roll it up:
-
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly like a Swiss roll.
-
Pinch the ends and seam to seal, then place seam-side down on the greased parchment.
-
-
Wrap for steaming:
-
Wrap the roll in buttered parchment and foil, twisting the ends like a cracker.
-
Steam for 1½ hours in a steamer or in the water-filled tin in the oven.
-
-
Serve:
-
Carefully unwrap, slice thickly, and serve with warm custard.
-
Notes
-
Suet Substitute: You can use frozen grated butter if you don’t have suet.
-
Jam Alternatives: Try golden syrup, lemon curd, or even marmalade for unique variations.
-
Check Water Levels: If steaming in the oven, top up the water halfway through if needed.
-
Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the unbaked roll or leftovers. Steam from frozen or reheat gently.
-
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend for a coeliac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes