I’ve always loved the refreshing zing of lime combined with the creamy sweetness of coconut, which is why replicating Starbucks’ Lime Frosted Coconut Bar was a must for me. Whenever I pass by a Starbucks, I can’t resist imagining how amazing their seasonal treats must taste at home.
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Equipment
To recreate the Starbucks Lime Frosted Coconut Bar at home, gather the following equipment:
- 9×9-inch baking pan
Provides the perfect size for even baking and easy slicing.
- Mixing bowls
Essential for combining crust, frosting, and topping ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ensure accurate measurements for consistent flavor and texture.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
Helps achieve a smooth and creamy frosting without lumps.
- Spatula
Ideal for spreading the crust and frosting evenly in the pan.
- Zester or fine grater
Extracts fresh lime zest to enhance the frosting’s citrus flavor.
- Knife and cutting board
Necessary for slicing the bars neatly once they’re set.
- Parchment paper
Lines the baking pan for easy removal and cleanup.
- Small saucepan
Used to gently heat and combine certain frosting ingredients.
Having these tools ready will make the preparation process smooth and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on creating delicious Lime Frosted Coconut Bars.
Directions
Recreating the Starbucks Lime Frosted Coconut Bar at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to craft your own delicious treat.
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut and 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add Butter
Melt ½ cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Pour the melted butter into the coconut and graham cracker mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Press the Crust
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or a flat-bottomed glass to press the crust firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Frosting
- Mix Powdered Sugar and Lime
In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 1 teaspoon lime zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Heat the Frosting
Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Heat the mixture until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Add Coconut Cream
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup coconut cream until fully incorporated. The frosting should be creamy and spreadable.
- Cool Slightly
Allow the frosting to cool for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to spread evenly over the cooled crust.
Assemble the Bars
- Spread the Frosting
Using a spatula, evenly spread the lime frosting over the cooled crust. Ensure the layer is smooth and covers the entire surface.
- Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup shredded coconut with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Stir until the coconut is well coated.
- Add the Topping
Sprinkle the coconut mixture evenly over the frosting layer, pressing gently to adhere.
- Optional Garnish
For an extra touch, you can zest additional lime over the top or add thin lime slices for decoration.
Chill Until Set
- Refrigerate
Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator. Let them chill for at least 2 hours, or until the frosting is firm and the bars are set.
- Slice and Serve
Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice into squares or rectangles.
- Store Properly
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing these Lime Frosted Coconut Bars ahead of time can save you time and stress, especially during busy holidays or gatherings. Here’s how to effectively make and store your bars to ensure they remain fresh and delicious:
Preparing in Advance
- Bake and Cool Completely
- Follow the recipe steps to bake the crust and prepare the frosting.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before storing.
- Assemble the Bars
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled crust.
- Add the coconut and lime juice topping as directed.
- Chill Properly
- Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator.
- Chill for at least 2 hours, or until the frosting is set and the bars are firm.
Storage Options
| Storage Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness. |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. |
| Portioned Freezing | Up to 1 month | Cut bars into individual servings before freezing. |
Freezing and Thawing
- Freezing the Bars
- After chilling, wrap the entire batch tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place in the freezer for long-term storage.
- Thawing Before Serving
- Remove the bars from the freezer and unwrap them.
- Let them thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating Tips
- No Reheating Needed: These bars are best enjoyed cold. Reheating can alter the texture of the frosting and coconut topping.
Transporting the Bars
- Secure Packaging
- Use a sturdy container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent shifting during transport.
- If freezing, ensure the bars are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
- Maintaining Freshness
- Keep the container upright to protect the frosting surface.
- Transport in a cooler bag with ice packs if traveling long distances or in warm conditions.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy your homemade Lime Frosted Coconut Bars anytime with minimal effort. Whether preparing for a party or craving a sweet treat, these steps ensure your bars stay tasty and fresh.
Storage Tips
As a chef who loves perfecting recipes, I know that proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your Lime Frosted Coconut Bars. Here are my top tips to keep your bars delicious for as long as possible:
Refrigeration
Storing your bars in the refrigerator is the best way to keep them fresh for up to 5 days. Follow these steps:
- Cool Completely: Ensure the bars are completely cooled after baking and frosting to prevent condensation.
- Use an Airtight Container: Place the bars in a single layer within an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out and absorbs any lingering odors.
- Separate Layers: If stacking is necessary, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
- Label and Date: Mark the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy these bars later, freezing is an excellent option. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Here’s how to freeze them properly:
- Prep for Freezing:
- Cut the bars into individual servings before freezing to make thawing easier.
- Wrap Individually:
- Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
- Use a Freezer Bag:
- Place the wrapped bars in a labeled freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Freeze Flat:
- Lay the bag flat in the freezer for efficient storage and quicker thawing.
Thawing
To enjoy your bars at their best after freezing, follow these thawing steps:
- Refrigerate Overnight:
- Move the desired number of bars from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw slowly overnight.
- Serve Cold:
- For the best texture and flavor, serve the bars straight from the refrigerator without reheating.
Transportation
When transporting your Lime Frosted Coconut Bars, whether to a gathering or as a gift, proper packaging is essential:
- Secure Packaging:
- Use a sturdy, airtight container to prevent any dust or damage during transit.
- Layer Protection:
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking is necessary to maintain their appearance and prevent sticking.
- Keep Cool:
- If traveling on a warm day, consider using a cooler bag with ice packs to keep the bars chilled and fresh.
Freezer and Refrigerator Storage Overview
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Use airtight containers, cool completely |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Wrap individually, use freezer bags |
| Thawing | Overnight | Move to refrigerator, serve cold |
| Transportation | As needed | Use sturdy containers, keep cool |
Conclusion
Baking these Lime Frosted Coconut Bars has been a delightful adventure for me. Seeing the vibrant colors and tasting the perfect balance of tangy lime and sweet coconut brings so much joy.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do. Feel free to share your creations and any tweaks you make. Happy baking!
