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 so the ingredients to make it can be purchased at any grocery store.
When 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 and where to get it. The search results indicated 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 it wasn’t until last summer that I started drinking iced coffee. It was a hot summer day and I needed a little pick-me-up so I stopped at Starbucks and got a Frappuccino and have been hooked ever since. I think using coffee in a cold drink enhances the coffee flavor I love so much.
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What is in the Vanilla Frappuccino at Starbucks?
The Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino is a coffee based drink with Frappuccino roast, whole milk, and vanilla bean powder topped with whipped cream. The Vanilla Bean Frappuccino taste different than this drink because it is made with milk and vanilla bean powder.
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, but are especially great for a hot day.
Ingredients
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 and not imitation vanilla.
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 use 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.
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 (not an affiliate link, just wanted to show you what I use).
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.
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Homemade Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tbsp instant coffee
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup ice cubes
- whipped cream
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Instructions
- Combine instant coffee, milk, vanilla, sugar, and ice cubes in a blender.3/4 cup milk, 1/2 tbsp instant coffee, 1/2 tbsp vanilla, 1 tbsp 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
Notes
Nutrition Facts
More copycat Starbucks recipes
Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino
A tasty and refreshing chocolate-y drink perfect any time of the year.
Made with matcha, coconut milk, ginger, pineapple juice and a little sugar.
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