Who doesn’t love a coffee frappuccino? This copycat Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino may be the best way to enjoy a delicious frozen coffee without going to Starbucks. You can make similar drinks to the famous coffee house at home, and you need only simple ingredients to make this refreshing treat; this is so good that coffee lovers won’t be able to tell the difference.

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Why This Caramel Frappuccino Recipe Works

 I always joke that the sugar in my coffee gets me going way before the caffeine. I like my sweet coffee with just a hint of coffee flavor. Though I don’t drink coffee often, it’s usually a treat. You can also treat yourself by recreating this famous Starbucks taste at home with this homemade frappuccino recipe.

Starbucks caramel drinks are the best, and the caramel frappuccino has been one of the most popular since its introduction. Starbucks’ website tells us it’s “hands down” the most popular. You have to drink one, and it’s easy to understand why!

If you like a strong coffee taste, we suggest using espresso or super strong coffee for this recipe. You could even purchase coffee beans roasted for espresso for a bold flavor. You are going to love this copycat Starbucks caramel frappuccino recipe!

What Is a Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino?

A Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino is made by blending espresso with caramel syrup, milk, and ice until it becomes a chunky, blended drink. A swirl of whipped cream on top gives it a decadent finish, then you must add a drizzle of caramel sauce. Your homemade caramel frappuccino is perfect for a sweet tooth on a hot summer day.

How Does a Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Taste?

In a word, heavenly! If you like sweet drinks, you will love the buttery caramel-syrupy taste of this frappuccino. The taste of the caramel drizzled cream on top will stay with you long after your drink is finished. One thing you won’t get is a strong taste of coffee.

How Much Caffeine is in a Starbucks Frappuccino?

Starbucks frappuccinos do not contain as much caffeine as drinking regular coffee. A caramel frappuccino has about 100mg of caffeine compared to 182mg in a regular-sized cup of coffee.

Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need to make your favorite blended beverage:

• Cold coffee – I recommend Starbucks coffee, you can make some at home, or purchase it at the store
• Milk – Starbucks uses 2%, if you want something more decadent, consider using whole milk 
• Caramel syrup
• Ice
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream

How to Make Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino

You start with a coffee base. Add some caramel for sweet, delicious flavoring, milk, and ice. You blend the ingredients well and top with whipped cream. And more caramel on top, of course. It’s easy to make at home and a perfect way to treat yourself without going through the drive-thru line.

3 Can’t-miss tips for making authentic frappuccinos

🌟 3 Pro Tips for Perfect Homemade Caramel Frappuccino:

☕️ Coffee Cube Magic: Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays and use these instead of regular ice cubes. This prevents your drink from getting watered and gives you a stronger coffee flavor throughout your sip!

🥛 Temperature Trick: Use cold coffee and cold milk – this helps maintain the perfect slushy texture when blending. Room-temperature ingredients can make your frappuccino too runny, even with plenty of ice.

🍯 Caramel Creativity: Don’t just drizzle caramel on top – swirl it around the inside of your glass before pouring in the blended mixture. This creates beautiful caramel streaks and ensures caramel flavor in every sip. Plus, it makes your drink look professionally made!

Recipe Notes and Variations

• Keep some caramel syrup and caramel sauce on hand. Caramel is great in the caramel frappuccino, any coffee drink, and quite a few caramel recipes. Some people think it’s sweetened condensed milk that makes this drink thick, but it does not contain any sweetened condensed milk.
• This recipe does not contain any chocolate syrup. Feel free to add some if you want to make a mocha frappuccino.
• Starbucks uses 2% but you can use skim, 1%, or whole milk.
• Add a pinch of sea salt to make a salted caramel frappuccino.
• You can add a shot of espresso, instant espresso, instant coffee, cold brew coffee, or use your day-old coffee. Of course, I recommend adding espresso or super-strong coffee if you want a stronger coffee flavor. Or freeze leftover coffee into ice cubes and add those coffee ice cubes when you make this drink.

Freezing Your Frappuccino

Why not make extra caramel frappuccino and put the excess beverage in the freezer (minus the topping)? The next time you want a frappuccino, it’s ready! – no need to dirty your blender.

All you have to do is allow it to defrost a bit – 1 hour in the fridge, 30 minutes at room temperature, or about 1 minute in the microwave. Top it with whipped topping and caramel sauce just before you enjoy it. 

Making a Stronger Frappuccino

If you want more coffee taste in your caramel frappe, freeze any leftover coffee in an ice cube tray and use coffee cubes instead of some or all the ice cubes in your frappuccino.

How to Make a Healthier Version of Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino

If you want a lighter version, you can use skim milk. You can also go with almond or cashew milk (my new favorite).

Would you like a skinny caramel frappuccino? Sounds too good to be true? Well, think again! You can create a cold, rich, creamy, and satisfying frappe with only around 50 calories per serving.

Remember that a 16 oz size (Grande) of Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino adds up to approximately 380 calories. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 cups ice cubes = 0 calories
• 1 cup of strong cold coffee = 0 calories
• 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk = negligible calories
• Sugar-free sweetener (Stevia powder, liquid vanilla Stevia drops, Splenda, or your favorite) = 0 calories
• Optional vanilla extract = o calories
• Garnish with 2 tablespoons Fat-Free Reddi-wip = 5 calories and
  1 tablespoon sugar-free caramel sauce = 45 calories.

Feel free to add extra whipped topping and caramel. Even if you double the recipe amounts, we’re still only talking 100 calories.

How to Make Espresso at Home

If you don’t have an espresso maker, you can use instant espresso such as Medaglia D’Oro. Espresso is slightly different than regular drip coffee as the water is steamed through the coffee, making it a little stronger.

You may also consider using a Bialetti Moka Pot which Italians use to make espresso at home and costs under 30 dollars.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe, it is one of my favorite Starbucks recipes. When you make this in your own home you can add extra caramel sauce, and go to town with the caramel drizzle. Best of all you can make this luxurious treat for a fraction of the cost.

Love Starbucks food and drinks? Try these Starbucks copycat recipes!

• Caramel Macchiato
• Flat White Coffee
• Iced White Mocha
• Mocha Coffee
• Pink Drink
• Strawberry Frappuccino
• Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
• Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
• Banana Nut Bread
• Spinach Feta Wrap

More Coffee Recipes

• Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee
• How to Make Cold Brew
• How to Make Vanilla Coffee Creamer

Be sure to check out more of my easy drinks and delicious Starbucks drinks to make at home.

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