Description
These Starbucks Lime Frosted Coconut Bars are a delightful copycat treat featuring a tender coconut-infused base topped with a tangy lime frosting and drizzled with white chocolate. Perfectly balanced with a hint of tropical flavor and a creamy lime glaze, these bars offer a refreshing twist on a classic dessert, ideal for parties or an indulgent snack.
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
- lime green food coloring (or mix yellow and green food coloring to achieve desired shade)
For Decoration
- 2 tbsp white chocolate (melted, for drizzling)
- extra shredded coconut (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal later. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and shredded unsweetened coconut.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until the flour disappears. Then gently fold in the white chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 to 16 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting, approximately 30-45 minutes.
- Make the Lime Frosting: In a large bowl, whip together the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, lime juice, and lime extract until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Color the Frosting: Add a few drops of lime green food coloring (or a mix of yellow and green) to achieve the vibrant Starbucks lime frosting color, then stir to combine evenly.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the lime frosting evenly over the cooled coconut bars using a spatula.
- Decorate: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosted bars using a piping bag, ziplock bag corner, or spoon for a decorative touch. Sprinkle extra shredded coconut on top.
- Slice and Serve: Once decorated, slice into 16 bars. For best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator until the frosting is set, about 30 minutes. Enjoy chilled alongside your favorite coffee or milk.
Notes
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Use unsweetened shredded coconut to avoid excess sweetness.
- If white chocolate chips are unavailable, finely chop white chocolate bars for similar texture.
- Adjust lime juice quantity in frosting to taste for more or less tartness.
- The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For vegan adaptation, substitute butter with plant-based butter and egg with a flax egg.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
