Craving a sweet and indulgent treat to cool off this summer? If you love the taste of coffee, then look no further than the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino, a beloved Starbucks classic that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of coffee lovers everywhere. It’s full of buttery caramel flavor and the best part, it’s ready in about 5 minutes!

Another great copycat recipe: Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie Cafe!

If you love iced coffee on a hot summer day, then you'll love this recipe! It's the perfect treat to cure a sweet tooth. 

The other day we went to the local Starbucks and I was introduced to this delicious, creamy drink called the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino -- and it was love at first taste.

Caramel is one of my favorite flavors - I mean what's not to love! So it got me thinking about making up my own version so we can skip the Starbucks run and save time and money.

Turns out it’s easy to make and you just need a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Why you’ll love it

Save money - Starbucks frappuccinos are all the rage especially on hot summer days, but they are also expensive. Why not learn how to make them at home and save a few bucks?

Caramel galore - This beverage is made with layers of caramel sauce, caramel drizzle, and crunchy caramel sugar topping. It's a caramel lover's dream come true!

Pick me up - Depending on the size and type of milk used, a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino can contain anywhere from 65mg to 165mg of caffeine. So if you're looking for a pick-me-up, this drink has got you covered.

Ingredients

Scroll to the bottom of the post exact amounts and a printable recipe card.

Coffee: Brewed coffee will give your frappuccino that classic coffee taste. If that’s not an option for you, you can buy cold brew coffee from the grocery store, or just use instant granules. If you love a strong coffee flavor try a couple espresso shots.

Milk: You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk, skim milk, or almond milk (or another non-dairy milk like oat milk).

Caramel Sauce: You will need caramel sauce to give your frappuccino that sweet and buttery flavor. Dark caramel sauce is what Starbucks uses, but that may not be as easy to find, so we used regular. Homemade or store bought works.

Ice: You will need ice to make your frappuccino cold and refreshing.

Whipped Cream: This ingredient is for topping. Make my homemade caramel whipped cream, or make a batch of regular. Store bought is also a good option, either from the can or the tub.

Caramel Crunch Topping Crumbs: This topping adds a sweet and crunchy texture to your frappuccino and will lend that authentic touch while adding extra flavor. I crushed up a couple hard caramel candies, but you can buy different varieties online.

Here are some optional add-ons that you can use to customize your Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino:

• Toffee Bits: These crunchy bits of candy add a delicious toffee flavor to your drink.
• Dark Caramel Sauce: You can use dark caramel sauce to give your drink a deeper and richer caramel flavor.
• Vanilla Syrup: You can add a splash of vanilla syrup to your frappuccino for a sweet and floral flavor. 
• Chocolate Chips: These little bits of chocolate add a delicious chocolatey flavor to your drink.
• Sugar: If you need to sweeten your drink, just add your preferred amount. Sugar free options work well too.
• Vanilla Bean: Adding a vanilla bean to your frappuccino will give it a natural and aromatic vanilla flavor.
• Candy Bits: You can use any type of candy bits, such as M&M's or Reese's Pieces, to add a fun and colorful twist to your frappuccino.
• Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt will enhance the caramel flavor of your frappuccino and add a savory touch.

Equipment Needed

Blender

The blender is the most crucial equipment you will need to make this delicious drink. You need to ensure that the blender is powerful enough to blend ice and frozen ingredients into a smooth and creamy texture. A high-speed blender is the best option for this. I love my Nutribullet for individual servings or a Vitamix for larger servings.

Tall Glass

A tall glass is necessary to serve your Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino. It should be large enough to hold the drink and leave enough room for whipped cream and caramel sauce. These glasses are 20 ounces so they leave you enough room for plenty of whipped cream and caramel drizzle!

Coffee Maker 

There are different options for making coffee. You can use an automatic drip coffee maker, a French press, a pour over carafe, or a stovetop percolator. 

Instructions

STEP ONE - Brew coffee: To start, you'll need to brew some coffee. You can use instant coffee, cold brew, or even leftover cold coffee from the morning. If you want a stronger coffee flavor, you can also add a shot of espresso. For best results, let the coffee cool down first. Otherwise it will melt the ice and your drink will not be frozen.

STEP TWO - Blend: Next, you'll need to blend the ingredients. In a blender, combine the coffee, milk, and caramel sauce, and ice. Blend until mostly smooth. If desired, swirl caramel sauce inside glass for a cool visual effect.

STEP THREE - Top it off: To finish off your frappuccino, add a dollop of whipped topping and a sprinkle of caramel crunch topping. Don't forget to drizzle some caramel sauce over the top!

Serve immediately.

And that's it! Your copycat Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino is ready to serve. Enjoy your homemade blended beverage anytime you're craving that sweet caramel flavor.

Kitchen Tips

For a dairy-free version, you can use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk.

If you prefer a stronger caramel flavor, you can add caramel syrup, dark caramel sauce, or a caramel creamer to the mix.

How to Store

In the unlikely event that there’s any leftovers, you’ll need to store it properly to ensure that it stays fresh. Keep in mind that the taste and texture of your frappuccino will be best right after it’s made.

If you're not planning on drinking it right away, you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent any odors or flavors from seeping in. 

Mix well before serving and add more flavoring as needed.

If you want to save it for longer, you can store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly once it's thawed, so it's best to mix well and drink it as soon as possible after thawing.

Variations and Alternatives

• Salted Caramel Frappuccino: For a twist on the classic caramel flavor, add a little bit (a pinch) of sea salt to your frappuccino and drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. The salt brings out the sweetness of the caramel and adds a savory note to the drink.
  
• Custom Ice Cubes: To keep your frappuccino from getting watered down, try making ice cubes out of coffee instead of water. You can also add flavorings like vanilla extract or cocoa powder to the ice cubes for an extra boost of flavor.
  
• Sugar-Free Option: If you're watching your sugar intake, use sugar-free syrups and skip the whipped cream. You can also use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Splenda to sweeten your frappuccino.
  
• Keto-Friendly Version: If you're following a keto diet, use heavy cream or almond milk instead of regular milk and sugar-free syrups. You can also add MCT oil or coconut oil for a boost of healthy fats.
  
• Vegan Option: To make a vegan version, use soy, almond, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk and use a plant based whipped cream if one is available. Always check ingredient labels if you have dietary restrictions.
  

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