Millie is currently observing me through the wooden balusters of the stairs, her eyes fixed in a stare as wide as a politician caught in a mid-session scandal.
She possesses an uncanny ability to sense when “all is not well”—usually a precursor to her own brand of intervention. After a brief pause to gauge exactly how receptive (or vulnerable) I am, she charges at the staircase spindles. She treats them with the same utter contempt a seasoned lobbyist has for parliamentary rules, barging through with weighty shoulders like a prisoner reaching through the bars to demand immediate—and unconditional—attention.
To the uninitiated, the natural impulse would be to offer a hand. A grave tactical error. If you actually know her, you’re well aware that hands are not her primary language; in fact, attempting to use one might result in you losing it entirely. However, should you offer your head, she instantly transforms. She becomes a plush, velvet cushion—an immediate, responsive safe harbour in a world of chaos. Her fur is quite possibly the closest thing to high-grade cushioning velvet currently available outside of a bespoke Savile Row tailor.
Millie Cats, breathe them in
Brave for the Other.
Walking Cheshire pushing Ruby
For 60 days straight—sometimes for several hours a day—we walked in all weathers. Virtually every day since his diagnosis, we covered the miles: up London Road, along the Bridgewater Canal, through Walton Gardens, and around Hillcliffe. We even nicknamed that steep stretch up London Road “Cardio Hill.”
It was difficult. There was the constant struggle of coaxing a cat out, gently unfolding his weathered body, and cleaning eyes and legs that he insisted on repeatedly biting. But like a prisoner finally granted release, the absolute payoff was witnessing his zest for life once he was out there.
What we carry with us now is the memory of that effort. Even when taking the long route in the pouring rain—while Ruby remained shielded from the elements, tucked under the waterproof cover of his pram with a hot water bottle—it was always worth it. None of it would have been possible without taking that first small step, choosing one kind thing, and being Brave for the Other.
This journey inspired me to capture these lessons of courage, pet loss, and the bond between humans and animals. I have written a children’s picture book titled Brave for the Other. This illustrated book is available as a digital PDF for £7.99, featuring a moving story and beautiful artwork that celebrate the spirit of our companions.
Links to purchase and explore more are available in our link tree and here.
I’ve written a little children’s story about cats and the enormous benefits of taking one small step, doing one kind thing, and being brave for another.
It’s called “Brave for the Other”. It’s for ages 4 to 7 and will be available on Gumroad for £7.99. It will be just one of several stories I’ll be creating.
Here is an illustration of Millie, showing her beautiful colouring: “the colours of autumn leaves”.
The underlying theme of the book is the value of not just saying, but doing. But there is also immense satisfaction gained from the way people and living animals absorb kindness, and from the gratitude received in return.
We have realised that the luxury of touch is incredible. Every single day, you have an opportunity to give someone, or something, the chance to remember how you made them feel.
Millie, “With colourings like Autumn leaves”Ruby in his pramMoon, “Always sharing the love”Carolyn and Lance walking ever day with the fabulous Ruby in his pram.Lance and Carolyn, in our “Sanctuary for the misunderstood “
After over 20 years as resellers, my partner and I have seen it all. We’ve watched platforms rise and fall, but the current “Vinted vs. eBay” era is a whole new ballgame. While we love the thrill of the sale, reselling in 2026 requires more than just a camera and a spare afternoon—it requires a strategy. I started like most people selling my girls old baby clothes to fund the purchase of larger ones
If you want to turn your wardrobe into a genuine side hustle, here is the “battle-tested” blueprint we use to keep our shop running like a boutique.
1. The Secret Weapon: The Half-Body Mannequin
If you want to stop being a “casual seller,” invest in a half-body torso mannequin. We use a female form with a distinct gold neck and top section.
Flat-lays on the carpet are a thing of the past though I do still do this for trousers .
A mannequin allows buyers to see exactly how a garment drapes and saves you from the hassle of “modeled” shots. Plus, that gold finish makes colors like black and white pop, giving your items a premium feel that justifies a higher price point.
