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Starbucks Copycat Caramel Frappuccino Recipe

Starbucks Copycat Caramel Frappuccino Recipe

By What’s Baking

A creamy, coffee-infused, blended treat topped with clouds of whipped cream and drizzles of buttery caramel sauce that perfectly recreates the iconic Starbucks experience at home.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Serves:
2 large drinks
An overhead shot of a tall, clear glass filled with a smooth, light brown frappuccino, showcasing delicate layers where coffee meets cream. Soft natural light streams across the glass, highlighting the swirls of rich caramel sauce cascading down the inner walls and pooling at the top of a generous mound of whipped cream. Close-up details reveal tiny coffee-infused ice crystals giving the drink its signature texture, while a metal straw stands at attention, surrounded by scattered coffee beans and a small dish of caramel sauce on a white marble countertop. The caramel's amber hue creates a striking contrast against the creamy coffee mixture, embodying the perfect balance of sweetness and coffee intensity.

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>

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>
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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>

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

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

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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