The Ultimate McDonald’s Caramel Frappe Copycat Recipe

Craving McDonald’s Caramel Frappé but don’t want to leave home? Here’s a copycat recipe using pantry staples and a blender. Better yet, it’s customizable and free of artificial additives. Here’s how to make it in 10 steps!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Brewed coffee: (½ cup, cooled) or 1-2 shots of espresso
• Whole milk: (1 cup, of almond, oat, or soy milk)
• Caramel sauce: (¼ cup + extra for drizzling)
• Granulated sugar: (2 tbsp, optional)
• Vanilla ice cream: (1 cup, of vanilla frozen yogurt)
• Ice cubes:(1½ cups)
• Xanthan gum: (¼ tsp, optional—key to the Frappé’s texture!)
• Whipped cream: (for topping)

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Equipment You Need

• Blender
• Tall glass
• Measuring cups and spoons

Caramel Frappe Step-by-Step Recipe

• Brew & Chill the Coffee

Brew ½ cup of strong coffee (use dark roast for bold flavor). Let it cool to room temperature or refrigerate for 10 minutes.

• Prep the Caramel Swirl

Drizzle caramel sauce along the inside of your serving glass. Rotate the glass to create a decorative pattern. Please place it in the freezer to set.

• Blend the Base

In a blender, combine:

1. Chilled coffee
2. Milk
3. Caramel sauce
4. Sugar (if using)
5. Vanilla ice cream
6. Ice cubes
7. Xanthan gum (secret for thickness!)

• Pulse to Perfection

Blend on high for 30–45 seconds until smooth and frothy. Add more ice if too thin or a splash of milk if too thick.

•  Layer the Frappé

Pour the blended mixture into your caramel-lined glass, leaving room for toppings.

• Top with Whipped Cream

Add a big dollop of whipped cream. For a café style, use a piping bag.

• Drizzle More Caramel

Drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped cream.

• Add a Finishing Touch

Sprinkle sea salt or cocoa powder for added flavor, or chocolate shavings.

• Serve Now

Frappés are the best icy-cold! Serve with a straw and a long spoon for sipping and scooping.

• Customize

Mocha twist: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder.

Coffee-free version: Use chocolate milk instead of coffee.

Vegan: Use plant-based ice cream and coconut whipped cream.

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Pro Tips

• Freeze coffee into ice cubes to prevent dilution.
• Skip xanthan gum? Substitute with 1 tsp cornstarch (mix with milk before blending).
• Homemade caramel sauce: Melt ½ cup sugar + 2 tbsp butter + ¼ cup heavy cream + pinch of salt.

Why This Recipe Works

McDonald’s Frappé relies on the thick texture, that xanthan gum (a common food stabilizer) provides. By blending ice cream and cold coffee, you get the drink’s creamy richness without syrupy additives.

Nutrition Note

A homemade Frappé is 250–300 calories (vs. McDonald’s 440 calories for a small) depending on milk and sugar choices.

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