2. Staging a “Cosy Corner” for Small Items
For accessories, shoes, or beauty products, a mannequin isn’t enough. You need a dedicated cosy corner for staging.
• The Vibe: Use a warm, nice lamp and a vase of flowers to create a “lifestyle” aesthetic.
• The Reflection Trick: I highly recommend using a circular candle mirror plate. Placing small items on a reflective mirror base catches the light beautifully and makes even a budget item look high-end.
• Lighting is King: Ensure your corner has excellent lighting; natural light is best, but a soft-tone lamp can help create that inviting “homely” glow that Vinted buyers love.
3. Beating the Vinted “AI Photo Trap”
One of the biggest frustrations for beginners is Vinted’s aggressive AI.
• Never use stock images: If you use photos from a retailer’s website, Vinted will remove your listing. If you ignore the warnings, they will ban your account.
• Proof of Life: We take photos against our signature grey door. This “human touch” proves to the AI that the photo is yours and the item is real.
• Real Models: While eBay now allows (and even encourages) AI model-generated photos to showcase fit, Vinted is the opposite—they want authentic photos. If you have a photo of yourself wearing the item, use it! It builds trust instantly.
4. The “Measurement” Rule (Trust Us)
After two decades of this, we’ve learned that “Size 12” means something different to every brand. Always measure your items.
• Include pit-to-pit, waist, and length measurements in the description.
• Taking a photo of the tape measure against the garment is the ultimate “real-world” evidence for the AI and saves you from answering endless “Is it true to size?” messages.
5. Vinted vs. eBay: Choosing Your Battlefield
• Vinted: Best for high-street basics. It’s fee-free, but be warned: the etiquette can be shocking. Between the lowball offers and the “Ghost Buyers” who don’t collect parcels (and get a full refund while your item is held hostage!), Vinted is definitely the “wild west.” You have to price competitively but items do sell very quickly . Allow a little wriggle room and be prepared for low ball / insulting offers
• eBay: Our go-to for designer gear. It’s more professional, offers better seller protection, and their tools for higher-volume sellers are much more advanced. It’s easier to edit and easier to search and has a much wider international market
6. Logistics & The “Five-Star” Unboxing
Don’t let your inventory take over your life. As soon as an item is photographed, we place it into a clear, sealed bag with a unique number on it. When it sells, we aren’t digging through a “death pile”; we just grab “Bag #42” and ship it out. It keeps the clothes dust-free and organized. We post our items in mailing bags and double bag them.
A quick google search will show you some legendary Vinted packaging materials such as crisp packets, corn flake boxes .. I kid you not ! keep any good quality boxes you have from your own online orders to reuse for your Own parcels – it will save you a fortune.
If you have fragile items invest in bubble wrap and use the philosophy if you drop the item from a two storey building will it survive as there is a good chance it may get thrown about by couriers. After many years we decided to invest in a label printer , we put it off for ages but it has paid for itself . No paying for printer toner, paper and sticking on with sellotape- gives a much more professional finish . Most couriers offer a print in shop option but I avoid this because it’s easy to get muddled as to what’s in each parcel if you anything like me dashing around all the time
To ensure great feedback and quick “Everything is OK” clicks, we enclose a small organza bag in every parcel including:
• A personalized thank you card.
• A tea light candle and an herbal tea bag (for a “moment of calm”).
• A little chocolate treat.
This small investment has earned us incredible feedback and turned one-off buyers into loyal followers!
Shop My Reseller Setup – these are affiliate links so I may earn a tiny amount if you buy
If you want to recreate my “Cosy Corner” or my professional mannequin setup, here are the links to the exact items I use:
• My Gold-Neck Torso Mannequin – Perfect for showing garment fit.
Mailing bags – these look lovely and are really good quality – they fit tops trousers etc but you would need something larger for jackets, coats bedding etc
We’ve all been there. You spend your Sunday afternoon de-bobbling a sweater, photographing it in the “good” light, and carefully wrapping it like a precious artifact. You trek to the parcel shop, send it off with a little wave, and wait for that sweet “Item Delivered” notification.
