Description
Soft, buttery coconut bars topped with a smooth and tangy lime frosting, inspired by the classic Starbucks bakery treat. These bright and tropical dessert bars perfectly balance sweetness with fresh citrus flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (for frosting)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in shredded coconut.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan.
- For the frosting, beat butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar.
- Add lime juice and zest, then add milk as needed to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars and chill slightly before slicing into 16 bars.
Notes
- Add extra lime zest for stronger citrus flavor.
- Toast shredded coconut for deeper coconut flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze sliced bars for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
