Caramel Frappe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Blend Time: 1–2 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Intensity: Easy
Servings: 1–2
Introduction
Craving that coffee shop-style caramel frappe but don’t want to leave home—or spend $6 on one drink? Meet the Ninja SLUSHi Caramel Frappe, your go-to frozen coffee treat made right at home in minutes. Using the Ninja Creami SLUSHi or Ninja Blender, you can whip up a frosty, creamy, and rich caramel frappe that rivals any café version. Whether it’s for a hot summer afternoon or an indulgent pick-me-up, this caramel frappe is sweet, icy, and fully customizable.
What Is a Caramel Frappe?
A caramel frappe is a blended iced drink made with coffee, milk, caramel syrup, and ice, typically topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. It’s essentially a frozen caramel coffee milkshake—and with the Ninja SLUSHi or Ninja blender, it becomes incredibly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Base:
-
1 cup strong brewed coffee (chilled or cold brew)
-
¾ cup milk (whole, 2%, or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk)
-
3 tablespoons caramel syrup (plus more for drizzling)
-
1–2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener (optional, adjust to taste)
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for added flavor)
-
1½ cups ice cubes
Optional Toppings:
-
Whipped cream
-
Caramel drizzle
-
Crushed toffee bits or sea salt flakes (for a salted caramel version)
Equipment Needed
-
Ninja SLUSHi, Ninja Creami Breeze, or a high-speed Ninja blender
-
Tall glass or travel cup
-
Straw and spoon
-
Ice cube tray (if using freshly brewed coffee)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Brew & Chill Your Coffee
Brew 1 cup of strong coffee using your favorite method (drip, French press, or espresso diluted with water). Chill it in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes. For the best flavor and texture, cold brew is an excellent choice—it’s smoother and less acidic.
Tip: If you’re making this in advance, pour coffee into an ice tray and freeze it. Use these coffee cubes instead of regular ice for a more intense flavor.
Step 2: Add All Ingredients to Blender
To your Ninja SLUSHi or Ninja blender, add:
-
1 cup chilled coffee
-
¾ cup milk of your choice
-
3 tablespoons caramel syrup
-
Sweetener, if using
-
1½ cups ice cubes
-
Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract
Note: If using a Ninja Creami with a “Slushie” mode, select that mode. For regular Ninja blenders, use the “Smoothie” or “Frozen Drink” setting.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth and Slushy
Blend on high power for 1–2 minutes or until the mixture is icy, thick, and well combined. The consistency should resemble a smooth, pourable slushie or frozen frappe.
If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. Too thin? Toss in a few more ice cubes and blend again briefly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Pour your caramel frappe into a tall glass. Top it with:
-
A generous swirl of whipped cream
-
A caramel drizzle
-
Optional: crushed toffee bits, chocolate curls, or sea salt for flair
Serve immediately with a wide straw or spoon and enjoy your refreshing, café-style treat at home.
Flavor Variations
Flavor Twist | How to Do It |
---|---|
Salted Caramel | Add a pinch of sea salt to the blend and sprinkle some on top of the whipped cream. |
Mocha Caramel | Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a chocolate-coffee combo. |
Vegan Caramel Frappe | Use almond or oat milk and a dairy-free whipped topping. |
Extra Coffee Boost | Add a shot of espresso or use coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice. |
Tips for Perfecting Your Frappe
-
Use cold ingredients: This prevents the drink from melting too quickly while blending.
-
Adjust sweetness: If your caramel syrup is already sweet, skip the extra sugar.
-
Use crushed ice: Blends more evenly and gives a smoother texture.
-
Add ice cream: For a richer, dessert-like version, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Based on 1 serving using whole milk and standard caramel syrup
-
Calories: 290
-
Fat: 9g
-
Saturated Fat: 5g
-
Carbohydrates: 42g
-
Sugars: 36g
-
Protein: 6g
-
Caffeine: ~95mg
-
Sodium: 120mg
Nutrition values vary depending on your milk, syrup, and topping choices.