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.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
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.
Here are the copycat caramel frappuccino recipe steps:
- Put milk and coffee in a blender.
- Add caramel syrup and ice. Blend until it has a smooth consistency.
- Drizzle caramel sauce around the inside of tall glasses.
- Pour the blended frappuccino into the glasses.
- Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Grab a straw! And enjoy!
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
Be sure to check out more of my easy drinks and delicious Starbucks drinks to make at home.
Did you make and love this recipe? Give your review below and make sure to share your creations by tagging me on Instagram!
Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino
Ingredients
- 1 cup coffee cold or room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons caramel syrup
- 1-2 cups ice more ice if you want it less thick
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce plus more for drizzling in the glass if desired
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!
Video
Notes
- I suggest getting some caramel syrup to have on hand. It’s great in the caramel frappuccino, but also any coffee drink. Some people think it is sweetened condensed milk that makes this drink thick, but I think it is caramel syrup.
- This recipe does not contain any chocolate syrup. If you want to add some, feel free to do so.
- You can also use a shot of espresso, instant espresso, instant coffee, cold brew coffee, or use day old coffee like I did!
- If you want a lighter version, you can use skim milk. You can also use almond milk or cashew milk.
Payton Boswell
Good recipe, but you left out the frappe base, it keeps the drink from separating, so it’s ideal.
Josh
So delicious
samantha
very liquidy.
Toni-Lyn
use Vanilla Pudding mix 2 tbsp. thats what makes it thick
Toni | Boulder Locavore
This was SO good!! A new favorite drink in my house!
Job Stevens
I added a shot of Bailey’s Irish cream. Great taste.
Jennifer Farley
One of my Starbucks favorites! So exciting making it at home!
Joanne
This is even better than the real thing.
Melissa Sperka
My absolute FAVORITE Starbucks drink!
Lori @ RecipeGirl
It’s a perfect copycat!
Aysegul Sanford
I made this for my husband who LOVES caramel frappuchino and he thought this version was better.
This recipe was a win! Thank you.
Sandy @ RE
Tried and true, I’ve always wanted to make this at home. So easy and delish!
Ben Rayl
This is so great – I love making it at home!
Barbara Schieving
This is my kind of coffee!
Liz
SO easy and such a delicious way to start the day!
Cynthia
My frappe came out exactly like the one I get at Starbucks! I have a fantastic blender (Vitamix brand) and I believe it had the biggest component to achieving the Starbucks quality. I used starbucks coffee , torini caramel, and reddi whip . I encourage everyone to get a quality blender because when your c h e a p and don’t get something that works you will have a hard time performing well in the kitchen.
Krys
Starbucks adds a Carmel flavor syrup to this drink. I always ask them to add a few extra pumps to mine. You can buy something like it at Walmart and I believe you can even buy the Starbucks brand. I would suggest adding that if you’d like a little extra flavor.
Geoff
Where is the recipe? All ads and commentary… You forgot to include the actual recipe!
Stephanie
I am sorry, the recipe sometimes disappears. It’s a glitch.
Karen Smithe
Made exactly as stated. Taste NOTHING like Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts! Consistency and taste are way off!
Stephanie
What type of blender are you using?
Julie
Had the same problem! Using a cuisenart blender
Kristi
How does the ice not separate when blending? When I try doing this, the ice doesn’t blend too well. I heard that Starbucks uses some type of emulsifier ingredient and that’s what makes it blend well. What are your thoughts?
yOU KNO were the hell he IS5 666
There ARe SSome BL3nders thtttt DOINT do it welll OR ARE YIIIII CHANGING the REcypee
Bree
They use xanthan gum. You just need a small amount of it, like 1/4 of a teaspoon.
Raelene
This looks delicious. Since milk and I don’t really get along, I am going to make this with almond milk. I am sure that it will taste just as good. Thank you for posting this recipe.
Stephanie
I hope that you enjoyed this drink!
Sheila
I just got a Ninja coffee bar which (would you believe it) can brew coffee for iced drinks! This would be a perfect treat to share with my next door neighbor!
Stephanie
How do you like your Ninja coffee bar?