Go Back

Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino

A homemade copycat of the Starbucks favorite featuring blended espresso, sweet caramel ribbons, and crunchy toffee bits for a dessert-like coffee drink you can make in minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American Café
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup strongly brewed espresso cooled to room temperature
  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
  • 1/4 cup toffee bits or caramel-coated wafer crunch
  • Whipped cream for topping
  • Extra caramel drizzle for garnish
  • Pinch of sea salt optional
Homemade Caramel Sauce
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Pinch of sea salt

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Espresso machine or strong coffee maker
  • Large glasses or frappuccino cups
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Caramel drizzle bottle or squeeze bottle
  • Thermometer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Brew one cup of strong espresso and let it cool to room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Pour toffee bits into a small bowl and drizzle a thin line of caramel sauce around the inside of two glasses, then chill them for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: In a blender combine cooled espresso, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk and 2 cups of ice, then blend on high for 45 to 60 seconds until smooth and frothy.
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan over medium heat melt the butter, add the granulated sugar and stir constantly for about 3 to 4 minutes until amber, then remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and a pinch of sea salt; let cool for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce inside each chilled glass to create ribbon streaks.
  6. Step 6: Pour the blended frappuccino mixture slowly into each prepared glass, filling three-quarters full.
  7. Step 7: Top each serving with whipped cream and sprinkle toffee bits over the cream.
  8. Step 8: Finish with an additional caramel drizzle on top, add a pinch of sea salt if desired, and serve immediately with a wide straw.

Notes

Chill glasses and ingredients for best results; store homemade caramel sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week.