There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a treat that hits the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and tropical. If you’ve ever wandered into a Starbucks on a warm afternoon and been drawn in by the vibrant green glaze of their Lime Frosted Coconut Bars, then you already know the magic I’m talking about. These bars are a seasonal favorite that feels like sunshine in dessert form—moist, chewy, zesty, and just the right kind of indulgent.
For me, these bars are a bite of vacation. They remind me of summer breaks spent barefoot on porches, the scent of citrus lingering in the air, and those carefree days when the most important decision was choosing between lime or coconut for your ice cream flavor. So naturally, when Starbucks released these limited-time gems, I knew I had to recreate them at home—and honestly, this version might even be better.
With a soft, buttery base packed with shredded coconut and white chocolate chips, these bars are topped with a zippy lime frosting and a sprinkle of coconut crumbles for texture. The lime glaze drizzled on top brings it all together with a tangy brightness that’s both refreshing and comforting. They’re the kind of treat that makes you want to share, though you might not want to.
Whether you’re baking for a spring gathering, looking for a unique addition to your dessert table, or just craving something sweet and citrusy to go with your coffee—these coconut bars are pure sunshine on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Better than the original – Richer flavor and no limited-time restriction.
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Bright, tropical flavors – Lime and coconut are a match made in dessert heaven.
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Simple to make – No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required.
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Perfect for sharing – Great for picnics, potlucks, or coffee dates with friends.
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Stays moist for days – These bars hold up beautifully and taste just as good (if not better) the next day.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
For the Bars:
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup brown sugar
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1¼ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon baking powder
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½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
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⅓ cup white chocolate chips
For the Lime Frosting:
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 oz cream cheese, softened
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1½ cups powdered sugar
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1 tablespoon lime zest
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 drop green food coloring (optional, for that signature look)
For the Lime Glaze:
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 teaspoons lime juice
Garnish:
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Toasted sweetened shredded coconut
HOW TO MAKE LIME FROSTED COCONUT BARS:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat and prep.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to make lifting the bars out easier once they’re done. You’ll thank yourself later!
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step sets the foundation for those chewy, golden edges.
Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla.
Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and silky—this is where things start to look real good.
Step 4: Dry ingredients and mix-ins.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add this to the wet mixture. Fold in the shredded coconut and white chocolate chips—little bursts of sweetness and chew in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to perfection.
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 22–26 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay!). Let it cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make the frosting.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, lime zest, and lime juice. Add a drop of green food coloring if you want that signature Starbucks look. Frost the cooled bars generously.
Step 7: Add the glaze.
Whisk together the powdered sugar and lime juice until you have a drizzleable glaze. Drizzle over the frosted bars—don’t worry about being perfect, that homemade touch is part of the charm.
Step 8: Sprinkle and serve.
Finish off with a handful of toasted coconut flakes on top. Let the bars chill for 15–20 minutes to set before slicing into squares. Then serve, share (or don’t), and enjoy!
HELPFUL TIPS:
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Don’t overbake! The bars should be set but still soft in the center. Overbaking will dry them out.
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Use fresh lime zest – It gives the frosting a natural punch that bottled juice can’t replicate.
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Chill before slicing – Cooling them in the fridge makes for neater, cleaner cuts.
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Double the batch – These go fast! You can easily double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan.
DETAILS:
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Yield: 16 bars
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Category: Dessert
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Method: Baking
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Cuisine: American
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Diet: Vegetarian
NOTES:
These bars are wonderfully versatile. Feel free to add chopped macadamia nuts for extra texture or use lemon zest instead of lime for a slightly different citrus twist. You can also leave out the green food coloring for a more natural, rustic look.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Per bar, approximate)
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Calories: 220
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Carbohydrates: 29g
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Sugar: 21g
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Fat: 11g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Protein: 2g
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Fiber: 1g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They keep well for several days and taste even better the next day as the flavors settle.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Just wrap them individually and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Is the food coloring necessary?
Not at all—it’s purely for looks. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a more natural presentation.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If stacking, place parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the frosting intact. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
CONCLUSION
These Lime Frosted Coconut Bars are one of those feel-good recipes that brings the coffeehouse comfort right into your own kitchen. They’re simple enough for a casual afternoon bake but pretty enough to impress at any gathering. The chewy coconut base, creamy lime frosting, and that drizzle of tangy glaze come together to make something truly special. So go ahead—slice up some sunshine, pour yourself a drink, and enjoy every bite of this tropical treat.
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Lime Frosted Coconut Bars (Starbucks Copycat)
Description
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a treat that hits the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and tropical. If you’ve ever wandered into a Starbucks on a warm afternoon and been drawn in by the vibrant green glaze of their Lime Frosted Coconut Bars, then you already know the magic I’m talking about. These bars are a seasonal favorite that feels like sunshine in dessert form—moist, chewy, zesty, and just the right kind of indulgent.
For me, these bars are a bite of vacation. They remind me of summer breaks spent barefoot on porches, the scent of citrus lingering in the air, and those carefree days when the most important decision was choosing between lime or coconut for your ice cream flavor. So naturally, when Starbucks released these limited-time gems, I knew I had to recreate them at home—and honestly, this version might even be better.
With a soft, buttery base packed with shredded coconut and white chocolate chips, these bars are topped with a zippy lime frosting and a sprinkle of coconut crumbles for texture. The lime glaze drizzled on top brings it all together with a tangy brightness that’s both refreshing and comforting. They’re the kind of treat that makes you want to share, though you might not want to.
Whether you’re baking for a spring gathering, looking for a unique addition to your dessert table, or just craving something sweet and citrusy to go with your coffee—these coconut bars are pure sunshine on a plate.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
⅓ cup white chocolate chips
For the Lime Frosting:
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 drop green food coloring (optional, for that signature look)
For the Lime Glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 teaspoons lime juice
Garnish:
Toasted sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and prep.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to make lifting the bars out easier once they’re done. You’ll thank yourself later!
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step sets the foundation for those chewy, golden edges.
Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla.
Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and silky—this is where things start to look real good.
Step 4: Dry ingredients and mix-ins.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add this to the wet mixture. Fold in the shredded coconut and white chocolate chips—little bursts of sweetness and chew in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to perfection.
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 22–26 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay!). Let it cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make the frosting.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, lime zest, and lime juice. Add a drop of green food coloring if you want that signature Starbucks look. Frost the cooled bars generously.
Step 7: Add the glaze.
Whisk together the powdered sugar and lime juice until you have a drizzleable glaze. Drizzle over the frosted bars—don’t worry about being perfect, that homemade touch is part of the charm.
Step 8: Sprinkle and serve.
Finish off with a handful of toasted coconut flakes on top. Let the bars chill for 15–20 minutes to set before slicing into squares. Then serve, share (or don’t), and enjoy!
Notes
These bars are wonderfully versatile. Feel free to add chopped macadamia nuts for extra texture or use lemon zest instead of lime for a slightly different citrus twist. You can also leave out the green food coloring for a more natural, rustic look.