Starbucks Copycat Caramel Frappuccino Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino with this easy coffee recipe! Perfect balance of strong coffee, creamy milk, and rich caramel creates that authentic coffeehouse experience without leaving home. Master the secret to getting that perfect frappuccino texture with everyday ingredients.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

5 mins

Serves:

2 large drinks

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml strong brewed coffee, cooled</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300ml whole milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tablespoons granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">450g ice cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150ml whipped cream, for topping</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for thicker texture)</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 385 calories

🥑 Fat: 18 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 9 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 52 g

🍭 Sugar: 28 g

🍗 Protein: 5 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 65 mg

🧂 Sodium: 180 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Blender</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Squeeze bottle for caramel drizzle</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Tall glasses</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Brew your coffee extra strong and allow it to cool completely (at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator). Using hot coffee would instantly melt your ice cubes and result in a watery frappuccino instead of the thick, frosty texture we're aiming for.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Once your coffee is chilled, add it to your blender along with the cold milk, sugar, 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and xanthan gum (if using). The xanthan gum helps stabilize the mixture and prevents separation, giving you that authentic frappuccino consistency.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the ice cubes to the blender and secure the lid tightly. Blend on high speed for about 30-45 seconds until the mixture is smooth and no ice chunks remain. You're looking for a thick, slushy consistency that's completely uniform in texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Before pouring, prepare your glasses by drizzling caramel sauce in a circular motion around the inside walls of each glass. This creates that beautiful caramel streak effect as you enjoy your frappuccino and adds pockets of caramel flavor throughout.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Pour the blended frappuccino mixture into your prepared glasses, filling them about ¾ full. Work quickly as the mixture will begin to separate if left sitting too long.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Top each glass generously with whipped cream, creating a dome shape. The weight of the cream will create a beautiful contrast against the coffee mixture. Finish with an artful drizzle of additional caramel sauce on top.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Serve immediately with a straw and spoon. The perfect frappuccino should hold its texture for about 10-15 minutes before melting begins, giving you time to enjoy every sip. For the full Starbucks experience, savor the combination of whipped cream and caramel with each mouthful!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Starbucks Copycat Caramel Frappuccino Recipe?

The key ingredients include strong brewed coffee, whole milk, granulated sugar, caramel sauce, ice cubes, whipped cream, and vanilla extract. For an authentic texture, xanthan gum is optional but recommended to achieve that perfect Starbucks-style consistency.

How to cook Starbucks Copycat Caramel Frappuccino Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Starbucks Copycat Caramel Frappuccino Recipe by brewing and chilling strong coffee, blending it with milk, sugar, caramel sauce and ice, then topping with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. The secret lies in using completely chilled ingredients and adding xanthan gum for that signature coffeehouse texture.

Can I make a caffeine-free version of this frappuccino for children?

Yes! Simply substitute the strong coffee with decaffeinated coffee or 2 teaspoons of coffee extract mixed with 240ml cold water. For an entirely caffeine-free version, use cream-based coffee flavouring or caramel cream syrup instead for that coffee-like taste without the stimulants.

What's the best way to achieve that signature caramel swirl inside the glass?

For picture-perfect caramel swirls, warm your caramel sauce slightly to make it pourable, then use a squeeze bottle to drizzle it inside your glass in a spiral pattern from bottom to top before adding the frappuccino mixture. Chilling the glass beforehand helps the caramel set quickly.

How can I make this frappuccino thicker if I don't have xanthan gum?

To thicken your frappuccino without xanthan gum, use less liquid and more ice, freeze coffee into ice cubes instead of using regular ice, add a tablespoon of instant pudding mix, or include a frozen banana. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also creates a deliciously thick, milkshake-like texture.

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