Go Back

Lime Frosted Coconut Bars

These soft and chewy lime frosted coconut bars combine zesty lime flavor with a creamy frosting, creating a bright and tropical treat perfect for sharing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Coconut Bar Base
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened For a tender base and rich flavor.
  • 1 cup Light brown sugar For moisture and caramel notes.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar To balance sweetness and texture.
  • 1 Egg For structure and chew.
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract To round out the lime and coconut flavors.
  • 2 large Fresh limes (zest and juice) Zest provides the key lime flavor.
  • 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour Just enough to hold the bars together.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder For a small lift.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt To balance sweetness.
  • 1 cup Sweetened shredded coconut For texture and a tropical finish.
  • 1/2 cup Old-fashioned oats Optional but recommended for chew.
  • 1/2 cup White chocolate chips or chopped macadamias Optional add-ins for extra richness.
For the Lime Frosting
  • 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened For the frosting’s body and tang.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, softened To make the frosting silky.
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar For a smooth, spreadable frosting.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice For added flavor in the frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon Lime zest For extra zing in the frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract To enhance the flavor.
  • a pinch Salt To balance flavors.

Method
 

Bake the Coconut Bar Base
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
  2. In a bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
  3. Mix in one egg, vanilla extract, lime zest, and a squeeze of lime juice.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture along with the shredded coconut and oats, if using.
  6. Spread the batter in the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
  8. Let cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Whip the Lime Frosting
  1. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar, fresh lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing to combine.
  3. Adjust consistency with additional lime juice or powdered sugar as necessary.
  4. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and sprinkle with additional coconut.
  5. Chill for 20 to 30 minutes to allow frosting to set before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lime for zest and juice. Allow bars to chill for clean slices. Keep the lime flavor bright by avoiding bottled juice.