There’s something about the first sip of a caramel iced frappé that feels like a mini-vacation in a cup. It’s cool, creamy, and just sweet enough to keep you sipping all the way to the bottom. Whether you’re a loyal fan of the Starbucks Frappuccino or McDonald’s Caramel Frappe, you know how addictive that blend of coffee, caramel, and crushed ice can be. The good news? You can recreate the same frosty magic right at home with this easy copycat caramel iced frappé recipe. No fancy syrups or industrial blenders needed. Just a handful of ingredients and your own kitchen blender. Let’s do it.
Table of Contents
How to make a Copycat Caramel Iced Frappé
To make a caramel iced frappé at home, start with chilled strong coffee or espresso, a generous swirl of caramel sauce, milk of your choice, a handful of ice, and a touch of sweetness. Everything goes into the blender at once for that irresistible creamy, icy consistency. Top it with whipped cream and an extra caramel drizzle for the full café experience.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Blend time: 1 minute
Total time: 6 minutes
Calories: ~320 per 16 oz serving (without whipped cream)
Ingredients, Instructions and Tips
Ingredients (for one 16 oz frappé):
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso, chilled
- ¾ cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1½ cups ice cubes
- 3 tablespoons caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener of choice
- Optional: whipped cream for topping
- Optional: ⅛ teaspoon xanthan gum for smoother texture
Instructions:
- Brew strong coffee and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Add coffee, milk, caramel sauce, ice, and sweetener into a high-speed blender.
- If using xanthan gum, blend it in now. This keeps the frappé from separating too quickly.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 to 45 seconds. The ice should be completely crushed.
- Pour into a tall chilled glass. Top with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle if desired.
Tips:
- For a richer texture, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream before blending.
- Use coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice to avoid watering down the flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to taste depending on your caramel and coffee strength.
What to serve with the dish
This caramel iced frappé is a treat on its own, but pairing it with something sweet or salty makes it even better. Try it with a cinnamon roll, a buttery croissant, or a stack of homemade pancakes if you’re doing brunch. Want something lighter? A simple almond biscotti or a slice of banana bread will do the trick. It also makes a dreamy afternoon pick-me-up when served with chocolate chip cookies or salted popcorn.
Ingredient Substitutes
1. Coffee Base
Original Ingredient: Strong brewed coffee or espresso
Substitutes:
- Cold Brew Concentrate: Smoother, less acidic, and just as strong
- Instant Coffee: Dissolve 2 teaspoons in ½ cup hot water, then chill
- Decaf Coffee: For a caffeine-free version
2. Milk
Original Ingredient: Whole milk
Substitutes:
- Oat Milk: Creamy and great for frothing
- Almond Milk: Light and nutty
- Soy Milk: Richer than almond, with more body
- Coconut Milk: Adds a tropical twist and thickness
3. Caramel Sauce
Original Ingredient: Store-bought caramel sauce
Substitutes:
- Homemade Caramel: Melt sugar, then whisk in butter and cream
- Coconut Caramel: Made from coconut milk and sugar
- Date Syrup: For a naturally sweet, rich taste
4. Sweetener
Original Ingredient: Sugar
Substitutes:
- Maple Syrup: Adds extra flavor depth
- Stevia or Erythritol: Zero-calorie alternatives
- Honey: Subtly floral and pairs well with caramel
5. Ice Cream Add-in (Optional)
Original Ingredient: None (optional addition for creaminess)
Substitutes:
- Frozen Yogurt: Lighter option
- Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Almond or coconut-based
- Low-Fat Ice Cream: For fewer calories but same texture
6. Topping
Original Ingredient: Whipped cream and caramel drizzle
Substitutes:
- Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free topping
- Greek Yogurt Whip: Whisked until light and fluffy
- Shaved Dark Chocolate: For a bittersweet contrast
This copycat caramel iced frappé brings your coffee shop favorite straight to your kitchen. It’s fast, it’s frosty, and it’s every bit as indulgent as the drive-thru version, without the mystery ingredients. Once you’ve made it at home, you might never go back to store-bought.
Ingredients
1 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso, chilled
¾ cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
1½ cups ice cubes
3 tablespoons caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener of choice
Optional: whipped cream for topping
Optional: ⅛ teaspoon xanthan gum for smoother texture
Instructions
Brew strong coffee and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Add coffee, milk, caramel sauce, ice, and sweetener into a high-speed blender.
If using xanthan gum, blend it in now. This keeps the frappé from separating too quickly.
Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 to 45 seconds. The ice should be completely crushed.
Pour into a tall chilled glass. Top with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle if desired.
