Skip the long lines (and save a small fortune) by making this coffee shop favorite at home. All you need is instant coffee, milk, sugar, vanilla, ice and whipped cream.
Our version of Starbucks Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino uses vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean powder. This makes it easy to get the ingredients at any grocery store.
Mindy’s Recipe Snapshot
- Method: This is a blended drink that uses instant coffee for a quick prep.
- Key Ingredients: Instant coffee, milk, ice, and vanilla extract (our easy swap for vanilla bean powder).
- Caffeine: This drink contains caffeine, but you can easily use decaf instant coffee if you prefer.
- Ease: It’s very simple. The blender does almost all of the work!
- Top Tip: Adjust the coffee intensity and sweetness so it’s exactly how you like it.
Jump to:
- Mindy’s Recipe Snapshot
- What is in the Vanilla Frappuccino at Starbucks?
- What Is the Difference Between a Vanilla Frappuccino and a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino?
- Do Frappuccinos have real coffee in them?
- What You Need to Make a Homemade Frappuccino
- Ingredient Notes
- How to Make This Homemade Frappuccino
- Substitutions and Additions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Try These Copycat Starbucks Recipes Too!
- Homemade Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino
I saw on the website that the Starbucks Frappuccino has vanilla bean powder in it. I went online to find out more about what it is. I also searched to see where to get it.
The search results led me to believe that I could get it at my local Walmart. But when I looked for it they didn’t seem to have it. On to plan B, using vanilla instead.
So I have a confession to make. I have been a coffee lover for many years. But I didn’t start drinking iced coffee until last summer. It was a hot summer day and I needed a little pick-me-up so I stopped at Starbucks and got a Frappuccino. I have been hooked ever since. I think using coffee in a cold drink enhances the coffee flavor I love so much.
What is in the Vanilla Frappuccino at Starbucks?
The Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino is a coffee-based drink. While the store version uses a specific “Frappuccino roast,” you can easily make this at home using instant coffee or espresso. Many people also refer to this blended ice coffee as a vanilla frappe. It contains milk, vanilla bean powder, and your coffee base, all topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
What Is the Difference Between a Vanilla Frappuccino and a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino?
A Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino is coffee-based, while a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino is made without coffee. This copycat recipe is for the coffee version, but you can leave the coffee out for a vanilla bean style drink.
Do Frappuccinos have real coffee in them?
A Frappuccino is made with a coffee base, usually espresso or strong coffee, milk and ice that are blended. They can also be flavored with syrups and are often topped with whipped cream. They are the perfect cold and creamy coffee drink to enjoy any time. I find they are especially great for a hot day.
What You Need to Make a Homemade Frappuccino
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes
We use simple ingredients that are easy to keep on hand so we can make this Vanilla Frappuccino recipe on a whim.
- Instant Coffee: This helps us be able to make this without having to wait for coffee to cool.
- Milk: We like whole milk, you can use low-fat milk or nondairy options such as unsweetened almond milk or unsweetened oat milk. Sweetened dairy free options can be used but you may need to decrease the sugar.
- Vanilla: I like pure vanilla extract but imitation vanilla will also give it vanilla flavor.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar or your favorite sugar substitute.
- Ice: This gives our Frappuccino that icy and creamy texture that is essential. We just use regular ice cubes out of the ice maker in our refrigerator.
- Whipped Cream: We use store bought in the can to make this quick and easy. You can make homemade whipped cream if you like. All you need is heavy whipping cream and a little powdered sugar. Allrecipes shows you 8 different ways to make it.
Pro Tip: If your blender is struggling with the ice, add the liquid ingredients first. This helps the blades catch the ice cubes more easily for that perfect, slushy consistency.
How to Make This Homemade Frappuccino
- In a blender, combine instant coffee, milk, vanilla, sugar, and ice cubes.
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and little to no chunks of ice remain. The ice will need to be small enough to go through a straw, unless you aren’t using one.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or coffee intensity as desired.
- Pour into a tall glass, give it a quick stir and top with a generous amount of whipped cream.
Substitutions and Additions
- Swap the vanilla extract for vanilla syrup such as Torani, you may need to adjust the sugar.
- Swap the sugar for maple syrup, to taste.
Topping ideas to dress up your Cafe Vanilla Frappuccino
- A dusting of cocoa powder
- A drizzle of caramel syrup
- Chopped up chocolate chips or shaved chocolate
What kind of blender does Starbucks use?
I researched this and Starbucks uses a Vita-Mix Quiet One blender. Amazon has it listed for $1,135! When I decided I wanted to make homemade versions of all the frozen coffee drinks I love so much I figured I would need an upgrade from my cheaper Hamilton Beach model so I bought a Ninja Professional 1000w blender.
I picked it up at Target for just over a hundred bucks. It does the job much quicker than the inexpensive blender. But no worries, you can use any blender you have.
Looking for some copycat hot drinks? Check out my Copycat Starbucks Tuxedo Mocha or my Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte recipe. They are easy and delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Use your favorite non-dairy milk and dairy-free whipped topping.
Not really. Frappuccinos are best enjoyed immediately after blending.
Yes, a blender is needed to create the smooth, icy texture.
Try These Copycat Starbucks Recipes Too!
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Homemade Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino
Ingredients
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ tablespoon instant coffee
- ½ tablespoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup ice cubes
- whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine instant coffee, milk, vanilla, sugar, and ice cubes in a blender.¾ cup milk, ½ tablespoon instant coffee, ½ tablespoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 cup ice cubes
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and little to no chunks of ice remain. The ice will need to be small enough to go through a straw, unless you aren't using one.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or coffee intensity as desired.
- Pour into a glass, give it a quick stir and top with whipped cream.whipped cream
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.