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This zesty coconut lime treat brings together buttery coconut blondies with a bright lime frosting that perfectly mimics those popular Starbucks bars we all love. After numerous test batches in my kitchen, I've perfected this copycat version that my friends now request more than the original!
The first time I made these for my daughter's study group, they disappeared faster than any store-bought treat. Now they're our official celebration dessert whenever someone in the family has good news to share.
Ingredients
- Butter: Creates that rich melt-in-your-mouth texture key to these bars
- Brown sugar: Provides caramel notes that complement the coconut perfectly
- Egg: Binds everything together while adding moisture
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile without overwhelming
- Coconut extract: Intensifies the tropical flavor — use pure, not imitation if possible
- Flour: Provides structure — choose all-purpose for best results
- Baking powder: Gives just enough lift without making them cakey
- Salt: Balances the sweetness — essential even with salted butter
- Shredded coconut: Adds authentic texture and flavor — unsweetened works best
- White chocolate chips: Create little pockets of sweetness throughout the bars
- Lime extract: Gives that signature citrus punch without adding too much liquid
- Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth frosting with no grittiness
- Heavy cream: Creates silky texture in the frosting — milk works in a pinch
- Lime juice: Adds natural acidity and brightens the frosting
- Food coloring: Achieves that signature Starbucks pale green look
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- 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 effortless.
- Create the Base:
- Cream room temperature butter and brown sugar together for at least 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This incorporates air which helps create the perfect texture. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and coconut extract, beating until fully combined and smooth. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, salt, and shredded coconut using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until no dry flour pockets remain — overmixing will create tough bars. Carefully fold in white chocolate chips distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Spread the thick batter evenly in your prepared pan using an offset spatula to create a level surface. Bake for precisely 15-16 minutes until the edges are just turning golden but the center still looks slightly underdone. The residual heat will continue cooking them as they cool so this prevents overbaking.
- Prepare the Lime Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, lime juice, and lime extract, beating on low speed initially then increasing to medium-high once incorporated. Whip for 3-4 minutes until extremely light and fluffy. Add food coloring a drop at a time until you achieve the signature pale lime green color.
- Assemble and Finish:
- Once bars are completely cooled, spread the lime frosting in an even layer using an offset spatula. Melt white chocolate in 15-second increments in the microwave, stirring between each, until smooth. Drizzle white chocolate over the frosting in a zigzag pattern using a piping bag or spoon. Sprinkle additional coconut over the top before the chocolate sets. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before cutting into 16 even squares.
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The coconut in this recipe is really the star ingredient. I discovered that using unsweetened rather than sweetened coconut creates a more authentic texture and lets you control the overall sweetness. My grandmother always said good coconut desserts should taste tropical, not just sweet, and this recipe honors that wisdom.
Storage Solutions
These bars actually improve with a day in the refrigerator as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll keep beautifully for up to 5 days refrigerated or can be frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, I recommend freezing them unfrosted, then adding the topping after thawing for the freshest taste. Allow them to come to cool room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.
Easy Substitutions
If you're out of certain ingredients, there are several workable substitutions. Almond extract can replace coconut extract in a pinch, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the frosting. If you prefer a more intense lime flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lime zest to both the bar base and the frosting. For a fun variation, try using key lime juice instead of regular lime for a more pronounced citrus note.
Serving Suggestions
These bars pair beautifully with hot or iced coffee just like at Starbucks. For a dessert platter, consider cutting them into smaller bite-sized pieces and serving alongside fresh berries for color contrast. They make a wonderful addition to brunches, baby showers, or afternoon tea gatherings. For an elevated dessert, serve a bar slightly warmed with a small scoop of coconut ice cream on the side and a fresh mint garnish.
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These copycat Starbucks bars are an irresistible treat, perfect for any celebration or just because you deserve something sweet!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use coconut oil instead of butter in these bars?
Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for butter in a 1:1 ratio, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Using coconut oil will enhance the coconut flavor but may make the bars less chewy and more crisp.
- → How long do these lime frosted coconut bars stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, these bars will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week when refrigerated. The lime flavor often intensifies after a day in the refrigerator.
- → Can I freeze these coconut lime bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
- → What can I substitute for lime extract?
If you don't have lime extract, you can use additional lime zest (about 1-2 teaspoons) to enhance the lime flavor. You can also substitute lemon extract or even orange extract for a different citrus twist.
- → How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure all other ingredients, including the vanilla extract and baking powder, are certified gluten-free.
- → Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened. However, the bars will be sweeter overall, so you might want to reduce the brown sugar by about 2 tablespoons to compensate.