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!
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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!
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!
You might also enjoy these recipes:
Homemade Caramel Frappe Recipe
Easy Homemade Caramel Frappe
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.
- 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.
- If you aren’t using a high-powered blender and are having trouble getting the coffee ice cubes to blend you can try:
- letting the ingredients sit in the blender for 15 to 20 minutes before blending
- defrosting the ice cubes in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Do it just long enough to soften them slightly, but not long enough to melt them and lose the slushiness that they give the frappe.
Elizabeth
Just pinned! This looks delicious!
Jamie
I’m going to have to try this out. One question – what is leftover coffee? Just kidding but I love it too much to have any leftover.
ThriftyFrugalMom
Sounds like you’ll have to make a pot just for this, then! 🙂 Hope you enjoy it. Making myself a homemade frappe has become one of the bright spots in my morning!
Gail
This looks delicious and just happens to be my favorite Starbucks flavor (although I’m also too frugal to pay for them very often). I’ve heard of freezing the coffee in an ice cube tray before, but I really need to give that a try. It sounds like it would make the beverage much better. Thanks for the recipe and tips.
ThriftyFrugalMom
Yes, the frozen coffee makes a HUGE difference! I tried for a long time to make homemade frappes using just ice and regular coffee and it just didn’t cut it for me. It also helps if you use good quality strong brewed coffee- give it a much better flavor!
Summer
I am giddy with excitement to try this recipe!
ThriftyFrugalMom
I take it you enjoy coffee beverages as much as I do? Since, I’ve been making my own frappes, I seriously no longer am tempted to stop at Starbucks.
Joy
Sounds yummy!
Diana Rambles
This looks delish!!