Starbucks Lime Frosted Coconut Bars Copycat Recipe
This copycat recipe recreates the delightful Starbucks Lime Frosted Coconut Bars featuring a moist coconut-infused base topped with a tangy lime frosting and drizzled with white chocolate. Perfectly balanced between sweet and zesty, these bars are a tropical treat that combines shredded coconut, white chocolate chips, and a refreshing lime glaze.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 cups 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 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 to achieve desired color)
- 2 tbsp white chocolate (melted for drizzling)
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This will provide a tender base for the bars.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the room temperature egg, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and shredded unsweetened coconut.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until the flour disappears. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Bake: Fold in the white chocolate chips gently. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the coconut bars cool completely in the pan to ensure the frosting adheres well.
- Prepare Lime Frosting: In a large bowl, whip together the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), lime juice, and lime extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Color the Frosting: Add lime green food coloring gradually, or mix yellow and green food coloring to achieve the signature Starbucks lime frosting color. Stir well to combine.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the lime frosting evenly over the cooled coconut bars. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosting using a piping bag, a ziplock bag with a corner cut, or a spoon for thicker streaks.
- Add Final Touches and Slice: Sprinkle more shredded coconut on top for garnish. Once decorated, slice the bars into squares and serve.
- Optional Serving Suggestion: For a chilled treat, refrigerate the bars until the frosting sets. Enjoy them with a cold glass of milk or your favorite Starbucks coffee.
Notes
- Using room temperature ingredients (egg and butter) ensures better mixing and texture.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and tender.
- You can substitute lime extract with fresh lime zest for a more natural flavor.
- Mini white chocolate chips distribute more evenly and melt better but regular chips can be used.
- Adjust the food coloring amount to match your desired frosting shade.
- If dairy-free, substitute butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keywords: Starbucks copycat, lime frosted coconut bars, coconut bars, lime frosting, white chocolate drizzle, tropical dessert