Apricot Slice
These easy Apricot Slice Slice are a classic no-bake treat made with dried apricots, coconut, crushed biscuits and sweetened condensed milk, finished with a creamy lemon icing. A simple homemade slice perfect for lunch boxes, afternoon tea and family gatherings.
Apricot slice
Apricot slice has been enjoyed for generations. It’s simple, nostalgic and the kind of homemade treat that always finds its way onto afternoon tea tables, party platters and lunch boxes.
You’ll find versions of it at school bake sales, community events, family gatherings and handwritten recipe collections that have been passed down for generations. It’s one of those dependable slices that people come back to again and again because it’s easy and affordable.
This version combines dried apricots, coconut and crushed biscuits into a soft, chewy slice with a creamy 3 ingredient icing on top that has a touch of lemon juice. The fresh lemon flavour cuts through the sweetness and adds something special that makes every bite feel balanced.
It’s an easy no-bake recipe made with everyday ingredients, making it the perfect slice to prepare ahead of time when you need a simple homemade treat to share with family and friends.
Watch how to make it
Why you’ll love this recipe
Classic Australian Slice
A nostalgic favourite that has been enjoyed for generations.
No-Bake Recipe
No oven required. Simply mix the ingredients together and chill.
Dried Apricots
Add natural sweetness, chewy texture and plenty of fruity flavour.
Easy Lemon Icing
The fresh lemon flavour perfectly balances the sweet base.
Simple Pantry Ingredients
Made with affordable ingredients that are easy to find at any supermarket.
Perfect for Sharing
Great for lunchboxes, bake sales, afternoon tea, parties and family gatherings.
Ingredients you’ll need
Marie Biscuits
Create the structure of the slice and provide a classic buttery biscuit flavour.
Dried Apricots
The star ingredient that gives the slice its sweet fruity flavour and chewy texture.
Desiccated Coconut
Adds texture and complements the apricot flavour perfectly.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Binds the slice together and creates a soft, fudgy texture.
Unsalted Butter
Adds richness and helps hold the slice together once chilled.
Icing Sugar
Creates a smooth, sweet icing layer.
Fresh Lemon Juice
Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the icing.
When choosing dried apricots, you’ll notice some are bright orange while others are much darker. The bright orange variety is typically treated to preserve colour, while darker apricots are often preservative-free or organic. Either option works perfectly.
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the icing. It provides a brighter flavour than bottled lemon juice and gives the slice its classic tangy finish.
How to make apricot slice
Step 1: Roughly chop the dried apricots into small pieces using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Set aside.
Step 2: Add the condensed milk and cubed butter to a saucepan. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat.
Step 3: Add the desiccated coconut to the melted condensed milk mixture and stir until combined.
Step 4: Add the crushed biscuits and chopped apricots, mixing until the mixture is sticky and holds together.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and firmly press into an even layer using the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed cup. Place in the refrigerator while preparing the icing.
Step 6: Add the butter to a small saucepan and melt over low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir through the lemon juice.
Step 7: Add the sifted powdered sugar and whisk until the icing is smooth, thick and free of lumps.
Step 8: Remove base from the fridge and pour the icing over the base and spread into an even layer. Return the slice to the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, until firm and set. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
How to store
Store: Store apricot slice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Keep chilled until ready to serve for the best texture.
Freeze: Freeze the slice in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking slices to prevent them from sticking together.
Thaw: Thaw the slice overnight in the refrigerator or leave it at room temperature for several hours until softened. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Apricot Slice
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare Pan: Line an 18 x 28 cm (7 x 11 inch) slice pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the slice out once set. Set aside.
- Prepare Apricots: Roughly chop the dried apricots into small pieces using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Set aside.
- Crush Biscuits: Add the Marie biscuits to a food processor or high-speed blender and process until they form a fine crumb. Set aside.
- Melt Butter Mixture: Add the condensed milk and cubed butter to a saucepan. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat.
- Combine Base Ingredients: Add the desiccated coconut to the melted condensed milk mixture and stir until combined. Add the crushed biscuits and chopped apricots, mixing until the mixture is sticky and holds together.
- Press Into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and firmly press into an even layer using the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed cup. Place in the refrigerator while preparing the icing.
- Prepare Icing: Add the butter to a small saucepan and melt over low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir through the lemon juice.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Add the sifted powdered sugar and whisk until the icing is smooth, thick and free of lumps.
- Add Icing: Remove base from the fridge and pour the icing over the base and spread into an even layer.
- Chill: Return the slice to the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, until firm and set.
- Slice & Serve: Remove the slice from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
this is a real winner in my family – easy to make your own – very, very good
very, very delicious – much like the moistness and flavours of carrot cake without the carrot or the hassle – the coconut comes into its own by being suggestive rather than overpowering – just as i like it – the balances are good and what I’m noticing as I work my way through your recipes is that one moderate portion is pleasantly sufficient – i don’t have the urge to go back for a second time
Am I able to leave the coconut out of the base? I am allergic to it.
Hi Marie, yes, i would suggest you add another 1/2 cup of the crushed biscuits to substitute the coconut. Enjoy! Sam 🙂
Just a question about freezing this slice… would you ice before freezing?
Hi Kate! Yes, you can add the icing to the slice and then freeze it with the icing. Or you can opt to add the icing after thawing, either way will work fine. I hope that helps and you enjoy this apricot slice 🙂 Kindest, Sam x
So easy, so yum!
Hi Rhonda, I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this easy apricot slice! Thanks for sharing, Sam x