Then… nothing.
The parcel sits in a locker. The days tick by.
You message the buyer—“Hey! Just checking you saw your parcel is ready!”—only to be met with radio silence or a promise to collect. Finally, the dreaded notification hits: “The buyer didn’t collect the parcel. It is being returned to you.”
And here is where the “Vinted rage” truly kicks in: the buyer gets a full refund, and you get your item back, often weeks later, having gained nothing but a headache and a wasted trip to the post office.
The Unfairness of the “No-Show” Refund
Let’s be real: why is there no penalty for a buyer simply changing their mind via laziness? On almost any other marketplace, if you fail to collect an item, you’re at least liable for the shipping costs. On Vinted, the buyer walks away scot-free.
• Your time isn’t free: You spent time listing, packing, and driving to a drop-off point.
• The “Held Hostage” Factor: While that item was sitting in an inpist locker for 3 days depending on (plus the 5 days it takes to travel back), then you have to go ando collect it , it wasn’t available for someone else to actually buy and keep.
• Packaging waste: That mailer you paid for? It’s now covered in return stickers and probably ready for the bin.
It feels like the “Buyer Protection” fee we hear so much about is actually a “Buyer Can Do No Wrong” policy.
The Customer Service “Black Hole”
If you’ve ever tried to complain about this to Vinted, you’ll know that their customer service can be… let’s say, challenging.
Trying to get a human response often feels like trying to explain color to a thermostat. You usually start with a bot that gives you a “pre-packaged” answer that doesn’t quite fit your problem. When you finally do get through to a human, the response is often a polite version of: “This is our policy, and we cannot deviate from it.”
It’s incredibly frustrating when you feel like a valued member of a community, yet you’re treated like a ticket number in a system that favors the buyer’s convenience over the seller’s effort.
Is There a Silver Lining?
To be fair to the “other side,” things happen. Lockers break, people get sick, or life just gets in the way. Sometimes a buyer wants the item but physically can’t get to the pickup point.
However, the lack of a “restocking fee” or even an automatic one-star review for uncollected items feels like a major loophole. Currently, the only “punishment” for the buyer is that they don’t get the item. Big deal—they have their money back!
What Can We Do?
Until Vinted decides to tweak the rules, we sellers have to stick together. Here are a few “pro-tips” to keep your sanity:
• Check Reviews: If a buyer has several “Auto-feedback: Order cancelled” reviews, they might be a serial non-collector.
• The Block Button is Your Friend: If someone wastes your time by not picking up a parcel without a word of apology, block them. You don’t need their “business” twice.
• Keep Your Packaging: If you can carefully open the returned parcel, reuse that mailer for the next (hopefully better) buyer!
What do you think? Should Vinted start deducting shipping costs from refunds for uncollected items? Let’s vent in the comments!
There are some bakes that feel less like recipes and more like little love letters to your past self, and this banana, Nutella and triple‑chocolate loaf is absolutely one of them.
It started, as these things so often do, with a bowl of sad, freckled bananas on the counter giving me the side‑eye. You know the ones: too far gone for toast, too soft for slicing, but absolutely perfect for baking. So into the bowl they went, all mashed up with melted butter, soft brown sugar and a bit of caster sugar until everything turned into that gorgeous, glossy, caramel‑smelling batter. I make banana bread every week for my dad as it’s his favourite but I thought I’d give him a bit of variation. And then I got a bit carried away. First came the Nutella. Now, Nutella is a bit of a… contraband item in this house. When the girls were younger, it was more or less banned – not because of the sugar, but because they had an absolutely terrible habit of leaving sticky Nutella spoons all over the kitchen. Honestly, I’d find them on the worktops, next to the sink, abandoned on plates – little chocolatey crime scenes everywhere. For my own sanity, the jar quietly disappeared for a few years. This time, I had to smuggle it back in like some sort of undercover snack dealer. Jar tucked discreetly into the shopping, no announcements made, straight into the cupboard before anyone could clock it and start reliving their spoon‑licking glory days.
