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.
Patrice
OMG… I just made this with chocolate instead of caramel….I will never buy a Frappuccino again!!!!! Thanks!
ThriftyFrugalMom
Patrice, thanks for letting me know how much you loved it! Your comment made my day. 🙂 Love that you were creative and made your own version. If you like peppermint, try adding a little bit of extract for a Peppermint Mocha frappe. So yummy!
And I have to agree that once you start making these, you just aren’t very tempted to buy frappes anymore. Pretty much the only time I buy one now is if I’m out with friends and we are actually at a coffee shop to hang out.
Bonnie Lyn Smith
Looks great! I love these! Pinning!
Tasha
This looks amazing!!
ThriftyFrugalMom
Thanks, Tasha! I think it is. 😉 And I love that it’s simple to make and allows me the chance to enjoy a delicious beverage without shelling out $5!
Mary-Ann
Oh my goodness, this looks absolutely amazing! Definitely going to try making my caramel frap at home.
ThriftyFrugalMom
Making my own frappes at home has been one of my favorite money saving discoveries. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
keri
This looks delicious! I cannot wait to try it. Thanks for sharing at Tues Talk
Steph
Thanks for sharing! Caramel isn’t my favorite, but I think it would be easy enough to change that part. This will be a perfect surprise for my husband though!
ThriftyFrugalMom
I hope your hubby enjoys the surprise, Steph! 🙂 And actually, you might surprise yourself by liking this too. I’m not a huge caramel fan and often avoid it, but I don’t find the flavor overpowering in this frappe and therefore like it. But like you said, you can easily add chocolate syrup instead or tweak it to create other flavors too! Blessings!