Looking for an easy homemade Starbucks caramel frappuccino recipe you can make at home? This quick and simple caramel frappe recipe needs just 5 ingredients. With less than 100 calories and a fraction of the sugar of the Starbucks caramel frappuccino recipe is a great way to save calories and money.
How to save money by making a homemade caramel frappuccino
Do you love ordering a caramel frappuccino at Starbucks, but tired of paying $6+ every time you’re there? I feel your pain. By the time you buy your drink, then add on a breakfast item, you’re usually well over $12. The good news is you can now make your favorite caramel frappe from Starbucks with just 5 simple ingredients.
This easy caramel frappuccino recipe comes together in just moments in a blender. You’re able to use store-bought cold brew coffee – no espresso machine needed! I’ve also included a few ingredients to save you on sugar and calories. You’ll still have the same amazing flavor as your favorite Starbucks drink, but you’ll save on calories and have more money in your wallet.
How to make a caramel frappuccino low in sugar
During my 100 lb. weight loss journey, I quickly discovered that my love of Starbucks drinks was getting me no where with my weight loss goals. Typically, a Grande caramel frappuccino has about 380 calories and a staggering 60 grams of sugar. These sugar-heavy drinks were getting in the way of me making progress on my weight loss goals. I didn’t want to completely deprive myself of an occasional treat, so I had to improvise with making something lighter, but with the same flavor.
With my simple, 6-ingredient caramel frappuccino recipe, I found a great compromise. This homemade caramel frappuccino has less than 100 calories and a fraction of the sugar. I found a way to use cold brew coffee, monk fruit sweetener, almond milk and a small drizzle of caramel sauce to create that same Starbucks flavor for a fraction of the calories.
What do I need to make a Starbucks caramel frappuccino recipe at home?
- Ice – this will give your frappuccino that cold, creamy texture that everyone loves.
- Cold brew coffee – you can purchase cold brew at the grocery store, or you can make homemade cold brew coffee at home.
- Milk – I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk to save some calories, but you can use any dairy or plant-based milk of your preference.
- Caramel sauce – I use and enjoy Torani caramel sauce, which is a great option when making coffee drinks. I also use this sauce in my Iced Caramel Latte and my Caramel Brulee Latte.
- Sweetener – I prefer a granular monk fruit sweetener like Lakanto. This is a great option to keep the sugar and calories to a minimum without sacrificing flavor and sweetness.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the recipe. Thanks!
Do I need a blender to make a frappuccino?
A blender is necessary in making a frappuccino at home. You can use a small, single cup blender or a full sized blender with a pitcher/jar. A blender is necessary for breaking up and pureeing the ice.
I use and love my Blendtec Designer Series Blender. It can accommodate multiple jars, including a single-serving cup, and a jar for blending thicker batters, flours and nut butters.
Love homemade coffee drinks? Be sure to check out my Nutella Latte, which is a fantastic homemade coffee drink that tastes like it came from a coffee shop.
Blendtec 650 Designer Series Blender with Wildside Jar
This is the Blender I use almost DAILY! Everything from smoothies, to cocktails, to waffle and muffin batter and even nut butter, this ultrapowerful blender creates an amazing puree every time. It’s very durable and made to last!
Can I make a caramel frappuccino without an espresso machine?
Yes, you can definitely make a caramel frappuccino without an espresso machine. Start by adding ice to a blender, along with the cold brew coffee, milk, caramel sauce and sweetener. Blend on medium-high speed for 30-45 minutes or until ice is pureed. Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream and additional caramel sauce, if desired.
For this recipe, no espresso machine is necessary. You can purchase cold brew coffee and use it as your coffee ingredient. You can also use simple strong brewed coffee. Curious about making cold brew at home? Check out my post for making homemade cold brew coffee.
Achieving smooth texture for Caramel Frappuccino with xanthan gum
To make your frappuccino thick and creamy, add extra ice or consider adding a teaspoon of Xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is a natural thickener that is especially helpful in preventing drinks from separating. They use it in many of the Starbucks drink formulas. Many home baristas swear by this ingredient.
Ingredient Substitutions and Recommendations:
- Protein Powder – looking to add some extra protein and nutrients to your frappuccino? Add a serving of your favorite protein powder. I would recommend a vanilla, chai or pumpkin spice flavor. I personally like Orgain Organic Vanilla Protein Powder.
- Espresso – instead of cold brew coffee, try adding a couple shots of freshly brewed espresso. I have a Nespresso Virtuo machine that can easily brew fresh espresso at home. I’ve posted a link to the machine I have below. I use this for making my Cinnamon Dolce Latte. So super easy!
- Xanthan gum – Xanthan gum is an ideal thickening agent. It will prevent your caramel frappe recipe from separating. Adding just a teaspoon to your drink will help keep it creamy.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the recipe at the bottom of the post. Thanks!
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
Want to make both coffee AND espresso at home? This is the machine I use and LOVE. The fresh espresso is amazing and the brewed coffee tastes equally fantastic. I highly recommend!
How can I make an ultra caramel frappuccino copycat?
If you’re a caramel sauce lover, you’re likely loving the ultra caramel frappuccino. To create an ultra caramel frappuccino, you’ll simply need extra caramel sauce and cold foam. Start by drizzling the inside of your glass with caramel before pouring in your frappuccino. Blend your frappuccino as directed, top with the cold foam, then top with additional caramel sauce.
You can now find several cold foam options in the dairy secion at your local grocery store, including flavored options. As for caramel sauce, I’ve tested a few caramel sauce options and the Torani Caramel Sauce is great for frappuccinos or adding to hot drinks like my Salted Caramel Mocha.
Frequently asked questions about caramel frappe recipe:
A caramel frappuccino does contain coffee. A Starbucks caramel frappuccino does contain coffee.
According to the Starbucks nutrition menu, a blended caramel frappuccino contains 90 mg of caffeine.
A Starbucks caramel frappuccino contains ice, milk, coffee frappuccino syrup, whipped cream, coffee, caramel syrup and caramel sauce.
For a grande (medium, 16 oz.) drink, it has 380 calories, 54 grams of sugar and 16 grams of fat.
Love Starbucks recipes? Check out our other Starbucks snack recipes:
- Starbucks Pumpkin Scones
- Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf
- Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf
- Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread
- Café Mocha Smoothie
- Starbucks Egg White Egg Bites
- Starbucks Jalapeno Chicken Pockets by Food Hussey
If you loved this frappuccino recipe, check out some of our other frappe ideas:
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Easy Copycat Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Recipe + Low-Sugar Option
Equipment
- blender This Blendtec Designer Series Blender is used almost daily at our house!
- Smoothie Tumbler These glass smoothie tumblers are fantastic for taking your cold drinks on-the-go!
Ingredients
- 2 cups ice
- 1 cup cold brew coffee or strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 Tablespoons granular monk fruit sweetener like Lakanto or Whole Earth
- 1 Tablespoon caramel sauce divided
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum optional
- Whipped Cream for topping
Instructions
- To a blender, add the ice, coffee, milk, 1/2 tablespoon of the caramel sauce, and the sweetener. If you want a thicker frappuccino add the xanthan gum for a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Add a tight fitting lid to the blender. Blend on medium-high speed for 30-45 seconds or until ice is completely pureed.
- Pour into a tall glass. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of the remaining caramel sauce. Enjoy right away while cold.
Notes
Nutrition
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