Once I’d recovered from my secret mission, it was time to turn those bananas into something special.
Ingredients
For one standard 2lb loaf tin: • 100 g soft light brown sugar • 50 g caster sugar • 115 g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled • 2 medium eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 350–375 g mashed very ripe bananas (about 4–5 medium bananas) • 250 g plain flour • 1 teaspoon fine salt • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 120 g Nutella (or chocolate hazelnut spread), gently warmed so it’s pourable • 100 g white chocolate chunks
. 100g of dark chocolate chunks
Method
Prep the tin and oven • Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). • Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking paper, letting the paper overhang slightly so you can lift the loaf out later. • Set aside while you get on with the wet ingredients.
Make the banana mixture • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the bananas until they are soft
then add the melted, slightly cooled butter with the soft brown sugar and caster sugar until well combined and a bit glossy.
• Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture looks smooth and a little lighter.
Add the dry ingredients – plain flour, salt and bicarbonate of soda very ripe bananas and stir them into the bowl until everything is well combined.
Fold in the dry ingredients until you can’t see any streaks of dry flour. Try not to overmix so you keep the loaf nice and soft.
Add the chocolate chunks • Sprinkle in the white chocolate chunks and dark chocolate chunks.
• Fold them through the batter so they’re evenly distributed, ready to melt into little pockets of joy as the loaf bakes • Pour the banana batter into your prepared loaf tin and smooth the top. • Warm the Nutella very gently (a few seconds in the microwave or sit the jar in a bowl of hot water) so it loosens and becomes pourable.
• Dollop or drizzle the Nutella over the top of the batter, then use a knife or skewer to swirl it through, creating ribbons of hazelnut chocolate.
No need for perfection here – messy swirls taste just as good.
Bake • Pop the tin into the oven and bake for about 55–65 minutes, or until the loaf is risen, golden, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs (avoid a big melted chocolate pocket when you test). • If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
Cool (as much as you can bear) • Leave the loaf to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes, then lift it out onto a wire rack.
• You can let it cool completely… or do what we do and cut the first slices while it’s still just warm, when the chocolate is soft and the Nutella ripples are extra gooey.
Every slice is a little bit of everything: soft, banana‑rich crumb, sweet white chocolate, deep dark chocolate and those cheeky streaks of Nutella that still feel ever so slightly naughty after its years-long ban. The funniest part is serving it now. No banned jars, no drama, no trail of sticky spoons (yet!) – just the girls eyeing up the tin and asking, “Is there Nutella in this?” with that look that tells me they know exactly what I’ve smuggled back into the house. Have you tried this recipe or any other suggestions for different types of banana bread ? Let me know in the comments.
I have sold on eBay for years, both as a private seller and through business selling, but a recent experience has left me asking a serious question: is eBay’s returns system now encouraging buyers to misuse “item not as described” claims?
This particular sale was not from my business account. It was one of my own old dresses, sold privately. The listing was for a Boden navy blue and beige chevron stripe fit and flared knitted dress, UK size 12. The colours were clearly stated in the title and again in the description: navy blue and beige. The photos also showed the dress clearly from several angles.
The item description specifically said: “This Boden navy blue and beige chevron stripe fit and flared knitted dress…”
Yet the buyer opened an INAD, claiming the dress was “really beige” and that they had expected “a more lighter colour like the photo.” There had been no clarification sought from the buyer prior to purchase.
In other words, the reason given was about the colour, even though beige was clearly mentioned in the listing.
I replied to the buyer pointing out that the description did state the dress was blue and beige, and that the item matched the description and photographs.
I was confused as to why this was being treated as “not as described” when the colour they objected to was actually written in the listing. Absolutely no reply.
I contacted eBay, and to their credit, they agreed with me. They found in my favour and released my funds. That should have been the end of the matter.
But here is the sting in the tail – I then get this email
eBay also refunded the buyer and allowed them to keep the dress.
So what message does that send?
