Vintage Lemon Pie Slice Recipe – A Tangy Classic with a Heartfelt Twist

Vintage Lemon Pie Slice
Vintage Lemon Pie Slice

Hello, dear friend! I’m absolutely delighted you’re here and ready to share this special Vintage Lemon Pie Slice with you. Not only is this gem bursting with sunny flavor, but it’s also a sweet slice of nostalgia—with buttery biscuit base, velvety lemon custard, and that optional old‑school charm (think icing sugar and delicate lemon curls). Let’s dive into this sunny treat—and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes by email.

Overview of Recipe Content

What this recipe is:
A charming, no‑bake‑style Lemon Pie Slice featuring a sweet biscuit base and a creamy, tangy filling—perfect for snack time, dessert, or a brunch treat.

Why you’ll love it:
Effortless yet elegant, with bright lemon zest and juice that deliver just the right balance of tartness and sweetness, all in a sliceable package.

What it tastes like:
Imagine cool, creamy lemon custard hugging a crisp, buttery base—with a hint of vanilla—topped with a delicate dusting of sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for that vintage flourish.

Health/seasonal relevance:
Light and refreshing, it’s ideal for warmer months or whenever you need a cheerful pick‑me‑up. Rich in flavor, moderate in prep time.

Ingredients:

  • Base:
    • 250 g plain sweet biscuits, crushed
    • 125 g unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 tbsp caster sugar (optional)
  • Filling:
    • 395 g can sweetened condensed milk
    • 3 large egg yolks
    • 125 ml (½ cup) fresh lemon juice
    • Zest of 2 lemons
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional topping (vintage style):
    • Icing sugar, for dusting
    • Thin lemon slices or curls of zest
    • Whipped cream or a small meringue dollop

Tools needed:

  • Mixing bowls
  • 9‑inch (or similar) square or pie pan
  • Spatula or whisk
  • Zester or fine grater

Suggested substitutions/additions:

  • Use graham crackers or digestives if you prefer.
  • Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a subtle nutty note.
  • Add a layer of whipped cream mixed with lemon zest for extra texture.
  • Use lime instead of lemon for a zesty twist.

How to Make Vintage Lemon Pie Slice

  1. Press the base:
    Gently mix crushed biscuits, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into your pan to form an even crust—this is the foundation of that satisfying crunch. Chill while you prep the filling.
  2. Blend the filling:
    In a bowl, whisk together condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth. The mixture should be thick and glossy—like sunshine in a bowl!
  3. Assemble & chill:
    Pour the lemon filling over the chilled base. Smooth the top and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it right onto the surface to avoid a film forming. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours—or overnight for easier slicing and a more set texture.
  4. Decorate and serve:
    Just before serving, lightly dust with icing sugar, or add a vintage flair with delicate lemon curls or a whisper of whipped cream on each slice.

What to Serve with Vintage Lemon Pie Slice

  • A pot of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a cozy afternoon.
  • A refreshing glass of iced mint lemonade to play on the citrus theme.
  • Light, fruity dessert wines or a simple Prosecco for elegant gatherings.
  • Fresh berries or a mixed fruit salad for added freshness.

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Press firmly on the base for a sturdy crumb structure. A gentle pat with a flat-bottomed glass works magic.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest—bottled juice lacks the brightness and clean flavor.
  • Chill it long enough—cold helps the custard set elegantly and slice cleanly.
  • Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap—this keeps that glamorous sheen intact.

Storage Instructions

  • Keep refrigerated and covered—best within 2–3 days.
  • You can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly; thaw overnight in the fridge for easy serving.
  • Leftover slices? Freeze overnight at low power in the microwave to gently soften before serving.

General Information

Lemon pie has been brightening tables for centuries! One of the earliest recorded lemon pie recipes was penned by Elizabeth Goodfellow in 1806 Under A Tin Roof. Vintage versions like similar lemon cream pies evolved in early 20th-century America, some tied to promotion of ingredients like condensed milk in the 1930s History in the Making. This slice-style adaptation is a no-fuss, modern nod to longstanding tradition—simple yet elegant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake the filling instead of chilling it?
A: Yes—but chilling keeps it creamy and reminiscent of classic icebox pies.

Q: Can I reduce sugar in the recipe?
A: You can omit the optional sugar from the crust—don’t reduce the condensed milk, or the balance may suffer.

Q: Are raw egg yolks safe without baking?
A: Using fresh, high-quality eggs is key. Alternatively, gently heat the lemon mixture over a double boiler to 71 °C (160 °F) then chill.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes—ideally chill overnight. It holds well and even improves in texture as it sets.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about this Vintage Lemon Pie Slice—its creamy tartness over a buttery base is both nostalgic and refreshing. If you adore lemon desserts, you might also love my Meyer Lemon Tart and Lemon Bars—I promise they’re just as scrumptious! Thanks for baking along, friend—may your kitchen always smell of zest and sunshine.

Interactive Elements

I’d love to hear your thoughts—please leave a review or drop a comment below. Have you given it a vintage twist with meringue or curls? Snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest at Poulef Recipes: https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/—I’d be tickled to see your creations!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice—based on ~1/9th of a 9″ square)

NutrientApprox. per Serving
Calories300–400 kcal
Carbohydrates35–50 g
Fat15–25 g
Protein3–6 g

These are based on similar lemon pie slices—e.g., a typical lemon pie slice has around 270 kcal per 99 g

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Vintage Lemon Pie Slice Recipe – A Tangy Classic with a Heartfelt Twist


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  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 9 slices 1x

Description

A charming vintage-style lemon pie slice with a buttery biscuit base and creamy, tangy lemon custard filling—elegant, easy, and nostalgic.


Ingredients

Scale

250 g plain sweet biscuits, crushed

125 g unsalted butter, melted

1 tbsp caster sugar (optional)

395 g sweetened condensed milk

3 large egg yolks

125 ml fresh lemon juice

Zest of 2 lemons

1 tsp vanilla extract

Icing sugar (optional)

Thin lemon slices or zest curls (optional)

Whipped cream or meringue dollop (optional)


Instructions

1. Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter and sugar, press into pan and chill.

2. Whisk together condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Pour filling over crust, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for 4 hours or overnight.

4. Dust with icing sugar or top with lemon curls and/or whipped cream before serving.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice for the best tang.

Chill overnight for clean slicing.

Great make-ahead dessert for brunches or summer parties.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30
  • Sodium: 120
  • Fat: 20
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 5
  • Cholesterol: 100
Product Image

26-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set

A versatile set of mixing bowls with airtight lids and non-slip bottoms. Includes 3 grater attachments for added convenience in the kitchen!

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I’m Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.Let’s be friends!