There’s nothing quite like that first sip of a Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino on a warm afternoon!
I am so over-the-moon excited to share this homemade version that tastes just like the coffee shop original but costs a fraction of the price.
After countless trips to Starbucks with my kids Isabella, Emma, and Noah (who are absolutely obsessed with frappuccinos), I knew I had to crack the code on making this caramel frappuccino recipe at home.
Trust me, this recipe delivers all the creamy, sweet, caffeinated goodness you’re craving without the long lines or hefty price tag.
What makes this homemade frappuccino special is how simple it is to make.
You’ll have this delicious treat ready in less than 5 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Plus, I’ve made it healthier by using monk fruit sweetener and almond milk – but don’t worry, it still tastes absolutely incredible!
Speaking of incredible coffee drinks, you might also love my Mounjaro High Protein Coffee Proffee for another delicious coffee treat.
Why You Will Love This Caramel Frappuccino Recipe
- Quick and easy Ready in under 5 minutes with just a blender
- Budget-friendly Costs way less than buying from Starbucks
- Customizable sweetness Control your sugar intake with monk fruit sweetener
- Creamy texture Perfectly smooth and thick, just like the original
- Lower calorie Made with unsweetened almond milk for a lighter option
- Kid-approved My three little taste-testers give this two thumbs up!
Ingredients for the Perfect Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino
- 2 cups ice
- 1 cup cold brew coffee or strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons granular monk fruit sweetener like Lakanto or Whole Earth
- Whipped cream for topping
The key to this Starbucks copycat recipe is using the right ratio of coffee to milk.
I prefer cold brew because it’s less acidic and gives that smooth coffee flavor we all love.
If you don’t have cold brew, simply brew your regular coffee extra strong and let it cool completely before using.
How to Make Your Homemade Caramel Frappuccino
- Prepare your blender by adding the ice first. This helps create that perfect crushed ice texture that makes frappuccinos so special.
- Add the liquids – pour in your cold coffee and almond milk. The vanilla almond milk adds just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess.
- Include the sweet stuff – add 3 tablespoons of caramel sauce (save the rest for topping) and your monk fruit sweetener. No, seriously, don’t skip the sweetener – it balances the coffee perfectly!
- Blend until smooth – secure the lid tightly and blend on medium-high speed for 30-45 seconds. You want all the ice completely crushed and everything well combined.
- Serve immediately – pour into a tall glass, top with whipped cream, and drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce. Trust me, presentation matters when you’re treating yourself!
Pro Tips for the Best Iced Caramel Coffee
Want to make your low sugar frappuccino even better? Here are my tried-and-true tips:
Start with really cold coffee – I usually brew mine the night before and store it in the fridge.
Room temperature coffee will melt your ice too quickly and give you a watery drink (learned this the hard way!).
Don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness.
Some caramel sauces are sweeter than others, so taste as you go.
You can always add more monk fruit sweetener if needed.
Storage & Reheating Your Almond Milk Frappuccino
Let’s be honest – frappuccinos are best enjoyed immediately while they’re cold and thick.
However, if you have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
The mixture will separate as it sits, so you’ll need to give it a good stir or quick blend before drinking.
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe as the texture changes significantly when thawed.
For meal prep lovers, you can pre-make the coffee base and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Just add ice and blend when you’re ready to enjoy!
Variations for Your Caramel Frappuccino Recipe
Make It Extra Thick
Want that authentic Starbucks thickness?
Add extra ice and blend until you reach your desired consistency.
You can also add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum, which is a natural thickener that works wonders.
Different Milk Options
While I love almond milk for this recipe, you can easily substitute:
- Regular whole milk for extra creaminess
- Oat milk for a nutty flavor
- Coconut milk for tropical vibes
- Any other plant-based milk you prefer
Sweetener Swaps
Not a fan of monk fruit? Simply put, you can use:
- Regular sugar (start with 2 tablespoons)
- Stevia (use sparingly – it’s very sweet!)
- Maple syrup for natural sweetness
- Your favorite sugar substitute
Caramel Frappuccino FAQ
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use regular milk or any other milk alternative you prefer.
Whole milk will give you the creamiest result, while skim milk keeps it lighter.
Each type of milk will slightly change the flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite.
How can I make my Caramel Frappuccino thicker?
To make it thicker, simply add extra ice – about 1/2 cup more should do the trick.
You can also add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum, which is a natural thickener.
Blend longer if needed, but be careful not to over-blend as this can make the drink watery.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of monk fruit?
Yes! You can substitute monk fruit with any sweetener you prefer.
For regular sugar, use about 2-3 tablespoons.
For stevia, start with just a few drops as it’s much sweeter.
Maple syrup or agave work great too just add to taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe without coffee?
Definitely! You can replace the coffee with decaf coffee if you want to avoid caffeine, or omit it entirely for a caramel milk frappuccino.
You could also use chocolate milk instead of regular milk for a fun twist that kids absolutely love.
Make This Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Your New Favorite
I promise this homemade caramel frappuccino will become your go-to treat for those moments when you need a little pick-me-up.
It’s creamy, sweet, perfectly caffeinated, and so much more affordable than the coffee shop version.
The best part? You can customize it exactly to your taste preferences.
Want it sweeter? Add more caramel sauce.
Need it stronger? Use more coffee.
Pretty sure once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to wait in line at Starbucks again!
So grab your blender, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to this delicious Starbucks copycat recipe.
Recipes You May Like
- Frozen Coffee Dalgona Ice Cream Recipe Another amazing coffee treat that’s perfect for summer
- Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats Recipe For a sweet breakfast that feels like dessert
- High Protein Oreo Fluff Recipe When you want something creamy and indulgent
Happy blending!
Amelia
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Caramel Frappuccino Recipe
Description
There’s nothing quite like that first sip of a Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino on a warm afternoon! This homemade version tastes just like the coffee shop original but costs a fraction of the price.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ice
- 1 cup cold brew coffee or strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons granular monk fruit sweetener like Lakanto or Whole Earth
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Prepare your blender by adding the ice first
- Add the liquids – pour in your cold coffee and almond milk
- Include the sweet stuff – add 3 tablespoons of caramel sauce and your monk fruit sweetener
- Blend until smooth – secure the lid tightly and blend on medium-high speed for 30-45 seconds
- Serve immediately – pour into a tall glass, top with whipped cream, and drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce
Notes
Start with really cold coffee for best results. Don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness. Frappuccinos are best enjoyed immediately while they’re cold and thick.
