Description
This copycat recipe recreates the beloved Starbucks Lime Frosted Coconut Bars, featuring a buttery coconut base studded with white chocolate chips, topped with a tangy lime-flavored frosting and a drizzle of white chocolate. Perfectly balanced with sweet, tart, and tropical flavors, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base
- 1/2 cup butter (softened, salted or unsalted)
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 tsp coconut flavoring
- 1 & 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened, plus extra for topping)
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips (mini if possible)
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 flavoring
- food coloring (lime green or mix of yellow and green)
Topping
- 2 tbsp white chocolate (melted, for drizzling)
- Extra shredded coconut (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is creamy and well combined, creating a smooth base for the bars.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, vanilla bean paste, and coconut flavoring into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors well.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Fold in the flour, baking powder, salt, and shredded unsweetened coconut just until the flour mixture disappears to create a balanced batter without over-mixing.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Bake: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips. Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 15-16 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the coconut bars to cool completely on a wire rack to ensure the frosting adheres properly.
- Make Lime Frosting: In a large bowl, whip the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), lime juice, and lime flavoring together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth frosting texture.
- Add Food Coloring: Add a few drops of lime green food coloring or mix yellow and green food coloring to achieve the vibrant Starbucks lime frosting color. Stir well to incorporate the color evenly.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the lime frosting evenly over the cooled coconut bars. Drizzle with melted white chocolate using a piping bag, ziplock bag, or spoon for thicker streaks. Sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top for extra texture and flavor.
- Slice and Chill (Optional): Slice the bars into 16 servings. For a chilled treat, refrigerate the bars until the frosting is set. Serve alongside a tall glass of milk or your favorite Starbucks coffee for the perfect pairing.
Notes
- Use unsweetened shredded coconut to balance the sweetness of the bars.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust food coloring to preference for the perfect lime green shade.
- Substitute heavy cream with milk if preferred in the frosting.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For easier drizzling, warm white chocolate gently before use.
