This Condensed Milk Slice is a nostalgic no-bake dessert that brings back all the childhood feels. With a crunchy biscuit base, a rich and chewy coconut layer, and a zingy lemon icing on top, it’s everything you want in a classic Aussie slice.
Perfect for entertaining, lunchboxes, or weekend indulgence, this slice requires zero oven time and delivers maximum satisfaction. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers yet always a hit at gatherings. Whether you’re after a quick treat or a family favorite, this slice will hit the sweet spot every single time.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups (225g) plain sweet biscuits (like Marie), crushed
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125g butter, melted
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1 cup desiccated coconut
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395g can sweetened condensed milk
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1 cup icing sugar
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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2 tablespoons butter, softened
Directions:
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Line a 20cm square slice pan with baking paper.
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In a large bowl, combine crushed biscuits, coconut, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed.
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Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
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Press mixture firmly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.
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To make the icing, mix icing sugar, lemon juice, and softened butter in a bowl until smooth.
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Spread the icing over the chilled base and return to the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until set.
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Slice into squares or bars to serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chilling Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal per slice | Servings: 16 slices
What Is Condensed Milk Slice?
Condensed Milk Slice is one of Australia’s most beloved no-bake desserts, often found in family recipe books and local bake sales. At its core, it’s a simple, sweet treat combining pantry staples into a delicious, fridge-set dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is satisfying. Its hallmark features are a biscuit-and-butter base, a chewy, coconut-filled body, and a soft, zesty lemon icing on top. These layers deliver both texture and flavor, making each bite incredibly enjoyable.
Unlike baked goods that require precision, this slice is forgiving and flexible, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned home cooks. It’s one of those timeless treats that gets passed down through generations, often with a few personalized touches added along the way.
The Appeal of No-Bake Desserts
No-bake desserts like Condensed Milk Slice have surged in popularity, and for good reason. First, they require minimal effort and equipment—no oven, no fancy mixers, and very little cleanup. All you need is a bowl, a spoon, a fridge, and some patience.
For those who are time-poor or looking for quick wins in the kitchen, this slice fits the bill. It’s a stress-free way to make something homemade, beautiful, and crowd-pleasing. From busy mums and dads prepping lunchboxes, to students and beginner bakers looking for easy success, the no-bake category is universally loved.
A Slice of Aussie Nostalgia
For many Australians, Condensed Milk Slice brings back memories of school lunches, weekend bake sales, or grandma’s kitchen. It’s deeply woven into the country’s culinary history, especially in rural areas where simple pantry-based recipes are celebrated. There’s something comforting about unwrapping a wax-paper-wrapped slice from a lunchbox and tasting that familiar coconut crunch and creamy sweetness.
Some even argue that this dessert represents the ingenuity of post-war and mid-century home cooks, who relied on affordable and long-life pantry items like condensed milk and dry biscuits to whip up sweets without electricity-hungry ovens. It’s a dessert that doesn’t try to be trendy—it’s always been in style.
Why Condensed Milk Works So Well in Slices
Sweetened condensed milk isn’t just a sweetener—it’s a magic ingredient. It provides structure, sweetness, and moisture all in one. When combined with dry ingredients like crushed biscuits and coconut, it binds everything together while giving the slice that unmistakable creamy richness.
It also acts as a preservative, helping the slice stay fresh in the fridge for several days. That makes it ideal for make-ahead treats or for storing in airtight containers for quick grab-and-go snacking. Plus, the milk’s natural caramel notes pair beautifully with coconut, citrus, and buttery bases.
Variations and Customizations
One of the joys of Condensed Milk Slice is how adaptable it is. Once you understand the basic structure, you can create endless variations to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
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Chocolate Swirl: Add cocoa powder to the base or mix melted dark chocolate into the topping for a rich twist.
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Nutty Crunch: Include chopped almonds, walnuts, or pistachios in the base for extra crunch and a nutty aroma.
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Dried Fruits: Add chopped dates, apricots, or sultanas to the filling for chewiness and natural sweetness.
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Tropical Vibes: Replace lemon with lime in the icing and add some chopped pineapple to the base for a tropical flavor.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuits in place of regular ones—there are many quality options available now.
Whether you’re aiming for something kid-friendly, indulgent, or health-conscious, the base recipe gives you the freedom to make it your own.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Condensed Milk Slice
The versatility of Condensed Milk Slice means it’s suitable for nearly any occasion. Here are a few ideas where this classic dessert will shine:
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Afternoon Tea or Coffee Catch-Ups: Serve small squares alongside hot beverages for an easy yet indulgent treat.
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Picnics and Outdoor Events: Its firm texture holds up well in transport, making it ideal for picnics or barbecues.
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Lunchbox Treats: Slice it into smaller bars for kids’ lunchboxes—just be sure to keep it cool if sending to school.
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Bake Sales and Fundraisers: It’s cost-effective and easy to batch, making it perfect for community bake sales.
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Holiday or Celebration Platters: Include it in dessert trays or festive spreads for a retro touch that gets noticed.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this dessert is how well it stores. Simply keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to two months—just separate layers with baking paper and ensure it’s well wrapped.
When serving, allow frozen slices to thaw in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying. For best texture, avoid leaving them out in the heat too long as the icing may soften.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
Because it doesn’t involve a hot oven or sharp tools, Condensed Milk Slice is a great recipe to make with kids. They’ll love crushing the biscuits, stirring the mixture, and licking the spoon after spreading the icing. Involving children in baking can help teach them important kitchen skills, foster creativity, and even encourage less picky eating.
This slice is also perfect for birthday parties and school events, especially when you need to cater to a group without spending hours in the kitchen. Add some sprinkles to the icing or drizzle with chocolate for a more festive appearance.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
While this is a very forgiving recipe, a few simple tips will ensure success every time:
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Don’t skip lining the tin: Always use baking paper to avoid sticking—it makes removing and slicing a breeze.
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Use real lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness of fresh and can make the icing overly sweet or flat.
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Chill thoroughly: Rushing the chilling process can result in a base that falls apart when sliced. Let it firm up completely.
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Crush the biscuits fine: If they’re too chunky, the slice may not hold together well. Use a food processor or rolling pin for even crumbs.
Nutritional Snapshot
While Condensed Milk Slice isn’t health food, it’s certainly a treat that can be enjoyed in moderation. Each slice is rich and satisfying, so a small square is usually enough. You can adjust the sugar level slightly by using less icing, or balance the sweetness with tart lemon zest.
If you’re looking to make a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat condensed milk, skipping the icing altogether, or using natural sweeteners like maple syrup in a revised version. However, part of this recipe’s charm lies in its indulgence.
Conclusion
Condensed Milk Slice isn’t just another dessert—it’s a cultural classic, a crowd-pleaser, and a baker’s best friend. Whether you grew up with it or are just discovering it now, this fridge-set treat offers a nostalgic flavor profile, unbeatable simplicity, and satisfying texture.
Perfect for all ages and all occasions, it deserves a place in every home cook’s rotation. With its pantry-friendly ingredients and infinite customization options, this humble slice continues to stand the test of time—one creamy, crunchy bite at a time.
If you’re looking for a dependable dessert that brings smiles, satisfies sweet cravings, and transports you straight back to carefree childhood afternoons, this is it. Condensed Milk Slice is not just a recipe—it’s a sweet slice of life.