If you love Starbucks’ Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino, you’re in for a treat!
This homemade version is just as creamy, caramel-y, and crunchy, but way cheaper and easy to make at home.
Plus, you can customize it—extra caramel, more crunch, or even a little less sugar.
It’s a fun family-friendly recipe that kids and adults will love.
Let’s blend up some magic!
What You’ll Need
For the Frappuccino:
- 1 cup ice
- ¾ cup milk (whole or your choice)
- 2 shots espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled)
- 3 tbsp caramel sauce (+ extra for drizzling)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Crunch Topping:
- 2 tbsp crushed caramel candies or toffee bits
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tbsp butter
For the Whipped Cream:
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Pro Tips
✅ Chill your coffee before blending—it helps keep the drink icy instead of watery.
✅ Use whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess.
✅ For an extra crunch, add crushed caramel candies on top of the whipped cream.
✅ Don’t skip the whipped cream! It balances the caramel flavors perfectly.
✅ Want a caffeine-free version? Swap coffee for milk or a caramel-flavored drink mix.
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon for drizzling
- Tall glass
Substitutions & Variations
🔹 Dairy-Free? Use oat, almond, or coconut milk and coconut whipped cream.
🔹 No espresso? Use strong brewed coffee or instant coffee dissolved in hot water.
🔹 Want it sweeter? Add an extra tablespoon of caramel sauce or brown sugar.
🔹 More crunch? Use crushed toffee or even a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the caramel crunch topping ahead and store it in an airtight container.
- Brew and chill the coffee in advance so it’s ready to go when you blend.
How to Make It
Step 1: Make the Crunch Topping
In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in sugar over medium heat until bubbly. Add crushed caramel candies and stir until melted and combined. Spread on parchment paper to cool, then break into small pieces.
Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream
In a mixing bowl, whisk heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Set aside.
Step 3: Blend the Frappuccino
In a blender, add ice, milk, espresso, caramel sauce, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Drink
Drizzle caramel sauce inside a tall glass. Pour in the blended frappuccino.
Step 5: Top with Whipped Cream & Crunch
Spoon whipped cream on top, sprinkle with caramel crunch topping, and drizzle extra caramel sauce.
Leftovers & Storage
- Best enjoyed immediately for the perfect texture.
- You can freeze the blended drink and re-blend later with a little milk.
- Store leftover whipped cream in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Time to Enjoy!
That’s it! Your homemade Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino is ready to sip. It’s sweet, creamy, and loaded with caramel goodness. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments! Did you add extra crunch? More caramel? I’d love to hear your favorite way to enjoy it! 🧡☕
