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Easy Homemade Caramel Frappe

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Learn how to make a caramel frappe with this delicious, easy recipe. Not only will this homemade frappe save you money, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover coffee!

Homemade Caramel Frappe recipe

There are affiliate links in this post – please read my full disclosure policy.

I am a sucker for beverages, especially coffee beverages.

But since I believe that homemade is usually better and since I’m frugal and hate parting with $4 every time I want to quench my craving, I’ve been on a mission to figure out how to make my own homemade coffee drinks that mimic the ones I love at coffee shops.

I found a great iced coffee recipe years ago, but up until now, I just couldn’t find a homemade frappe that I truly loved.

That changed recently when I discovered the trick of using coffee ice cubes.  Suddenly I could make a frappe at home that wasn’t mediocre!

And I’m excited to show you how to make a frappe too!

how to make a caramel frappe

In my opinion, the problem with using regular ice cubes to get that slushy frappuccino texture is that it also ends up making the drink much too watery and weak.  

By subbing coffee ice cubes, you suddenly get a nice, strong coffee flavor– just the way it should be!

RELATED: 12 Creative Uses for Leftover Coffee

I’ll warn you though, this homemade caramel frappe recipe makes a very thick frappe. If you want it a bit thinner you’ll probably need to add more milk or brewed coffee.

And if you think the coffee flavor should be stronger, feel free to sprinkle in a bit of instant coffee!

homemade easy caramel frappe topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle in a glass with a straw sticking out of it.

Homemade Caramel Frappe Recipe

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4.71 from 54 votes

Easy Homemade Caramel Frappe

This homemade caramel frappe is super easy, delicious and refreshing! And it's way cheaper than buying one too.
Prep Time5 mins
Total Time5 mins
Course: Drinks
Servings: 1
Author: Lydia @ ThriftyFrugalMom.com
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1 cup strong, good quality brewed coffee, frozen into cubes (see Notes below)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons sugar or more to taste (see Notes below for a calorie free option)
  • 2 tablespoons caramel syrup
  • whipped cream and caramel syrup for top (optional)

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except whipped cream in blender.
  • Blend until ice cubes are crushed. If you have trouble getting it thoroughly blended, let it sit for a couple of minutes and try again.**
  • Top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel syrup.

Notes

  • For me, 1 cup is 7 ice cubes.
  • After several months of making this, I’ve discovered that if you let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before blending it works much better! I just get it ready as soon as I get up in the morning and by the time I get dressed and eat my breakfast, it’s ready to blend!
  • To cut calories a bit, I now sub some of my favorite stevia for part of the sugar. By using some sugar, I don’t notice that unique stevia taste, but still get the benefit of fewer calories.
  • If you want a stronger coffee flavor, add just a bit of instant coffee.
UPDATE: I finally got smart and started defrosting the ice cubes in the microwave for about 45 seconds. I do it just long enough that it softens them a bit, but not long enough to melt them and lose the slushiness that they give the frappe. It works like a charm!

You might also enjoy these recipes:

  • Peppermint Mocha Frappe
  • Easy Homemade Mocha Frappuccino
  • Homemade Chocolate Syrup
  • Homemade Whipped Cream
  • Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
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Filed Under: Beverages, Other, Recipes Tagged With: beverage recipes, easy recipe, frugal living

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Virginia

    June 14, 2022 at 10:28 AM

    5 stars
    Fabulous. I prefer homemade!! Ty

    Reply
    • Lydia Beiler

      June 15, 2022 at 5:59 AM

      Me too. Happy sipping! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Janice

    May 16, 2022 at 4:04 PM

    Thank you so much ! You have personally succeeded in helping me to save some pennies 😂

    Reply
    • Lydia Beiler

      May 18, 2022 at 5:40 PM

      Yay! This is my favorite thing to hear. 😉

      Reply
    • Trinica Brooks

      June 16, 2022 at 4:55 PM

      5 stars
      I’m lactose intolerant and I use almond milk and it it GREAT. My husband and I love this and can definitely save a trip from Starbucks every morning

      Reply
      • Lydia Beiler

        June 18, 2022 at 1:00 PM

        So glad you all enjoy it, Janice! Isn’t it great to be able to adjust the recipe to fit your needs and save money at the same time?

        Reply
  3. Debra

    April 7, 2022 at 7:26 AM

    5 stars
    Delicious!!!

    Reply
    • Lydia Beiler

      April 11, 2022 at 5:03 PM

      So glad you enjoyed it, Debra! Thanks for taking the time to let me know and leave a recipe rating.

      Reply
  4. JaVona

    April 3, 2022 at 10:53 PM

    5 stars
    This was so nice and refreshing to make, the taste was right on point. I will be making these for now on when I need my frappe’ fix. The coffee ice cubes are amazing!!!!

    Reply
    • Lydia Beiler

      April 11, 2022 at 5:36 PM

      Yes, the coffee ice cubes make such a difference in a homemade frappe, don’t they? Delighted to hear that you enjoyed the recipe, JaVona!

      Reply
  5. Bree

    January 31, 2022 at 7:41 AM

    I was just wondering if I could replace the milk with my favorite milk based creamer (like a flavored creamer from the refrigerated section)?
    I noticed that when I added my creamer on top of the milk, the frappe was watery..

    Reply
    • Lydia Beiler

      January 31, 2022 at 7:49 AM

      I definitely wouldn’t recommend adding creamer in addition to the milk, because as you said, it will end up being watery! This recipe is basic enough, if you add any extra liquid it’s going to change the consistency and it just won’t be as good. Made as my recipe states, the frappe is nice and thick (unless you let the ice cubes melt too long!). I’ve never tried it, but I do think adding the creamer in place of some or all of the milk might work though! I’d probably try it with half creamer, half milk and see how that works and what you think of it and then increase or decrease the creamer as you prefer.

      Reply
    • Milly

      April 26, 2022 at 3:07 PM

      Use Caramel Creamer gives a stronger taste & I add tablespoon of Protein Caramel Coffee also

      Reply
  6. Rae

    June 27, 2021 at 12:19 PM

    5 stars
    This was so easy and delicious. Every bit as good as Starbucks!

    Reply
    • Lydia Beiler

      July 9, 2021 at 5:54 PM

      Glad to hear that you enjoyed it, Rae! I love that this copycat can save me a trip to Starbucks too!

      Reply
      • Abigail

        September 7, 2021 at 4:45 PM

        for the coffee are we supposed to like make a cup of coffee and then turn them into ice cubes?

        Reply
        • Lydia Beiler

          September 7, 2021 at 5:02 PM

          Yes, it is brewed coffee. And your comment made me realize that I should state that in the recipe card! I’m updating it now.

          Reply
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Welcome! I’m Lydia. I want to help you find ways to live well and enjoy life on a budget! Read more…

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