Starbucks Lime Frosted Coconut Bars

Starbucks lime frosted coconut bars bring together buttery coconut cookie bars with a tangy lime buttercream frosting that transports you straight to a tropical paradise. These bright, flavorful treats have developed quite the following, and for good reason—the combination of coconut and lime creates an irresistible flavor profile that's both refreshing and indulgent. The good news is that you can now make this beloved Starbucks specialty at home, saving both time and money while enjoying them any time of year, even when they disappear from the seasonal menu.

I became obsessed with these bars after trying them on a whim during a coffee run. Before I knew it, I was making special trips just for these tropical treats. After they started disappearing from certain locations, I knew I had to crack the code and create my own version at home. After multiple tests (and many happy taste-testers), this recipe captures everything that makes the original so special—with an extra pop of lime flavor that I think makes them even better.

Tropical Bar Essentials

• Unsalted butter: Creates the perfect tender, melt-in-your-mouth base; make sure it's properly softened for the best texture
• Brown sugar: Provides moisture and a subtle caramel note that complements the coconut beautifully
• Shredded coconut: Unsweetened works best to control the overall sweetness; it provides authentic texture and tropical flavor
• White chocolate: Adds creamy sweetness and richness to the bars; high-quality chips or chopped bars both work wonderfully
• Lime extract: Delivers concentrated lime flavor to the frosting without adding excess liquid; a little goes a long way
• Coconut extract: Intensifies the coconut flavor throughout the bars for that authentic taste

For the perfect lime frosting, I found that adding actual lime juice alongside the extract creates a more complex, authentic flavor than using extract alone. This small adjustment makes the frosting slightly tangier than the Starbucks version, which many of my tasters preferred as it balances the sweetness of the bars perfectly.

Prepare The Bar Base

Beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates air pockets that help the bars achieve their perfect texture. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and coconut extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Add Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually fold into the butter mixture just until combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten and create tough bars, so use a light hand.

Incorporate The Stars

Gently fold in the shredded coconut and white chocolate pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. The coconut adds texture while the white chocolate melts slightly during baking, creating pockets of creamy sweetness.

Bake With Care

Spread the dough evenly in a parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking pan, using an offset spatula to create a level surface. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set—about 20-25 minutes. Don't overbake, as these bars should remain soft and slightly chewy.

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Frost When Cool

Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the buttercream from melting and ensures clean cuts when serving. The vibrant lime green frosting is not just decorative—it adds the perfect tangy contrast to the sweet coconut bars.

Add The Finishing Touches

Sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top of the frosted bars and drizzle with melted white chocolate for visual appeal and textural contrast. Chill briefly to set the frosting and chocolate before cutting into squares.

My husband initially questioned my obsession with recreating these bars, but after one bite of the homemade version, he understood completely. Now he requests these whenever we're having friends over for dinner—they're always a conversation starter and disappear almost instantly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these vibrant bars with a cup of coconut iced coffee for the ultimate tropical treat. They make an excellent addition to brunch spreads or afternoon tea gatherings. For a special dessert, plate individual bars with a small scoop of coconut sorbet or vanilla ice cream on the side. These bars also make beautiful additions to spring and summer celebrations, adding a pop of color to any dessert table.

Creative Variations

Transform this recipe by adding macadamia nuts to the bar base for extra tropical flavor and crunch. For a more intense lime experience, add lime zest to both the bar base and the frosting. Create a chocolate-dipped version by coating the bottom of each cut bar with melted dark chocolate for a striking flavor contrast. During the holidays, add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top instead of the raw coconut for a more golden appearance.

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Storage Solutions

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they'll maintain their perfect texture for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor experience. These bars also freeze beautifully—place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer container with parchment between layers. They'll keep for up to 3 months frozen and can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight.

I've found that making these bars at home isn't just about saving money or avoiding the drive-through—it's about the satisfaction of creating something special from scratch. There's something magical about the aroma of coconut filling your kitchen as these bake, and the joy of achieving that perfect lime frosting color. Every time I make them, they transport me to somewhere tropical and sunny, regardless of the actual weather outside. That little moment of escape is what makes these bars truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use limes instead of lime extract and juice?

Yes! You can replace the lime extract with 1 tablespoon of fresh lime zest. The lime juice in the recipe should already be fresh for the best flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.

→ How do I get that perfect Starbucks lime green color?

For the signature light lime green, use just a tiny amount of green food coloring - start with just a drop or two. If you only have primary colors, mix a small amount of yellow with a very tiny bit of blue to create the perfect shade of green.

→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your white chocolate chips and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.

→ How should I store these bars and how long do they last?

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen (unfrosted) for up to 3 months - just thaw and add the frosting before serving.

→ Can I use sweetened or unsweetened coconut?

Either will work in this recipe. Unsweetened coconut will give you a more authentic texture and balanced sweetness, but sweetened coconut can be substituted if that's what you have on hand. You might want to reduce the sugar slightly if using sweetened coconut.