Apricot Jam Roly Poly

Apricot Jam Roly Poly is a classic British-style rolled sponge cake filled with sweet, tangy apricot jam and sliced to reveal beautiful swirls. Soft, light, and comforting, it's the perfect tea-time treat or a nostalgic dessert for the whole family. You can keep it simple or dress it up with cream or custard for extra indulgence.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings Slices

Ingredients

150 g self-raising flour
150 g caster sugar
3 large eggs free range
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp warm water
150 g apricot jam plus extra for glazing
Icing sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a Swiss roll tin (roughly 23 x 33cm) with baking paper.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together using an electric whisk for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is pale, thick, and fluffy.
3 large eggs, 150 g caster sugar
Gently sift the flour over the egg mixture and fold it in carefully with a spatula, trying to keep as much air in as possible. Stir in the vanilla extract and warm water.
150 g self-raising flour, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 tbsp warm water
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread evenly. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and springy to the touch.
While the sponge is baking, place a clean tea towel on your work surface and sprinkle it lightly with icing sugar.
When the sponge is ready, turn it out onto the tea towel, peel off the baking paper, and trim the edges for neatness if desired.
While the sponge is still warm, spread the apricot jam evenly over the surface. You can warm the jam slightly for easier spreading if needed.
Starting from one of the short ends, use the tea towel to help you gently roll the sponge into a tight spiral. Let it cool, seam side down so it doesn't unroll.
Once cooled, dust with icing sugar, slice, and serve.

Notes

Serving Suggestions for your Apricot Jam Roly Poly:

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of clotted cream for an extra rich treat.

Lovely with custard for a more traditional, warming dessert option.

Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or peaches adds a refreshing twist.

Enjoy simply with a hot cup of tea or coffee, perfect for an afternoon snack.

Apricot Jam Roly Poly brings back cosy childhood memories and is quick enough to whip up when you fancy something sweet and satisfying. Whether you keep it classic with apricot jam or mix in whipped cream or nuts, it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

Why the Warm Water in the Apricot Jam Roly Poly?

The warm water in the Apricot Jam Roly Poly sponge recipe has a small but important role:

It helps loosen the batter slightly, making it easier to spread evenly in the tin without knocking out too much air.

It also contributes to a lighter, softer texture by keeping the batter moist during baking, helping the sponge stay flexible enough to roll without cracking.

The warmth can assist in dissolving any remaining sugar during mixing, leading to a smoother batter.

It's only a small amount, but it can make the difference between a stiff, crack-prone sponge and that soft, rollable texture you're after. If you ever forget it, your sponge might still bake fine but could feel a bit drier or be trickier to roll.

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