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!
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!
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.
Della Koenig
Oh my goodness! So amazing ? Thank you for sharing ❤
Lydia Beiler
Sure thing! So glad you are enjoying it!
Carly Green
Was looking for a great caramel frap recipe for my coffee cubes – thanks for sharing! This is amazing!
Lydia Beiler
So glad you loved it, Carly! It’s one of my favorite treats- in fact, I’m sipping one right now. Yum!
W J M
The trick to blending this without defrosting the coffee cubes is pour the liquid in the blender first, then add coffee cubes.
My experience from making adult beverages, otherwise you’ll wipeout the blades on the blender.
Haven’t tried tried this recipe yet, but looking forward to it.
Lydia Beiler
Thanks for that tip- it definitely does help make it a bit easier. From my experience though, this recipe barely has enough liquid though to still blend the beverage when the coffee cubes are fully frozen unless you have a Vitamix or another super high powered blender. I’d just hate to have someone wipeout their blender blades!
Kenzie
This was so helpful Thank you!!!
Lydia Beiler
Glad to hear it, Kenzie!
Nancy
Amazing!! Thank you for sharing. Delicious!
Lydia Beiler
So glad that you enjoyed it, Nancy! It’s my favorite daily treat.
Ruth Ann Stoltzfus
I’n not sure why I never tried this one before instead of all the other complicated ones I’ve tried. Made it this morning and it was so good! Subbed almond milk, my SF carmel syrup and stevia to fit my allergies and it was delicious. 🙂 Thank you!
ThriftyFrugalMom
So glad that you liked it, Ruth Ann! And thanks for taking the time to let me know. 🙂 Like you, I’m all for uncomplicated and basic, which was totally what inspired me to come up with this recipe. And I love how you were able to tweak it for your tastes and dietary needs too!
James
I Love making my own frappe, and I love all your tips!
ThriftyFrugalMom
Glad it was helpful! And aren’t homemade frappes awesome?
Helene
You can’t go wrong with this caramel frappe, it’s a hit!
ThriftyFrugalMom
Glad you liked it! Sure is a favorite here. 🙂