Ginger Lemon Slice

The Ginger Lemon Slice is a classic Aussie treat that’s all about flavor and simplicity. A buttery base spiked with ginger meets a luscious lemon topping that’s both tart and sweet. Each bite delivers a soft, creamy top with a slightly chewy crust, perfect for morning tea, a dessert tray, or anytime you crave a citrusy pick-me-up.

Whether you’re hosting guests or just baking to treat yourself, this recipe is a go-to for its ease and elegance. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the method is forgiving for novice bakers. If you’re a fan of contrast in your desserts, the warmth of ginger versus the zing of lemon, this slice will become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

125g unsalted butter, melted
1 cup self-raising flour
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1/2 cup caster sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Lemon Topping:

2 eggs
1 cup caster sugar
2 tablespoons plain flour
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Directions:

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line a 20cm square baking tin.
In a bowl, combine flour, coconut, caster sugar, and ground ginger. Stir in melted butter until combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared tin. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, caster sugar, plain flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl until smooth.
Pour the topping over the warm base.
Return to oven and bake for another 20 minutes or until just set.
Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Dust with icing sugar before serving, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 16 squares

Ginger Lemon Slice: A Classic Zesty Australian Treat

There’s something uniquely comforting about old-fashioned slice recipes. Whether served at a family picnic, a bake sale, or with a quiet cup of tea, slices evoke feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and home. Among the many cherished Australian slice recipes, Ginger Lemon Slice stands out for its beautiful balance of sweet and tart, with a subtle hint of spice that lingers on the palate.

This delightful slice is made with a buttery base flavored with desiccated coconut and a touch of ground ginger. It’s topped with a smooth, tangy lemon custard that sets to a soft, creamy texture in the oven. Together, these layers create a harmony of flavors that is simple, refreshing, and absolutely moreish.

The Origins and Popularity of the Slice

Slices are a staple in Australian and New Zealand baking culture. They’re quick to prepare, usually made in a single pan, and easy to transport, making them perfect for gatherings, school lunches, or spontaneous cravings. The Ginger Lemon Slice draws inspiration from the iconic lemon bar, adding ginger and coconut to give it a more complex, fragrant base.

This combination of lemon and ginger isn’t just tasty, it also brings a level of sophistication to an otherwise humble dessert. The sharpness of the lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, while the ginger adds warmth and depth, creating a treat that appeals to both classic and modern palates.

Ingredient Breakdown: Why Each One Matters

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this slice so irresistible.

The Base:

Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is the glue that binds the base together, providing moisture and a rich, buttery flavor.
Self-Raising Flour: This gives the base a slightly cakey texture, with just enough rise to keep it light without overpowering the topping.
Desiccated Coconut: Adds chewiness and a tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with both lemon and ginger.
Caster Sugar: A fine sugar that blends easily into the dry ingredients, sweetening the base without making it too dense.
Ground Ginger: A small amount goes a long way. It adds warmth and a slightly spicy kick, balancing the citrus in the topping.

The Lemon Topping:

Eggs: These create the custard texture, helping the topping set while remaining soft and slightly gooey.
Caster Sugar: Sweetens the lemon topping, but allows the tartness of the lemon to shine through.
Plain Flour: Helps stabilize the lemon mixture and contributes to the creamy texture.
Lemon Juice & Zest: The heroes of the topping. Fresh lemon juice brings brightness and acidity, while the zest adds intense lemon aroma and flavor.

Baking Tips and Tricks

While this recipe is simple, a few small details can elevate your Ginger Lemon Slice from good to bakery-quality.

Use Fresh Lemons

Bottled lemon juice is tempting for convenience, but fresh lemons make a world of difference in flavor. The zest, in particular, is critical to achieving that vibrant, citrusy scent that makes this slice irresistible.

Don’t Overbake the Topping

The topping should be just set, slightly jiggly in the middle when you remove it from the oven. It will firm up as it cools. Overbaking can lead to a dry, rubbery texture instead of the silky custard-like finish you want.

Line Your Baking Tin Properly

Use parchment paper with some overhang so you can easily lift the slice out of the tin after it cools. This makes cutting much cleaner and neater.

Allow it to Cool Completely

This slice needs to be completely cool before cutting; otherwise, the topping can slide off or become sticky. For best results, refrigerate it for a few hours after it cools to room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Ginger Lemon Slice is a versatile treat that works well in many settings:

Afternoon Tea: Serve it with a pot of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea. The flavors are elegant and refined.
Dessert Platter: Include it on a dessert table alongside chocolate brownies, caramel slice, and fruit tarts for a balanced selection.
Lunchbox Treat: It holds up well at room temperature, making it an ideal sweet treat for school or work lunches.
Holiday Baking: Its bright flavor and yellow hue make it a cheerful addition to festive baking trays, especially around Easter or springtime.

For an extra special touch, you can dust the top with icing sugar or even drizzle with a thin lemon glaze.

Variations You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, consider these fun and delicious variations:

Ginger Boost: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped crystallized ginger to the base for more texture and spicy sweetness.
Lime or Orange Twist: Substitute lemon juice and zest with lime or orange for a different citrus profile.
Nutty Base: Replace half of the coconut with finely chopped almonds or macadamias.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour blends in both the base and topping. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Vegan Adaptation: Swap out the butter for a plant-based spread and use a vegan egg substitute such as aquafaba for the topping. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

How to Store Ginger Lemon Slice

Storing this slice correctly is essential to maintain its texture and flavor.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps the topping stay firm and the base remain fresh.
Freezing: You can freeze individual pieces by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Note that the texture of the topping might become slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor remains excellent.

Healthier Swaps (Optional)

While this slice is undoubtedly a treat, you can make it a little lighter without sacrificing too much flavor:

Reduce the sugar slightly in both the base and topping.
Use wholemeal flour for a fiber boost and nuttier taste.
Substitute coconut oil for butter to create a dairy-free base.
Add chia seeds to the topping for extra nutrients and texture.

These swaps work especially well if you’re trying to cater to a specific diet or simply want to cut down on processed ingredients.

Conclusion

The Ginger Lemon Slice is the kind of recipe that earns its place in every baker’s recipe box. Simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor, it’s a timeless treat that appeals to all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this slice delivers satisfying results with minimal effort. The buttery base infused with coconut and ginger contrasts beautifully with the vibrant lemon custard topping, making every bite a delicious balance of sweet, tart, and spice.

This recipe is also wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to personalize based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, dusted with icing sugar or unadorned, however you choose to enjoy it, one thing is certain: it won’t last long.

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