When life gives you lemons, make Lemon Condensed Milk Fridge Slice—a zesty, creamy, no-bake dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Whether you’re chasing the nostalgic flavors of your childhood or simply looking for a quick and refreshing treat, this lemon fridge slice recipe will hit the sweet spot every time. Made with classic Marie biscuits, tangy lemon juice, and velvety condensed milk, it’s a retro-style dessert that’s back in vogue for all the right reasons.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, storage suggestions, and nutritional insights for this timeless no-bake lemon slice. Plus, we’ll show you why this humble dessert has become a viral favorite on social media, from Pinterest boards to TikTok food hacks.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Condensed Milk Fridge Slice
The lemon condensed milk slice is more than just a simple treat—it’s a taste of sunshine in every bite. Here’s why it’s a must-make:
- No-bake and beginner-friendly: You don’t need an oven or fancy equipment.
- Fast prep, slow set: Just 15 minutes of hands-on time.
- Sweet and tangy balance: Creamy condensed milk meets fresh lemon for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, afternoon tea, picnics, or Sunday desserts.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the crust or add a topping for variety.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a lemon condensed milk fridge slice, gather the following pantry staples:
Base:
- 1 packet of Marie biscuits, crushed (approx. 200g)
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 1 tin (397g) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
Optional Topping:
- Extra crushed biscuits or desiccated coconut
Equipment:
- 8×8 inch square pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave overhangs for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Base
In a large bowl, mix the crushed Marie biscuits with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture into the base of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
Pro Tip: Use a flat-bottomed glass to press the base evenly and firmly.
Step 3: Whisk the Filling
In another bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir or whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
Science Note: The lemon juice causes the condensed milk to thicken naturally—no gelatin or eggs required!
Step 4: Assemble the Slice
Pour the lemon filling over the chilled biscuit base. Spread it out evenly using a spatula.
Step 5: Add Optional Topping
Sprinkle extra crushed Marie biscuits or desiccated coconut on top for texture and presentation.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Refrigerate the slice for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once firm, lift the slice from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 10–12 bars or squares. Serve cold.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 3g |
Note: Based on 12 servings.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Fridge Slice
1. Use Fresh Lemons
Freshly squeezed juice and zest give the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for this recipe—it lacks the aromatic oils in zest and the brightness of fresh fruit.
2. Don’t Overmix
Gently whisk the filling until just combined to avoid over-thickening.
3. Allow Enough Chill Time
Rushing the set time will result in a runny filling. For best results, chill overnight.
4. Use the Right Biscuits
Marie biscuits offer a neutral flavor and excellent texture. If unavailable, try digestive biscuits or graham crackers.
Variations to Try
The Lemon Condensed Milk Slice is wonderfully versatile. Here are some fun flavor variations:
Coconut Lemon Slice
Add ½ cup of desiccated coconut to the base for a tropical twist.
Lime or Orange Twist
Swap lemon for lime or orange juice and zest for a different citrus note.
Cheesecake-Inspired
Blend 100g of softened cream cheese into the filling for a creamier texture.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free biscuits to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
Make It Ahead
This lemon slice is ideal for meal prep or events. Make it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to serve when needed.
Storage:
- Fridge: Keeps for 5–6 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Lemon Condensed Milk Fridge Slice
This Lemon Condensed Milk Fridge Slice is a zesty, no-bake treat that combines sweetened condensed milk with the brightness of fresh lemon and the nostalgic crunch of Marie biscuits.
- Total Time: 15 minutes + chilling time
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 1 packet of Marie biscuits, crushed (approx. 200g)
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tin (397g) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
- Optional: Extra crushed biscuits or desiccated coconut for topping
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix crushed Marie biscuits with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press into the base of the prepared pan and chill.
- In another bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Pour filling over the chilled biscuit base and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle optional toppings like crushed biscuits or desiccated coconut.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.
- Lift slice using parchment overhang, cut into bars or squares, and serve cold.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Chill overnight for optimal setting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
Keywords: lemon slice, condensed milk, no-bake, fridge slice, lemon dessert
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13 inch pan for a larger batch, and double all ingredients accordingly.
Why didn’t my slice set properly?
You may not have chilled it long enough, or used bottled lemon juice. Be sure to use fresh lemons and chill for the full 4 hours.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Try using coconut condensed milk and a dairy-free butter substitute. The texture will vary slightly but it’s doable.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes! It’s a great recipe for kids to help crush biscuits, stir, and layer.
A Dessert That’s Always on Trend
This lemon condensed milk fridge slice recipe has made a huge comeback online, and for good reason. It checks all the boxes for modern food lovers:
- Nostalgic yet fresh
- Instagram-worthy with its pale yellow glow
- Quick and fuss-free
- Customizable to suit any dietary needs
You’ll find it trending under hashtags like #LemonCondensedMilkFridgeSlice, #NoBakeLemonSlice, and #LemonTreats across TikTok and Pinterest. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you smile before the first bite.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your lemon slice with:
- Hot beverages: Earl Grey, chamomile, or green tea
- Iced drinks: Iced coffee, lemonade, or cold brew
- Brunch spreads: Serve with a fresh fruit salad or mini quiches
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Condensed Milk Fridge Slice is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. It captures the brightness of lemon, the sweetness of condensed milk, and the nostalgic crunch of classic Marie biscuits—all without turning on the oven. Whether you’re hosting friends, packing a picnic, or simply treating yourself, this fridge slice delivers every time.
Ready to Taste the Sunshine?
Go ahead, grab those lemons and let this easy recipe brighten your day. Whether you’re baking for the family or just yourself, this zesty slice is pure joy chilled into bite-size bars.
