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This zesty Starbucks lime frosted coconut bar copycat brings the beloved coffeehouse treat right to your kitchen. The buttery coconut base topped with tangy lime frosting creates that perfect sweet-tart balance that makes these bars so addictive. I discovered this recipe after spending too much money on my Starbucks habit and now my homemade version has become our family's favorite special treat.
I first made these bars for a summer gathering when I needed something impressive but easy. They disappeared faster than any other dessert on the table and now they're requested for every potluck and family event.
Ingredients
- Butter: Make sure it's properly softened for the best texture in both the bars and frosting
- Brown sugar: Creates a deeper flavor than white sugar adding caramel notes that complement the coconut
- Vanilla extract: Provides that classic warm flavor base essential for any good bar cookie
- Coconut extract: Amplifies the tropical flavor even with a small amount
- Shredded coconut: Adds wonderful texture and authentic flavor use unsweetened for best results
- White chocolate chips: Mini chips distribute better throughout the batter for perfect little pockets of sweetness
- Lime extract: Gives that signature Starbucks flavor that fresh lime alone cannot achieve
- Powdered sugar: Creates that silky smooth frosting texture that spreads perfectly
- Lime juice: Adds authentic tanginess and cuts through the sweetness
How To Make Starbucks Lime Frosted Coconut Bars
- Prepare The Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
- Create The Base:
- Cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy about 3 minutes. This incorporates air for a tender texture. Add the egg vanilla and coconut extracts mixing until completely incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and slightly increased in volume.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gently fold in flour baking powder salt and shredded coconut just until combined. Overmixing will develop gluten and make your bars tough instead of tender. Then fold in white chocolate chips distributing them evenly throughout.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan using an offset spatula to reach the corners. Bake for exactly 15 to 16 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the center still looks slightly underbaked. This ensures moist bars that won't dry out.
- Create The Frosting:
- Beat softened butter powdered sugar milk lime juice and lime extract until light and fluffy about 3 minutes. The frosting should hold its shape but still spread easily. Add food coloring gradually to achieve that signature Starbucks pale lime green color.
- Assemble And Decorate:
- Spread the lime frosting over completely cooled bars. If bars are even slightly warm the frosting will melt. Drizzle with melted white chocolate using a piping bag or zip lock with corner snipped for professional looking results. Finish with a sprinkle of coconut.
The lime extract is my secret weapon in this recipe. While many copycat versions rely solely on lime juice the extract provides that distinctive flavor that makes the Starbucks version so recognizable. I discovered this after multiple test batches and it was the ingredient that finally made these taste authentic.
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Perfect Texture Tips
The key to getting the ideal texture in these bars is not overbaking them. When you pull them from the oven they should look slightly underdone in the center but set around the edges. They will continue cooking from residual heat and firm up as they cool. If you wait until they look completely done they will end up dry and crumbly instead of soft and chewy. I learned this through trial and error after making several batches that were too firm.
Make Ahead Options
These coconut lime bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the base up to three days in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. The frosting can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated then brought to room temperature before spreading. Fully assembled bars actually taste better on day two after the flavors have had time to meld together making them ideal for preparing before parties or gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
While these bars are delicious on their own they become an extraordinary dessert when paired thoughtfully. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or alongside a cup of Starbucks blonde roast coffee to recreate the full coffeehouse experience. For an elegant presentation cut them into small squares and arrange on a platter with fresh berries and mint leaves. These bars also make a lovely addition to a brunch spread or afternoon tea.
Flavor Variations
The basic recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to create different flavor profiles. Replace the lime with lemon for a sunnier taste or try orange for a creamsicle inspired treat. You can swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate to create a more sophisticated flavor combination or add macadamia nuts for extra tropical flair and crunch. During the holidays a dash of nutmeg in the base and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top transforms these into festive treats.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use unsalted butter for these bars?
Yes, unsalted butter works perfectly. Simply add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors.
- → Can I use fresh lime juice for the frosting?
Absolutely. Fresh lime juice adds a bright, natural citrus flavor that complements the frosting beautifully.
- → How do I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- → Can I substitute shredded coconut with desiccated coconut?
Yes, desiccated coconut can be used, though shredded coconut gives a slightly chewier texture.
- → How do I achieve the perfect frosting color?
Mix yellow and green food coloring to get the perfect lime green hue for the frosting. Adjust the color gradually.