If a buyer can open a false “item not as described” case, lose the case, still receive a refund, and keep the item, how does that encourage honesty? Surely it does the opposite. It tells people that there may be a way to get around the system, keep the goods, and get their money back anyway. This is especially frustrating for private sellers. This was not a business transaction from a shop with endless stock and profit margins. It was one of my own dresses from my personal wardrobe. I listed it accurately, photographed it properly, described the colours clearly, and still ended up watching the buyer be refunded and allowed to keep the item. I understand that eBay wants to protect buyers. Nobody wants buyers to be stuck with genuinely misdescribed goods. But seller protection has to mean something too. If eBay agrees the seller did nothing wrong, then why reward the buyer with both a refund and the item? This type of decision risks encouraging more false claims. It makes honest sellers feel vulnerable, and it makes dishonest buyers realise that using the “not as described” route can sometimes result in a free item. You can judge for yourself whether this was genuinely “not as described” or whether the system is being used in a way that disadvantages sellers. eBay needs to look seriously at how these cases are handled. If sellers are doing everything correctly, accurate titles, honest descriptions, clear photographs, and prompt communication, they should not be left feeling that the platform is rewarding the very behaviour it claims to protect against. Buyer protection matters. But so does seller protection. At the moment, cases like this make it feel as though honest sellers are being asked to pay the price for a system that scammers can too easily exploit. What are your thoughts ? Has this happened to you ? Let me know in the comments!
If you need a cosy, filling dinner that doesn’t take much thinking about, this creamy mince and mushroom pasta is a lovely one to keep up your sleeve. It’s rich, savoury, family-friendly, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in the fridge or cupboard.
The mushrooms add extra flavour and make the sauce feel a bit more comforting, while the cream and cheese bring everything together into a silky, satisfying pasta dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight tea, especially when you’ve got a packet of mince and want something more exciting than the usual bolognese.
Ingredients Serves 4
• 400g beef mince • 300g pasta, such as penne, fusilli, shells or rigatoni • 150g to 200g mushrooms, sliced • 1 onion, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely chopped • 1 tbsp tomato puree • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp mixed herbs or Italian herbs • 300ml beef stock • 150ml double cream or single cream • 75g grated cheddar or parmesan • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, optional but tasty • Salt and black pepper • 1 tbsp oil for frying
Optional extras: • A handful of spinach • Frozen peas • Sweetcorn • Chilli flakes • Extra cheese for serving
Method
Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta until just al dente.
Before draining, save a mug of pasta water. This is useful later if you want to loosen the sauce.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a little oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Add the sliced mushrooms and fry for another 4 to 5 minutes. Let them cook down properly so they release their water and start to turn golden.
This gives the dish a deeper, more savoury flavour.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the beef mince and fry until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there is a lot of excess fat, carefully drain some away.
Add the tomato puree,
paprika,
mixed herbs,
Worcestershire sauce, salt and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for 1 minute so the flavours can deepen.
Pour in the beef stock and let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until slightly reduced.
Lower the heat, then stir in the cream.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and mix until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
Stir through the grated cheese until melted.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s just how you like it.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with extra cheese, black pepper and a sprinkle of herbs if you fancy.
Tips
For a richer flavour, use chestnut mushrooms instead of white mushrooms. If you want to make it stretch further, add peas, spinach or sweetcorn near the end of cooking. This is also a great recipe for leftovers. Keep it in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk or water to bring the creamy sauce back.
This creamy mince and mushroom pasta is the kind of easy, comforting meal that always goes down well. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight, but still feels hearty and satisfying, with plenty of flavour from the mushrooms, garlic, herbs and creamy sauce.
Serve it with a little extra cheese on top and maybe some garlic bread on the side, and you’ve got a cosy homemade dinner that everyone will want again.
On Saturday 2nd May 2026 we headed over to The Lowry for the world premiere of Bank of Dave: The Musical, and Salford really did feel like it had dressed up for the occasion.
