Description
This homemade copycat recipe for Starbucks Lime Frosted Coconut Bars features a deliciously soft and chewy coconut base topped with a tangy lime frosting and a drizzle of white chocolate. Perfectly balanced with a hint of coconut and lime, these bars make an irresistible treat ideal for coffee breaks or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Coconut Bars
- 1/2 cup butter (softened, salted or unsalted)
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp coconut extract
- 1 & 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (plus extra for topping)
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips (mini if possible)
For the Lime Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter (at room temperature)
- 1 & 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp lime extract
- Food coloring (lime green, or a mix of yellow and green)
- 2 tbsp white chocolate (for drizzling, melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until fully combined and homogeneous.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Fold in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and shredded unsweetened coconut just until the flour mixture disappears; then gently fold in the white chocolate chips.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking pan and bake for 15-16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove the coconut bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan for proper frosting adhesion.
- Make the Lime Frosting: In a large bowl, whip the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), lime juice, and lime extract together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add Food Coloring: Add a few drops of lime green food coloring or blend yellow and green to achieve the iconic Starbucks lime frosting color and stir well.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the lime frosting evenly over the cooled coconut bars.
- Drizzle White Chocolate and Garnish: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosting using a piping bag, ziplock bag, or spoon for thicker streaks. Sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top for garnish.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into 16 bars and enjoy immediately, or chill in the refrigerator until the frosting sets if you prefer a cooler treat.
- Optional Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled bars with a tall glass of milk or your favorite Starbucks coffee for the perfect pairing.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for smooth batter and frosting consistency.
- If you cannot find lime extract, you may substitute with additional lime juice but slightly reduce the amount to avoid excess liquid.
- Use mini white chocolate chips for even distribution, but regular size chips can be chopped as an alternative.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter and heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
