There’s something magical about a treat that instantly lifts your spirits, like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy afternoon. That’s exactly what these Lime Frosted Coconut Bars bring to the table. Inspired by the beloved Starbucks version, these bars combine the tropical sweetness of coconut with the bright, tangy pop of lime, creating a flavor profile that’s downright irresistible.

Growing up, coconut always reminded me of summer vacations — the kind where you’re barefoot, salty from the beach, and living on sweet, fruity snacks. Then came the discovery of Starbucks’ Lime Frosted Coconut Bars: chewy, bright, and perfectly sweet. I knew right then that I had to recreate them at home. Now, making a batch of these bars feels like bottling up sunshine and sharing it with family and friends — especially when spring starts blooming or on a rainy day when you just need a little joy.

These bars aren’t just delicious; they’re a tiny celebration of simple pleasures. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, even if you’re more “coffee run” than “home baker.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Bright and Refreshing: The zesty lime frosting paired with the sweet coconut base is pure happiness in every bite.
• Perfect Texture: Chewy, soft, and tender with little bursts of coconut in every mouthful.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy shopping trips required.
• Better Than Store-bought: Freshly made means you can customize the sweetness, the amount of coconut, and the zing of the lime.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for spring parties, summer picnics, or just a cozy afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups shredded sweetened coconut

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Additional shredded coconut, for garnish
• Extra lime zest, for garnish

HOW TO MAKE Lime Frosted Coconut Bars:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Make the Coconut Bar Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture looks creamy and smooth. It’s okay if you want to sneak a taste — it already smells incredible!

Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. You’ll see the batter turn lighter and a bit fluffy, and that’s when you know it’s time for the dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the shredded coconut, making sure it’s evenly distributed but not overmixed.

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. It will be thick, but that’s part of what makes the bars so delightfully chewy.

Step 2: Bake the Bars
Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Try not to overbake; you want them soft and tender.

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Go ahead and make yourself a cup of coffee or tea while you wait. You’ve earned it.

Step 3: Make the Lime Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with lime juice and milk, beating until smooth and spreadable. Stir in the lime zest for that extra zing.

If the frosting feels too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, sift in a little more powdered sugar. It should be creamy but able to hold its shape when spread.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting generously over the top. Sprinkle with extra shredded coconut and a bit more lime zest to make them look like little tropical treasures.

Slice into bars and admire your work — you’ve basically captured summer on a plate.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use Fresh Limes: Fresh juice and zest make a huge difference in flavor. Bottled lime juice won’t have the same bright punch.
• Don’t Overbake: The bars should be chewy, not dry. Check them a few minutes early if your oven runs hot.
• Make It Ahead: You can bake the bars a day in advance and frost them the next day. In fact, the flavor gets even better after resting overnight.
• Customize Your Coconut: Not a fan of super-sweet? Use unsweetened shredded coconut for a slightly less sugary bite.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 20 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• For a slightly crunchier texture, you can toast the coconut before folding it into the batter.
• If you love extra lime flavor, double the zest in the frosting.
• These bars are rich — smaller squares go a long way!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Per serving (1 bar, approximate):

• Calories: 270
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 23g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Freeze them (frosted or unfrosted) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I use lemon instead of lime?
You sure can! It will change the flavor profile slightly, but it’ll still be deliciously bright and zesty.

What type of coconut should I use?
Sweetened shredded coconut is traditional, but you can use unsweetened if you prefer a less sweet bar.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’re fantastic chilled too — the frosting firms up and becomes even more refreshing.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other bright and tropical treats:

• Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
• Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake
• Chocolate Lemon Mousse Dome
• No-Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert

CONCLUSION

Baking these Lime Frosted Coconut Bars at home is like pressing pause on a busy day and sneaking off to your own personal island getaway. Whether you’re sharing them at a party, bringing them to a picnic, or simply treating yourself to a sweet afternoon snack, these bars are a little reminder that life’s simple pleasures often taste the sweetest. Happy baking!

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