This Caramel Frappuccino is my version of a Starbuck’s classic. It has just the right of coffee flavor complemented perfectly by heavy cream and caramel syrup.
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This Caramel Frappuccino is a variation of my classic Frappe Recipe. It’s just as quick and easy as running to your local Starbuck’s, but a whole lot cheaper. AND you don’t have to leave your house at all. Win!
This recipe is made with super simple ingredients, comes together in just 5 minutes, and is the perfect pick-me-up!
If you’re looking for more warm weather sippers, check out this Homemade Pink Lemonade, classic homemade Lemonade Recipe, or this Frozen Hot Chocolate.
Ingredients Needed:
- Cold Water: be sure to use cold water so it doesn’t melt the ice before you serve the drink.
- Cream: I use heavy cream if I have it on hand, but really any milk or cream will work. Remember, the higher the fat content, the richer and creamier the frappe will be.
- Caramel Sauce: you can use 1-2 tablespoons of caramel sauce depending on how sweet you like it. The real deal is your best option here, but if you are reducing sugar you can also use a no-sugar caramel coffee syrup.
- Granulated Sugar: I use 2 teaspoons but you can use as much or as little as you like. You can also substitute with honey, maple syrup or a no-calorie sweetener of your choice.
- Coffee: I use instant coffee granules or instant espresso powder to give the Frappuccino its coffee flavor. Choose a good quality, great-tasting brand! We love Nescafe.
- Ice Cubes: helps thicken the Frappuccino for a creamier texture.
- Whipped Cream and Caramel Sauce: for serving!
How to Make a Homemade Caramel Frappuccino
You have a couple of options when it comes to making your homemade Frappuccino.
- Blender: Add all of the ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Adjust as needed, then pour into a glass and garnish with whipped cream and caramel.
- Shaken: Add water, cream, sugar, and coffee to a jar. Put the lid on and shake until the sugar is dissolved, then pour over ice and top with whipped cream and caramel.
You can see in these photos that there is a slight difference between the two — the blended frappuccino is lighter in color because of the ice.
Recipe FAQs
Traditionally, yes. A classic Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino is made with a coffee base. And while we are using coffee for this recipe, we’re keeping it extra convenient by using instant coffee granules or instant espresso powder.
If you prefer, you can choose a decaf option.
The ice is a key component in creating a thick and creamy blended Frappuccino, so the best way to thicken a Frappuccino is to blend it with more ice. Using heavy cream will also give a rich and creamy flavor — I highly recommend it if you have it!
Honestly, I don’t recommend storing your Caramel Frappuccino. It has the thickest, creamiest texture and best flavor straight out of the blender or shaker. But since this recipe takes just 5 minutes to whip up, you can keep the ingredients on hand and whip one up super quickly whenever a craving hits.
Different blenders handle ice differently. You may have to stop and stir once or twice to blend completely.
Variations on this recipe
- Customize it! This recipe can super easily be customized to your tastes. If you like a stronger coffee, add more coffee. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. Prefer it creamier to be creamier, use more cream.
- Lighten it up. Swap the cream out for skim milk or non-dairy milk.
- Use other syrups. Feel free to play around with the flavor of your Frappuccino by adding other syrups. Vanilla, hazelnut, or even chocolate would be delicious!
More Summer drinks you'll love
Caramel Frappuccino
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cold water
- 1-2 tablespoons cream** (or milk, dairy free milk, more or less depending on your tastes)
- 1-2 tablespoons caramel sauce (depending how sweet you like it)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar or to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons instant coffee granules or instant espresso powder
- 8 ice cubes about 1 cup
- whipped cream and caramel sauce to serve
Instructions
Blender method:
- Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth and frothy.
- Adjust flavor to your tastes and pour into a glass.
- Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce as desired.
Shaken method
- Add water, cream, sugar and coffee to a 500ml jar and shake until coffee is dissolved and mixture is frothy.
- Pour over ice and top with whipped cream and caramel sauce as desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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Emily says
Diane says
I have not tried this yet but I do have a comment. With the sugar, heavy cream, and caramel, it seems to me that it would be more than 97 calories.
Ashley Fehr says
It would really depend what kind of cream you use. Heavy cream is about 50 calories per tablespoon, caramel sauce is about the same. Sugar is about 15 calories per teaspoon. So if you use heavy cream, it would be a little more, but not much. If you use a coffee cream or half and half, likely less.