My caramel frappuccino is rich and creamy with the perfect pop of caramel flavor. You can make your favorite coffee house favorite at home anytime for a fraction of the price with this easy recipe.
I love making coffee house beverages at home. Some of my favorite as the Cinnamon Dolce Latte, the Chai Tea Latte, a Smores Frappuccino, and of course this Caramel Frappuccino. This copycat coffee drink recipe is to die for! It is smooth, creamy, and full of rich caramel flavor. It tastes exactly like your favorite Starbucks drink and goes great with breakfast or a sweet snack of your choice.
It’s not always convenient to run to Starbucks, though, and spending money on coffee adds up. Skip the lines and save your pennies by making my Starbucks Copycat recipe at home!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Ready in minutes: I don’t like waiting around when I need coffee. This drink is ready in 5 minutes or less.
- Rich Caramel Flavor: I use caramel in 2 ways for the best flavor.
- Cheap: This recipe costs around $1 to make.
Serving Suggestions
- Morning Coffee: Leaving the house at 7 AM for the drive-through? No thanks, I’ll make it at home.
- Afternoon Slump Pick Me Up
- Midnight Energy Boost: Perfect for keeping you focused while you write or study.
What Is a Frappuccino
A Frappuccino is a coffee drink that Starbucks has trademarked. They are made by blending coffee with ice and syrup. Other stores have since released their own version of the drink, but a true “Frappuccino” can only be found at Starbucks.
Frappuccinos come in all sorts of flavors, like pistachio, peppermint mocha, vanilla, and, my favorite, caramel.
Frappuccino vs. Iced Coffee vs. Frappe Differences
Frappuccino, iced coffee, and frappes are all very similar, but there are a few key differences:
- Frappuccino: Frappuccino, a blended drink of milk, syrup, and iced coffee. It can only be purchased at Starbucks.
- Iced Coffee: Iced coffee can refer to several drinks, but it most commonly means coffee poured over ice. Many iced coffees today include a flavored syrup.
- Frappe: In the U.S., frappes are essentially the same as Frappuccinos, the only major difference being the name. The original frappe is a Greek iced drink made with instant coffee. Some regions also use this name to mean milkshake.
Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
This recipe does not require many ingredients, but all are important.
- Ice: For the best Frappuccino, use crushed ice. If your ice maker doesn’t make crushed ice, put cubes in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Espresso or Coffee: Either ingredient can be used here. Decaf or instant espresso would work great too. If you use coffee, be sure it’s cooled. I don’t brew Espresso at home,so I used a Starbucks French Roast K-Cup for this recipe.
- Milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest drink.
- Caramel Sauce: You can use your favorite caramel sauce, or make your own. I used Smuckers. Look for it near the Ice Cream Cones.
- Caramel Syrup: Use whichever brand of syrup you prefer. I used Torani. Look for it in the coffee aisle.
- Whipped Cream: Homemade or storebought will taste great and look beautiful on top of the drink!
How To Make a Caramel Frappuccino at Home
- Pour: Combine coffee, ice, milk, and caramel sauce in the blender.
- Blend: Blend until smooth.
- Garnish: Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce if desired.
How Much Caffeine Does It Contain?
A 16 oz Caramel Frappuccino has around 105 mg of caffeine. My homemade version has nearly the same amount.
Barista Tips and Tricks
- Add another syrup like vanilla or hazelnut, for a more nuanced flavor.
- Ice: Use more ice for a thicker drink and less ice for a thinner drink. You can also freeze ice cubes made of coffee to avoid watering down your drink.
- Cream-based: Leave out the coffee for what Starbucks calls a cream-based Frappuccino. Perfect for kids or those avoiding caffeine.
Serve With
Caramel Frappuccino
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Large Ice Cubes
- 2 Shots Espresso OR ⅓ Cup Strong Coffee Cooled
- ½ Cup Milk
- 1 Tablespoon Caramel Sauce
- 3 Tablespoons Caramel Syrup
- Whipped Cream and Additional Caramel Sauce To Garnish
Instructions
- In a blender combine ice cubes and espresso (or coffee).
- Pour in milk, caramel sauce, and caramel syrup.
- Pulse and blend until smooth.
- Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
- Ice: For the best Frappuccino, use crushed ice. If your ice maker doesn’t make crushed ice, put cubes in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Espresso or Coffee: Either ingredient can be used here. Decaf or instant espresso would work great too. If you use coffee, be sure it’s cooled. I don't brew Espresso at home,so I used a Starbucks French Roast K-Cup for this recipe.
- Milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest drink.
- Caramel Sauce: You can use your favorite caramel sauce, or make your own. I used Smuckers. Look for it near the Ice Cream Cones.
- Caramel Syrup: Use whichever brand of syrup you prefer. I used Torani. Look for it in the coffee aisle.
- Whipped Cream: Homemade or storebought will taste great and look beautiful on top of the drink!
- Add another syrup like vanilla or hazelnut, for a more nuanced flavor.
- Ice: Use more ice for a thicker drink and less ice for a thinner drink. You can also freeze ice cubes made of coffee to avoid watering down your drink.
- Cream-based: Leave out the coffee for what Starbucks calls a cream-based Frappuccino. Perfect for kids or those avoiding caffeine.
Nutrition
Adapted via Eugenie Kitchen
This is such a perfect treat for coffee lovers!!
This is incredible!! I can’t wait to make it again and again!! Homemade is the best!
Oh my goodness! This looks absolutely amazing!! I LOVE it!
Seriously, who needs to go to a coffee shop when you can make this?
I have to make this. I gave up Starbucks because I realized that in a month, I could afford a house from paying what I did for their coffee. Now I can have it again!
Just popping in to let you know I’ve included your copycat frappuccino recipe in my round-up of iced coffee recipes. Thanks for contributing!
Thanks so much Michelle! 🙂
That looks amazing, the recipe seems simple enough that I could make it! I can’t wait to try it once the weather warms up a bit 🙂
It is SO easy Stef!