Description
These Starbucks copycat lime frosted coconut bars combine a buttery, chewy base with shredded coconut and white chocolate chips, topped with a bright, tangy lime frosting that perfectly captures the refreshing flavors of the original treat. Easy to bake in under 40 minutes, these bars are ideal for a summer dessert or an indulgent snack paired with coffee.
Ingredients
Base
- 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 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips (mini if possible)
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter (at room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp lime extract
- lime green food coloring (or a mix of yellow and green food coloring)
Topping
- extra shredded coconut for sprinkling
- 2 tbsp white chocolate (melted for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and coconut extract to the creamed butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and shredded unsweetened coconut. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until the flour disappears to avoid overmixing.
- Add White Chocolate Chips and Spread Batter: Fold in the white chocolate chips evenly. Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake the Base: Bake in the preheated oven 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 pan from the oven and allow the coconut bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the Lime Frosting: In a large bowl, whip together the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), lime juice, and lime extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Add Food Coloring: Add a few drops of lime green food coloring or mix yellow and green to achieve the signature Starbucks lime frosting color. Stir until evenly colored.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the lime frosting evenly over the cooled coconut bars.
- Drizzle White Chocolate and Garnish: Use a piping bag, ziplock bag, or spoon to drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosting. Sprinkle extra shredded coconut on top for garnish.
- Serve or Chill: Slice into bars and serve immediately, or chill the bars in the refrigerator until the frosting sets for a refreshing cold treat. Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or your favorite coffee.
Notes
- Make sure the butter for the base and frosting is softened but not melted for best texture.
- Use room temperature egg to ensure smoother mixing.
- If mini white chocolate chips are unavailable, gently chop regular white chocolate into small pieces.
- Adjust the lime juice and extract according to your preferred level of tartness.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
