Who can resist the allure of a perfectly blended, icy-cold Caramel Frappuccino? Whether you’re looking for a cool treat to energize your afternoon or a sweet indulgence to sip on while you relax, this homemade version of the popular coffeehouse favorite will hit the spot. Best of all, it’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients and a blender.
Skip the line at your local coffee shop and enjoy this refreshing caramel goodness from the comfort of your kitchen!
Ingredients
To recreate the signature Caramel Frappuccino flavor at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 1 shot espresso, chilled
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1/2 cup milk (whole, 2%, almond, or oat milk)
- 2 tbsp caramel syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Directions
1. Brew and Chill the Coffee
Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee or pulling a shot of espresso. For the best results, let the coffee chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or use pre-made cold brew. You want the coffee to be cold so it doesn’t melt the ice too quickly when blending.
2. Blend the Ingredients
In a blender, add the chilled coffee, ice cubes, milk, caramel syrup, sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and frothy, with no large chunks of ice remaining. This should take about 20-30 seconds.
3. Sweeten to Taste
Taste the blended mixture to see if it’s sweet enough for your liking. If you want it sweeter, add a little more caramel syrup or sugar and blend again for a few seconds.
4. Serve and Garnish
Pour the frappuccino into a tall glass. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and drizzle extra caramel syrup over the top for that classic coffeehouse presentation.
5. Enjoy!
Grab a straw and enjoy your homemade Caramel Frappuccino immediately! The rich caramel flavor combined with the smooth coffee makes this drink the perfect pick-me-up.
Helpful Tips
- Coffee Strength: For a bold coffee flavor, use a shot of espresso or strong cold brew. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for brewed coffee that’s not too concentrated.
- Consistency: To get a thicker consistency, add more ice or use a frozen coffee ice cube (freeze some coffee in an ice tray beforehand).
- Milk Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of milk to suit your taste or dietary needs. Almond milk adds a nutty flavor, while oat milk makes the frappuccino extra creamy.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less caramel syrup. You can also swap out sugar for honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia.
Substitutions/Variations
- Mocha Caramel Frappuccino: Add 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup to the blender for a delicious chocolate-caramel twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or soy) and skip the whipped cream or use coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Extra Caffeine Boost: Add a double shot of espresso or a scoop of instant coffee for an extra caffeine kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a Caramel Frappuccino without a blender?
Yes! If you don’t have a blender, you can still make a frappuccino-style drink. Simply shake the coffee, milk, caramel syrup, and ice in a large mason jar or shaker bottle until the mixture becomes frothy and chilled.
Can I store leftover Frappuccino in the fridge?
Frappuccinos are best enjoyed immediately after blending to preserve the creamy, icy texture. However, if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and re-blend them with more ice before serving.
What’s the difference between a Frappuccino and an Iced Coffee?
A Frappuccino is blended with ice, creating a smooth, slushy texture. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is simply cold coffee served over ice, without the blending.
Storage Instructions
Since a Caramel Frappuccino is a blended drink, it’s best to enjoy it right after making it. If you have leftover coffee or caramel syrup, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The coffee can be reused for another batch of frappuccino or iced coffee later.
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Enjoy making this Caramel Frappuccino recipe at home! It’s a delicious and refreshing way to treat yourself, plus you get to customize it to your exact preferences. Whether you’re a caramel enthusiast or just love a good blended coffee, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy sipping!