How to make jam roly poly
If you are looking for a classic British dessert that is comforting and delicious, look no further than jam roly poly. This traditional suet pudding is filled with your favourite jam, rolled up and steamed to perfection. The result is a warm and gooey dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends.
To make jam roly poly, you will need a few simple ingredients such as self-raising flour, suet, butter, sugar, and, of course, your favourite jam. The suet and butter give the pudding its rich and tender texture, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness. And the best part? You can choose any jam you like – raspberry, strawberry, blackberry or even a mix of them!
To begin, start by making the suet pastry. Combine the self-raising flour and suet in a large bowl, then add the butter and rub it into the mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs. Next, stir in the sugar and gradually mix in enough water to form a dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Once the pastry is ready, roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Spread a generous layer of your favourite jam all over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, making sure to seal the edges and ends.
Now it’s time to cook the jam roly poly. Place the roll onto a piece of greased foil and loosely wrap it up, leaving room for the pudding to expand as it steams. Steam the roll in a steamer or large saucepan for about 1.5 to 2 hours, topping up the water as necessary.
Once the jam roly poly is cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it cool slightly before unwrapping. Serve the pudding warm with a generous drizzle of custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the sweet pastry and jam filling is truly irresistible, making this dessert the perfect ending to any meal.
So why not give this classic British dessert a try? With its simple ingredients and delicious flavors, jam roly poly is a treat that everyone will love. Whether you serve it on a cosy winter’s night or as a special treat, this traditional pudding is sure to become a family favorite.
What is Jam Roly Poly?
Jam Roly Poly is a traditional British pudding that is loved by both children and adults alike. It is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect served warm with custard or a dollop of ice cream.
This classic dessert consists of a light and fluffy suet pastry that is rolled out, spread with jam, and then rolled up tightly. The jam gives it a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery pastry.
The name “Jam Roly Poly” comes from the way the dessert is rolled up, resembling a Swiss roll or jelly roll. It is sometimes also referred to as “Jam Sponge Roll” or “Dead Man’s Arm” due to its cylindrical shape.
Jam Roly Poly has a long history in British home cooking and can be traced back to the 19th century. It was a popular dessert during war times when ingredients were scarce and households had to make the most of basic pantry staples.
Today, Jam Roly Poly is still enjoyed as a nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories for many Brits. It is often served at traditional pub lunches, Sunday roasts, and is a highlight of school dinner menus.
Despite its simplicity, Jam Roly Poly is a comforting and satisfying dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking to indulge in a sweet treat or simply want to try a traditional British pudding, Jam Roly Poly is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients for making Jam Roly Poly
The following ingredients are needed for making Jam Roly Poly:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Self-raising flour | 250g |
| Cold unsalted butter | 125g |
| Caster sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Milk | 150ml |
| Jam (such as strawberry or raspberry) | 4 tbsp |
| Custard (to serve) | – |
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and cubed cold unsalted butter. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Stir in the caster sugar.
4. Gradually add the milk while stirring, until a soft dough forms.
5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it for a minute until smooth.
6. Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, approximately 30x20cm in size.
7. Spread the jam evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at the edges.
8. Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough up tightly like a Swiss roll.
9. Place the rolled dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, seam side down.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
12. Serve the Jam Roly Poly warm with custard.
Must-have ingredients for the perfect dessert
When it comes to making the perfect jam roly poly, there are a few must-have ingredients that you simply cannot go without. These ingredients are what give this traditional British dessert its rich, comforting flavor that keeps people coming back for more.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Suet | This is a key ingredient in jam roly poly because it gives the pastry a light, fluffy texture. It is essential for creating the classic jam roly poly roll. |
| Flour | Flour is the foundation of the pastry dough. It helps bind the ingredients together and gives the roll structure and taste. |
| Sugar | Sugar adds sweetness to the jam roly poly. It balances out the slightly tart flavor of the jam and creates a deliciously indulgent dessert. |
| Jam | Jam is the star of the show in this dessert. Choose your favourite flavor – whether it’s strawberry, raspberry, or even blackberry – and spread it over the pastry dough. |
| Milk | Milk is used to bind the dough together and make it easy to roll. It also adds richness and moisture to the pastry. |
| Vanilla extract | This optional ingredient adds a subtle hint of vanilla flavor to the jam roly poly. It enhances the overall taste and adds depth to the dessert. |
By combining these must-have ingredients, you can create a mouth-watering jam roly poly that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Enjoy!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/Gas 4.
- In a large bowl, mix the self-raising flour, suet, and a pinch of salt together.
- In a separate container, mix the milk and vanilla extract.
- Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until it forms a soft dough.
- Dust a clean surface with flour, then roll the dough out into a rectangular shape about ½ cm thick.
- Spoon the jam onto the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Gently roll the dough up from one of the longer sides, so it forms a log shape.
- Place the log onto a large sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Tightly wrap the log in the parchment paper or foil, twisting the ends to secure.
- Place the wrapped log onto a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until it is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, unwrap, and allow to cool slightly before serving.
