4.9 (56 reviews)
Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino (Copycat)
Make a Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino at home in 5 minutes with coffee, milk, caramel, and ice. Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Get the copycat recipe!
I've never met a coffee frappuccino I didn't like, but this copycat Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino is the one I keep coming back to. It's sweet, icy, and full of caramel flavor, with just enough coffee to remind you it's a grown-up treat. Starbucks calls it their most popular drink, and after one sip, you'll see why. The best part? You can make it in your own kitchen with nothing more than coffee, milk, caramel syrup, and ice.
Why you’ll love this easy caramel frappuccino recipe
- It takes less than five minutes to blend up, so you can skip the drive-thru line.
- You control the sweetness and coffee strength, so it's exactly how you like it.
- It's a fraction of the cost of a Starbucks copycat recipe, and you probably have all the ingredients already.
Key ingredients for an authentic caramel frappuccino
- Strong coffee or espresso gives the drink its coffee backbone. Use espresso for a bolder flavor, or strong brewed coffee for a milder taste.
- Caramel syrup adds the sweet, buttery caramel flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade, and adjust the amount to your preference.
- Caramel sauce adds the gooey, buttery finish. A good quality sauce makes the drink look and taste like the coffeehouse version.
Kitchen tools for making a caramel frappuccino
- Blender: A standard blender works fine, but a high-speed one will crush ice more evenly.
- Measuring cup: For getting the coffee and milk amounts right.
- Squeeze bottle: Makes drizzling caramel sauce inside the glass neat and easy.
Tips for making the best caramel frappuccino at home
- Use cold coffee or espresso. Warm coffee will melt the ice and make the drink watery.
- Add the ice last so it blends evenly.
- Blend on high until the ice is completely crushed and the drink is smooth.
Expert tips for a coffeehouse-style caramel frappe
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso instead of regular coffee.
- Drizzle caramel sauce around the inside of the glass before pouring. This gives you those pretty streaks and extra flavor with every sip.
- Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a final drizzle of caramel sauce, just like Starbucks does.
- If you like it less sweet, cut back on the caramel syrup and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Caramel frappuccino variations to try
- Mocha Caramel Frappuccino: Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup along with the caramel syrup.
- Dairy-Free Caramel Frappuccino: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of regular milk.
- Extra Strong Caramel Frappe: Swap the coffee for a double shot of espresso.
- Vanilla Caramel Frappuccino: Add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a softer flavor.
What to serve with this frozen coffee drink
Best toppings for a homemade caramel frappuccino
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed graham crackers
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
Side dishes that pair well
- Buttery shortbread cookies
- Chocolate biscotti for dipping
How to store leftover caramel frappuccino
This drink is best enjoyed right after blending, because the ice will melt and the texture changes. If you have leftovers, pour them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to drink it, give it a good shake or blend it again with a little extra ice to bring back some of the frosty texture.
Source recipe: Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino (Copycat) (SnapChef ID 3e1159f2-e10c-491c-a731-46d7b75cd374). Nutrition is estimated per serving.
Recipe
Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino (Copycat)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place coffee and milk in a blender.
- Add caramel syrup and ice. Blend until smooth.
- Drizzle caramel sauce around the inside of a glass if desired.
- Pour the blended frappuccino into the glass.
- Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- Best toppings for a homemade caramel frappuccino Chocolate shavings Crushed graham crackers A sprinkle of cinnamon Side dishes that pair well Buttery shortbread cookies Chocolate biscotti for dipping
- This drink is best enjoyed right after blending, because the ice will melt and the texture changes. If you have leftovers, pour them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to drink it, give it a good shake or blend it again with a little
Nutrition per serving, estimated
| Calories | 325 kcal | 16% DV |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 9 g | 18% DV |
| Fat | 10 g | 13% DV |
| Carbs | 52 g | 19% DV |
| Sugar | 13 g | — |
| Sodium | 320 mg | 0% DV |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Can I use decaf coffee in this copycat Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino?
Absolutely. Swap the regular coffee for decaf brewed coffee or decaf espresso. The flavor will be nearly identical, and you can still enjoy that sweet, icy treat without the caffeine jolt. Just make sure the decaf is strong enough so the coffee flavor doesn't get lost behind the caramel.
What's the best way to make my caramel frappuccino thicker?
Add more ice to the blender and blend again. You can also freeze some coffee into ice cubes and use those instead of regular ice. That way the drink stays cold without getting watered down. If you want an even thicker texture, use less milk and add a frozen banana, though that will change the flavor.
Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel syrup?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Caramel sauce is thicker and stickier, so it may not blend as smoothly. You can thin it with a little warm milk or water before adding it to the blender. Or use the sauce only for drizzling on top and stick with syrup for the drink itself.
Is there a way to make this frappuccino less sweet?
Cut back on the caramel syrup and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. You can also use unsweetened milk like plain almond milk and skip the whipped cream. The coffee will come through more, giving you a less dessert-like drink.
