Amelia

Amelia Davis is the recipe developer, food photographer, and storyteller behind Home Cooking Style, a welcoming online space where home cooks of all levels can find reliable recipes, practical tips, and a dash of culinary inspiration. What began in 2019 as a passion project from her small Portland apartment has grown into a trusted resource for busy cooks seeking confidence and ease in the kitchen.

Through Home Cooking Style, Amelia shares her love for simple, comforting dishes, reimagining family favorites with clear, step-by-step guidance. With a focus on approachable techniques and everyday ingredients, Amelia’s mission is to help home cooks save time, cook with joy, and savor every homemade bite.

Latest from Amelia

$To make the best pumpkin cheesecake, you need fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - Pumpkin Cheesecake Crust Ingredients - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons sugar - Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients - 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin purée - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground ginger - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup sour cream - Optional Topping Ingredients - Whipped cream for topping - Toasted pecans or walnuts for garnish Using these ingredients will ensure your pumpkin cheesecake is rich and flavorful. The balance of spices and creaminess from the cheese creates a perfect dessert for any occasion. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To start, we need a tasty base for our cheesecake. - Mixing Graham Cracker Crumbs and Butter: In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well until all the crumbs are coated. This mixture gives the cheesecake a sweet and crunchy layer. - Baking the Crust: Next, press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure it is even. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. You want it lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool. Now, let’s create the rich filling. - Creaming the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat 3 packages of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until it is smooth and creamy. - Adding Pumpkin and Spices: Gradually add in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar. Mix until combined. Then, add 1 can of pure pumpkin purée, 3 large eggs (adding them one at a time), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Beat until everything is well blended and smooth. - Folding in the Sour Cream: Finally, gently fold in 1 cup of sour cream. Be careful not to overmix, as we want a light texture. We're almost there! - Pouring the Filling into the Crust: Pour your pumpkin filling into the cooled crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top. - Bake Time and Temperature: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 60-70 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still jiggle slightly. - Cooling Instructions: Turn off the oven and crack the door open a bit. Let the cheesecake cool inside for about an hour. After that, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best taste. Now, you can enjoy a delicious slice of pumpkin cheesecake! For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. Choosing the Right Pumpkin Purée Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. The filling has added sugar and spices. Look for brands that have just one ingredient: pumpkin. This keeps your cheesecake tasting fresh and true to flavor. If you want to make your own purée, roast fresh pumpkins until soft and blend until smooth. This gives you full control over the taste. Spice Variations for Pumpkin Cheesecake You can add different spices to boost flavor. Try adding cloves for warmth or allspice for depth. A pinch of cardamom can also add a unique twist. Mix and match to find what you love! Baking Tips for a Creamy Cheesecake Bake your cheesecake at a lower temperature, around 325°F (160°C). This helps it cook evenly. Also, avoid overmixing the filling. When you add eggs, mix just until combined. Too much air makes it puff up and crack. Importance of Cooling in the Oven Let your cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked. This step helps avoid sudden temperature changes. A slow cooling process makes for a smooth, creamy texture. Chill it in the fridge for at least four hours, but overnight is best. Garnishing Ideas for Serving Top your cheesecake with whipped cream for a classic look. You can add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. Drizzle caramel sauce for extra sweetness. Fresh herbs like mint can also add color. Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions This cheesecake fits many events, from Thanksgiving to birthdays. Serve it as a dessert or with coffee for a cozy treat. Cut slices small for parties or larger for a main dessert. Each slice looks great on any plate! {{image_2}} You can give your pumpkin cheesecake a twist. Try a chocolate pumpkin cheesecake. Just add melted chocolate to the filling. It adds a rich taste that blends well with pumpkin. Another great choice is maple pumpkin cheesecake. Swap some sugar for maple syrup for a sweet, cozy flavor. This version tastes like autumn in every bite. If you need gluten-free options, use almond flour or gluten-free cookies. You can crush them and mix with melted butter. This creates a tasty, nutty crust. You can also use different cookie bases. For a twist, try Oreo or gingersnap cookies. These will give your cheesecake a unique flavor. To make this cheesecake dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut cream. They offer a creamy texture without dairy. For sour cream, you can use coconut yogurt. It adds a nice tang without the dairy. If you need egg replacements, use flaxseed meal or applesauce. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for one egg. This keeps your cheesecake rich and moist. Explore these variations to make your pumpkin cheesecake your own! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. To keep leftover cheesecake fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or foil. A good airtight container works too. Place it in the fridge right away. Your cheesecake stays tasty for up to five days. Want to save some cheesecake for later? You can freeze it! First, let it cool completely. Then, slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. Your pumpkin cheesecake can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy it, remove a slice and put it in the fridge overnight. This slow thawing keeps it creamy and delicious. How long does pumpkin cheesecake last? In the fridge, it lasts about five days. In the freezer, it can stay fresh for three months. Watch for signs of spoilage. If you see any mold or smell a strange odor, it's time to toss it. Enjoy the Full Recipe to make this tasty treat and store it right! To avoid cracks, use a water bath. This means placing your cheesecake pan inside a larger pan filled with water. The steam helps keep the cheesecake moist. Bake at a lower temperature, about 325°F (160°C). Also, let your cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open. This reduces the shock from temperature changes, which can cause cracks. Yes, you can make pumpkin cheesecake in advance. In fact, it tastes better when chilled for a day or two. After baking, let it cool completely. Then, cover it well and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to five days. This makes it perfect for holiday gatherings or parties. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. Use a toothpick or knife to check the edges. If it comes out clean from the sides but slightly wet in the center, it’s perfect. Remember, the cheesecake will continue to firm up as it cools. You can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese as a substitute. Both options give a creamy texture. Greek yogurt can also work, but it will change the flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, try cashew cream or silken tofu. Just blend it until smooth for the best results. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions. Making pumpkin cheesecake is fun and easy. You now know the key ingredients, from crust to filling and toppings. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through every part. You also learned tips to boost flavor and texture. Variations let you get creative, while storage tips keep your treats fresh. Enjoy sharing this treat with friends and family. Your pumpkin cheesecake will impress everyone. Happy baking!$

Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Easy and Flavorful Recipe

If you crave the perfect fall dessert, this Best Pumpkin Cheesecake is for you. With its creamy filling and a

$To make the easy banoffee pie, gather these ingredients: - 1 packet of digestive biscuits (approximately 250g) - 100g unsalted butter, melted - 1 can (400g) sweetened condensed milk - 3 ripe bananas, sliced - 300ml heavy cream - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Grated dark chocolate or cocoa powder for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use graham crackers instead of digestive biscuits for a different base. - Coconut oil can replace butter for a dairy-free option. - Try caramel sauce if you want a quicker version instead of making dulce de leche. - For a lighter cream, use whipped topping instead of heavy cream. Make sure you have these tools ready: - A food processor or rolling pin for crushing biscuits - A mixing bowl for combining ingredients - A 9-inch pie dish for the crust - A whisk or electric mixer for whipping cream - A pot for boiling the sweetened condensed milk Gathering these ingredients and tools makes the process smooth and fun. Enjoy making your easy banoffee pie! For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions. To start, you need to make the biscuit base. First, crush the digestive biscuits. You can use a food processor or a zip-lock bag with a rolling pin. Aim for fine crumbs. Next, mix the crushed biscuits with melted butter in a bowl. Make sure all crumbs get coated well. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. This forms your crust. After that, put the pie dish in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the crust to set nicely. Dulce de leche adds a rich flavor. To make it, take a can of sweetened condensed milk. Place it in a pot and cover it with water. Boil the can for about 2 hours. It’s important to keep the can submerged in water during cooking. Once the time is up, turn off the heat and let it cool. After it cools, you can open the can. You will find a smooth, caramel-like spread inside. Now comes the fun part: assembling your banoffee pie! Start by spreading the dulce de leche evenly over the biscuit crust. Make sure it covers the base well. Next, layer the sliced bananas on top of the dulce de leche. Don’t be shy; add enough bananas for a tasty bite! In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until you see soft peaks form. Carefully spread this whipped cream over the banana layer. Finally, you can garnish your pie with grated dark chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder. This adds a lovely touch. Don’t forget to refrigerate your pie for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! To make a great crust, use fresh digestive biscuits. They should be finely crushed for a smooth base. Mix the crumbs with melted butter well. Press the mixture firmly into the pie dish. This helps it hold together. Chill the crust for at least 30 minutes. Cooling helps it set, so it's sturdy when you add the layers. For fluffy whipped cream, start with cold cream. Use a chilled bowl for best results. Beat the cream on medium speed. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract for taste. Whip until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or it can turn into butter. Soft peaks mean the cream holds its shape but is still smooth. One mistake is not chilling the crust long enough. This can lead to a soggy base. Another mistake is overwhipping the cream, which can ruin its texture. Avoid using overly ripe bananas. They should be firm and sweet, not mushy. Finally, don’t forget to refrigerate the pie before serving. This helps meld the flavors beautifully. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on making this delight! {{image_2}} You can switch up the base for your banoffee pie. Try using graham crackers instead of digestive biscuits. Graham crackers add a sweet, slightly honeyed taste. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cookies. They work great and taste just as good. Just crush them like you would the biscuits. Want to add a twist? Mix in some peanut butter for a rich flavor. Spread it on the crust before adding the dulce de leche. For chocolate lovers, add cocoa powder to the whipped cream. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence. These flavors make your banoffee pie even more special! Make your pie look stunning. Use a piping bag to swirl the whipped cream on top. Add banana slices and chocolate shavings for a pop of color. You can also serve slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Presenting your pie well makes it even more tempting to eat. Enjoy this delightful dessert in style! To keep your leftover banoffee pie fresh, cover it tightly. You can use plastic wrap or a lid. This prevents the pie from drying out. Place it in the fridge. It should stay good for about three days. Make sure to keep it chilled until you are ready to enjoy it again. You can freeze banoffee pie, but it may change the texture. To freeze, slice the pie first. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place the slices in a freezer bag. This way, you can take out one slice at a time. It will last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For the best taste, eat the pie within three days of making it. The bananas will brown over time. If you freeze it, try to eat it within two months for the best flavor. Enjoying it fresh ensures you taste all the layers. Each layer blends well when you eat it soon after making it. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Banoffee pie can last up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it to keep it fresh. The bananas may darken, but the taste stays great. Yes, you can make banoffee pie a day ahead. Just keep it in the fridge. This helps the flavors mix well. It’s perfect for parties or gatherings! If you don’t have bananas, try using sliced strawberries or peaches. These fruits will give a fresh taste. You can also use apples for a crunchier texture. Yes, you can use low-fat cream, but the texture may change. It might not whip as well as heavy cream. Your pie will still taste good, just a bit different. The traditional recipe is not gluten-free because of the biscuits. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free biscuits. It will still taste amazing! To keep bananas from browning, add a bit of lemon juice on top. This helps keep them fresh and bright. It also adds a nice tangy flavor. Freezing banoffee pie is not recommended. The cream and bananas do not freeze well. However, you can freeze the crust and dulce de leche separately. Banoffee pie pairs well with coffee or tea. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds a creamy touch to your dessert. For the complete recipe, check the section titled Full Recipe. It has all the steps and tips to create this delicious dessert! In this post, we explored the simple steps to make an easy banoffee pie. We covered the key ingredients and offered substitutions. You learned how to prepare the biscuit base and make dulce de leche. I shared tips for the perfect crust and whipped cream. We discussed variations and how to store leftovers. Banoffee pie is a fun, tasty treat you can customize. With these tips, you'll impress anyone who enjoys dessert. Now, grab your tools and start baking!$