The buzz in the Lyric Theatre before the show even started was brilliant – you could feel everyone was a bit giddy about seeing a brand new northern musical on its very first night. To top it off, the real Dave Fishwick was actually there, watching his own story unfold on stage. Lance was in his absolute element from the moment we walked in, and he ended up loving every minute. I was a little more on the fence in places, which meant we had a really good debrief on the way home about community, banks and how this wild “true‑ish” story works as a musical.
A proper northern underdog story At its heart, Bank of Dave is a proper underdog tale. It follows Burnley‑born self‑made millionaire Dave Fishwick as he decides he’s had enough of the big banks saying no and fights to set up his own community‑focused bank, putting the profits back into local people and small businesses. It’s all about the power of community, standing up for the little guy and proving you don’t need to be part of the London elite to make a difference. When the show leans into that – northern grit, real people, and one man refusing to take no for an answer – it’s genuinely uplifting and very feel‑good. Those are the moments where you really feel the audience leaning in and rooting for Dave and Burnley. The “true‑ish” twist The show is very open about the fact it’s using artistic licence and calls itself the “true‑ish” story of Dave Fishwick. I completely get why they’ve done that – it gives them room for big, bold scenes, some daft fun and plenty of laugh‑out‑loud moments. It’s not trying to be a dry documentary; it wants to be a big, crowd‑pleasing night out. Personally though, I’d have liked it to stay a little closer to the real story. The way that “true‑ish” angle plays out means there’s a final reveal that adds an extra twist to Dave’s journey which, for me, didn’t really feel needed but I think that this is based on the Netflix movie which had the same ending and I havent seen Instead of giving me an extra emotional punch, it left me thinking, “Hmm… what did that actually add?” and pulled the focus slightly away from the real‑life achievements that are already powerful enough on their own. High‑energy, brilliantly performed and immense fun. One thing you can’t accuse Bank of Dave of being is dull, there’s always something happening, people dashing about, big musical numbers, lots of movement and plenty of humour. Even in the moments where I was thinking, “Whats that about?” the energy on stage kept me watching. The staging is fairly simple but really effective – no huge gimmicks, It suits the show, because it lets the story, music and performances do the heavy lifting rather than drowning it all in spectacle. There were a few points where I felt the story lost its thread a bit, but whenever it swung back round to Dave, Burnley and the community, it got me back on side. It’s that mix of chaos and heart that gives the night its particular charm.
Who’s playing who
The cast is led by Sam Lupton as Dave Fishwick, and he gives Dave loads of warmth, humour and that stubborn northern determination you’d expect – he’s really easy to root for and carries the show with real charm. You might recognise him from Wicked in the West End, or from the UK tours of Only Fools and Horses The Musical Hayley Tamaddon plays Nicky, bringing spark and heart; many will know her from her soap days as Del Dingle in Emmerdale and Andrea in Coronation . Lucca Chadwick‑Patel, fresh from MAMMA MIA! in the West End, is a lovely fit as Hugh, the posh lawyer with more depth than he first lets on. One of the nicest things about the show is the genuine enthusiasm this cast show. They feel like a really tight company, driving the whole thing forward with big vocals, sharp timing and loads of heart. You can tell they’re behind the story they’re telling and the performances never dipped. They were fully committed from start to finish, and you could feel that in the way the audience responded. That well‑deserved standing ovation at the end didn’t come out of nowhere; it was a genuine “we’ve had a good night” reaction from the room. A special little moment with Dave himself Because it was opening night, there were a few extra special touches. Before the show even started, Lance actually met Dave Fishwick, which completely made his evening – he was buzzing, and of course we’ve now got the photo to prove it.
Having that moment with Dave and then sitting down to watch his story play out on stage made the whole thing feel more personal. After the curtain call, Dave came onto the stage to say a few words, and you could see how overwhelmed he was seeing the “story of his life” turned into a musical. In a really sweet touch, he brought his wife up on stage with him. It stopped it feeling like just another big theatre press night and turned it into a celebration of a life, a marriage and a community. That’s the bit that stuck with me the most on the drive home.