How to make Jam Roly Poly from scratch
If you’re craving a classic British dessert, look no further than Jam Roly Poly. This delightful pastry is filled with sweet jam and rolled up to create a moist and sticky pudding. Making Jam Roly Poly from scratch is easier than you might think, and the end result is a comforting and nostalgic treat that will have your taste buds singing.
Ingredients:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 115g suet
- 50g caster sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Cold water
- Jam of your choice
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, suet, sugar, and salt.
- Add a little cold water at a time, mixing well, until you form a soft dough.
- Dust a clean surface with flour and transfer the dough onto it.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangular shape, aiming for about a 1/4 inch thickness.
- Spread a generous amount of jam over the rolled out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough, lengthways, into a tight cylinder.
- Place the rolled dough onto a large sheet of greased parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Tightly wrap the parchment paper or aluminum foil around the rolled dough, ensuring it is sealed on all sides.
- Place the wrapped dough onto a steamer or in a saucepan with a steamer basket.
- Cook for approximately 1 hour, making sure the water does not boil dry.
- Remove the steamed pudding from heat and carefully unwrap it.
- Slice the Jam Roly Poly into thick rounds and serve immediately.
Enjoy your homemade Jam Roly Poly on its own or with a dollop of custard for an extra touch of decadence. This classic dessert is sure to bring back memories and create new ones the whole family can enjoy.
Tips and variations
When making jam roly poly, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Choosing the right jam: While traditional jam roly poly is made with strawberry or raspberry jam, feel free to experiment with different flavors. Apricot, blackberry, or mixed berry jams all work well.
2. Adding extra flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the dough. This will give your jam roly poly a warm and aromatic dimension.
3. Using different fillings: While jam is the traditional filling of choice, you can also try using other types of sweet spreads, such as lemon curd, chocolate-hazelnut spread, or caramel sauce. These alternatives can offer delightful surprises and unique taste combinations.
4. Making mini roly polys: If you prefer smaller portions or bite-sized treats, you can divide the dough into smaller pieces and create individual mini roly polys. These are perfect for serving as finger foods or party desserts.
5. Serving suggestions: While jam roly poly is delicious on its own, it can be even more indulgent when served with a drizzle of custard, a scoop of ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy textures complement the soft and sweet pastry.
6. Freezing extra portions: If you find yourself with too many leftovers, you can freeze the extra portions for later enjoyment. Simply wrap the roly poly tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Feel free to experiment with these tips and variations to make your jam roly poly even more enjoyable and personalized.
Customize your Jam Roly Poly with these ideas
Once you have mastered the classic Jam Roly Poly recipe, feel free to experiment and customize your own version of this beloved dessert. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Flavored Jam: Instead of using a traditional strawberry or raspberry jam, try using different flavors such as blueberry, blackberry, or even apricot. The choice of jam can greatly impact the taste and texture of your Jam Roly Poly.
2. Add Some Nuts: For an extra crunchy texture, consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the dough before rolling it up. This will give your Jam Roly Poly a delightful twist.
3. Spice it up: You can experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger to the dough mixture to enhance the flavor profile. Just be careful not to overpower the taste of the jam filling.
4. Citrus Zest: For a refreshing twist, you can add some citrus zest to the dough mixture. The natural oils from lemon or orange zest will infuse your Jam Roly Poly with a hint of tanginess.
5. Serve with Custard, Cream, or Ice cream: To complement the warmth and sweetness of your Jam Roly Poly, you can serve it with homemade custard, freshly whipped cream, or even a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The contrasting temperatures and flavors will create a sensational culinary experience.
6. Mini Roly Polies: Instead of making one large roll, consider making mini Jam Roly Polies. This way, each person can enjoy their own individual portion. Plus, they are perfect for serving at parties or afternoon tea gatherings.
7. Experiment with Fillings: Don’t limit yourself to just jam. You can experiment with different fillings like Nutella, peanut butter, or even caramel. The only limit is your imagination!
Remember, the joy of cooking is all about exploring new possibilities and making recipes your own. So don’t be afraid to get creative with your Jam Roly Poly and enjoy the delicious results!
Serving and storing
Once your jam roly poly is cooked and ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dessert! Here are some tips for serving and storing your jam roly poly:
Serving Suggestions
1. Serve the jam roly poly warm, straight from the oven, for the best taste and texture. The warmth will make the jam gooey and the pastry soft and buttery.
2. Cut the jam roly poly into thick slices and serve with a drizzle of custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy accompaniment complements the rich, sweet flavors of the jam roly poly.
3. Alternatively, let the jam roly poly cool completely and serve it at room temperature. This will give the dessert a firmer texture, which some people prefer. It can be served on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream.
Storing
1. If you have any leftovers, store the jam roly poly in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 days.
2. To reheat the leftovers, you can either microwave individual slices for a quick and convenient option or, for a more traditional approach, reheat the whole jam roly poly in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
3. You can also freeze the jam roly poly if you want to save it for a later date. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 1 month.
| Serving Tips | Storage Tips |
|---|---|
| Serve warm with custard or ice cream | Store in an airtight container in the fridge |
| Serve at room temperature with whipped cream | Reheat individual slices in the microwave or reheat the whole pudding in the oven |
| Freeze wrapped in plastic wrap or foil for up to 1 month |
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