Description
Enjoy a homemade copycat version of Starbucks' famous Lime Frosted Coconut Bars. These bars feature a moist coconut-infused base with white chocolate chips, topped with a tangy and creamy lime frosting, and finished with a drizzle of melted white chocolate and shredded coconut. Perfectly balanced flavors and textures make this delightful treat a refreshing snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bar 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
Lime 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 mix yellow and green to desired color)
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, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. This creates a smooth base for your bars.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and shredded unsweetened coconut. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until no dry streaks remain. Then fold in the white chocolate chips carefully. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 16 minutes in the preheated oven until the edges are 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. This step is essential before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Prepare 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: Stir in lime green food coloring or a blend of yellow and green until you achieve the desired Starbucks lime frosting color.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the lime frosting evenly over the cooled coconut bars, smoothing the top with an offset spatula or knife.
- Drizzle White Chocolate and Garnish: Using a piping bag, ziplock bag, or spoon, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosted bars. Sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve or Chill: Slice the bars into squares. Enjoy immediately or chill in the refrigerator until the frosting is set for a firmer texture. Serve with milk or your favorite Starbucks coffee for the ultimate experience.
Notes
- Use unsweetened shredded coconut to balance the sweetness and enhance the coconut flavor.
- Room temperature ingredients help achieve the right texture and ensure even mixing.
- If you don't have lime extract, lime zest can be used as a substitute to boost the lime flavor.
- Adjust the food coloring carefully to avoid an unnatural appearance.
- Storing bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator will keep them fresh for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