So, would I recommend it? In our house, we came out split – Lance loved it, no question. I enjoyed it, but with a few reservations. I loved the energy, the cast, the underdog story and the hopeful message, but the “true‑ish” approach and that final twist at the end didn’t quite land for me. The storytelling got a bit bewildering for my taste, even though the performances and staging stayed strong. That said, Bank of Dave: The Musical is still a warm, hopeful night out with a proud northern voice, and it clearly connected with the audience around us. If you like feel‑good shows with heart, humour and a real local hero at the centre – especially if you enjoyed the film or Dave’s true story – then it’s definitely worth catching while it’s at The Lowry.
Bank of Dave the musical is on at the Lowry until the 16th May then transfers to the Leicester Curve 20-30 May
There are some desserts that look like you’ve gone to loads of effort, when really the fridge has done most of the work. This no-bake Biscoff cheesecake is exactly that kind of pudding.
It’s creamy, rich, caramel-biscuity and just a little bit over the top in the best way. The base is made with crushed Biscoff biscuits and melted butter, the filling is soft and mousse-like with plenty of Biscoff spread, and the top has that glossy melted Biscoff finish that makes it look properly special. This is the sort of dessert I’d make the night before people are coming round, then feel very smug about the next day. No oven, no gelatine, no complicated steps. Just mix, chill and decorate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesecake is perfect if you want something impressive but easy. It slices beautifully once chilled, it tastes like a caramel biscuit dream, and it’s a lovely make-ahead dessert for birthdays, family meals, Sunday lunch or Christmas buffets. It’s also one of those recipes that people always ask about. If you put this on the table, someone will want the recipe before they’ve even finished their slice.
Ingredients
For the base • 250g Biscoff biscuits • 100g unsalted butter, melted
• 150g Biscoff spread • 4 to 6 Biscoff biscuits, crushed • Optional: whipped cream, extra biscuits or mini Biscoff biscuits for decorating
How to Make No-Bake Biscoff Cheesecake
Start by lining the base of a 20cm springform tin with baking paper. This makes it much easier to remove the cheesecake later.
Crush the Biscoff biscuits into fine crumbs. You can do this in a food processor, or pop them into a food bag and bash them with a rolling pin.
Mix the crumbs with the melted butter until they look like wet sand.
Press the biscuit mixture firmly into the base of the tin. I like to use the end of the rolling pin of the bottom of a glass to really compact it down. This helps the base hold together when you slice it.
Pop it in the fridge while you make the filling.
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla extract and Biscoff spread until smooth.
Add the double cream and whip until the mixture is thick and holds its shape.
Spoon the filling over the chilled biscuit base and smooth the top.
Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best if you want neat, clean slices.
For the topping, gently melt the Biscoff spread in the microwave for around 20 to 30 seconds until it’s pourable.
Let it cool slightly, then pour it over the cheesecake.
Sprinkle with crushed Biscoff biscuits and decorate however you like.
Chill again for 30 minutes before slicing.
My Best Tips
Use full-fat cream cheese. The lighter versions can make the cheesecake too soft and it may not set properly. Make sure your double cream is cold before whipping. It thickens much better straight from the fridge.
Don’t rush the chilling time. I know it’s tempting, but this cheesecake really does need time to firm up.
For neat slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, then cut. Repeat between slices if you want it to look really tidy.
How Long Does It Keep?
This no-bake Biscoff cheesecake will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it covered or in an airtight container so it stays fresh. I wouldn’t leave it out at room temperature for too long because of the cream cheese and double cream. Bring it out just before serving, then pop any leftovers back in the fridge.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Yes, and I actually recommend it. This cheesecake is best made the night before you need it. The texture firms up beautifully overnight and the flavour seems to get even better.
You can add the melted Biscoff topping the night before too, or do that part on the day if you want it to look extra glossy and fresh.
To me, this is the kind of dessert that feels like a proper little treat without needing hours in the kitchen. It’s creamy, cosy, sweet in all the right ways, and always feels a bit special when you bring it to the table. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just because you fancy something lovely in the fridge, this no-bake Biscoff cheesecake is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
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