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.
Carey Klotz
Awesome!
I have an inexpensive espresso machine (originally $129 but refurbished=$50) and will make a triple shot diluted to a cup and use follow these instructions. It’s awesome! I save so much money using this instead of buying 4-packs of the bottled stuff at the grocery. Thank You!
Lydia Beiler
That should work great, Carey! Yes, so much cheaper than store-bought for sure.
Vanessa Wilkerson
I love slushy Frappuccino but I’m just to lazy to do it in the morning before work. I found that if I freeze the coffee ( I have ice ball trays) then put them in a reusable bottle with all of the other ingredients I can grab it from the fridge, shake and go. I’m a happy mom again.
Lydia Beiler
That is brilliant, Vanessa! Yay for figuring out a way to make it work so you can just grab it and go!
Ashely
Thank you so much for posting this recipe. I love frappes but I could no longer drink them because I can no longer drink milk or have sugar. I make mine with unsweetened almond milk and sweetened with Splenda. I can finally enjoy them again.
Lydia Beiler
This makes me so happy, Ashley! I love that this recipe has allowed you to enjoy a frappe again. Thanks for taking the time to let me know!
Cheyenne Masanz
made this and loved it! i did add some milk chocolate chips into the blender too, and it was a nice addition. still great without!
Lydia Beiler
So delighted to hear that you enjoyed it, Cheyenne! And I love adding in chocolate chips sometimes too actually. You are right, it’s extra delicious that way!
Ash
So good!! And I like the idea of freezing the coffee into cubes I was doing it in a way where putting the hot coffee would just melt my ice . But this is perfect!
Lydia Beiler
Yes, the frozen coffee totally changes it all! So glad to hear that you love it.
Khadijah
I’m looking forward to trying it! But I dont have caramel syrup so I need to get that and then I will be ready to make it!
Question
Do you freeze the coffee into litte cubes and do you make the coffee yourself and freeze ?
Lydia Beiler
Yes, I brew my own coffee and then just freeze it into cubes. And I hope you enjoy it, Khadijah! It’s one of my favorite afternoon treats!
Chanel
So yummy and so easy!! The coffee ice cubes were a great idea!
Lydia Beiler
Delighted to hear that you enjoyed this frappe, Chanel! Thanks for taking the time to let me know.