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This homemade McDonald’s Caramel Frappe tastes just like the drive-thru version, creamy, icy, sweet, and blended to perfection. It’s made with real ingredients, strong coffee, caramel, ice, and a splash of dairy to get that signature smooth texture without tons of additives.
If you love fast-food copycats, try my McDonald’s caramel iced coffee, Oreo Shamrock Shake, and McFlurry recipe next!
Seems that every time I want to get a McDonald’s frappe their machine is broken. I was needing a frappe fix tonight and found your recipe that I had printed back in August. So, I thought I would give it a try. Lucky for me I had everything I needed to make it right down to the whipped cream. I didn’t expect it to really taste like the McDonald’s recipe, but to my surprise it was very, very close. This is my go to frappe fix recipe from now on. I’m so glad I found it!!
Let’s Chit Chat!
I’ve tested this caramel frappe more times than I can count, and the secret to that true McDonald’s texture is a tiny pinch of xanthan gum. It keeps the frappe creamy, and thick instead of icy or separating, totally worth having on hand if you love blended coffees!
What does the Mcdonald’s caramel frappe taste like?
This frappe has a rich caramel flavor mixed into a coffee slushie. It is both creamy with a hint of coffee, sweet, and so delicious. It is definitely an indulgent coffee treat that you can enjoy anytime during the day when you need a little something sweet of need a little kick and jolt of energy.
Why you’ll Love This
- Creamy + icy like the real deal
- No fancy coffee machine needed
- Budget-friendly, about $1.20 vs $4.79 at McDonald’s
- Easy to customize (more caramel, less sweet, decaf… Whatever you prefer)
- Real ingredients, no mystery fillers
- Ready in 5 minutes
Ingredients for this McDonald’s caramel frappé
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed list.
- Ice – crushed works best for smooth blending
- Half-and-half – or whole milk + splash of cream
- Instant coffee – keeps flavor strong without watering down
- Water – just enough to dissolve the coffee
- Sugar – adjust to taste
- Caramel syrup – I love Monin or Torani, you can also use my homemade version instead!
- Xanthan gum (optional but amazing)
- Whipped cream + caramel sauce – that iconic finish
Dairy-free? Use creamy oat milk or coconut milk + vegan whipped topping.
Equipment
- Blender, high speed works best for smooth texture
- Tall glass or reusable McDonald’s cup (optional but fun!)
- Straw + whipped cream nozzle (for real McD vibes)
How to make this small caramel frappé
This is how you can make McDonalds caramel frappe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!
- In a small cup mix the instant coffee with the hot water until dissolved.
- To a blender add the ice, half and half, caramel syrup, sugar, and the instant coffee mixture. Add the xanthan gum now if using it.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour in a tall glass and top your chilled drink with whipped cream and a generous caramel drizzle.
- Enjoy with a straw.
Recipe Tips & Troubleshooting Notes
- Too runny? Add more ice & re-blend
- Too icy? Add 1–2 tbsp cream or half-and-half
- Not sweet enough? Add a splash more caramel syrup
- Wants it thicker like McD? Add a pinch of xanthan gum
Serving hack: Chill your cup first, it keeps the frappe frozen longer!
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
Not really. Frappes melt. This one is best blended and enjoyed right away so it stays thick and creamy.
You have to use cold ingredients and a tiny pinch of xanthan gum. The thickness and creamy finish is just like the one you’d get at McDonald’s! I know I said it’s optional, but I highly recommend using it.
Yes you can definitely use a substitute to the half and half some of my favs are: soy milk, almond milk, and creamy oat milk.
For the whipped cream, make sure to use a dairy-free version and a dairy-free caramel sauce for the drizzle would also be a good option.
For the full drive-thru experience, serve it in a washed McDonald’s cup with whipped cream and generous drizzle of caramel sauce. Looks identical!
1/2 tablespoon instant coffee gives the closest McCafé flavor. Love a stronger coffee flavor? Add a little more to taste.
Absolutely! You can dress this caramel frappe up just like the McDonald’s version, or make it even better. Drizzle extra caramel or chocolate sauce on top, sprinkle in toffee bits or mini chocolate chips, and finish with a swirl of whipped cream and caramel. It adds extra sweetness, texture, and that true coffee-shop vibe in every sip.
The best McDonald’s caramel frappe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup half and half or whole milk or a combination of both.
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 1/2 tbsp instant coffee rounded (or more for a stronger coffee flavor)
- 2 tbsp caramel syrup
- 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
- 1/2-1 tbsp granulated sugar for a sweeter drink.
- whipped cream
- caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- In a small bowl or cup mix the instant coffee with 1 tbsp hot water. Stir to dissolve and set aside.1/2 tbsp instant coffee
- To a high-speed blender add the ice, milk or half and half, instant coffee mixture, caramel syrup, xanthan gum, and granulated sugar. I would start with 1/2 tablespoon then add more if needed.1/2 cup half and half, 1 cup crushed ice, 2 tbsp caramel syrup, 1/4 tsp xanthan gum, 1/2-1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour in a tall glass and top with whipped cream and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and enjoy.caramel sauce, whipped cream
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Can I use guar gum instead of xanthan gum?
It won’t work the same unfortunately!
What brand of instant coffee did you use?
I think just the one from the grocery store.
I was poking around for a copycat McDonald’s frappe recipe and found this. Not sure what the xanthan gum does but I just made the drink without it and it’s DELICIOUS!! Thanks for posting. I too, experience broken frappe machines on a regular so great to have this at-home option.
I’m so glad you found the recipe and that it turned out delicious! The xanthan gum helps with thickness and creaminess, but it’s great to hear you enjoyed it even without it. I totally get the struggle with broken frappe machines, so I’m happy this at-home version works for you! Thanks for trying the recipe and sharing your experience!
YUMMY!!!! how much coffee should I use instead of the instant coffee (I don’t have that unfortunately). thank you for this recipe!
Glad you liked it! And you would need to replace it with only 1 tablespoon of coffee so try to use espresso or something strong if you can.
Seems that every time I want to get a McDonald’s frappe their machine is broken. I was needing a frappe fix tonight and found your recipe that I had printed back in August. So, I thought I would give it a try. Lucky for me I had everything I needed to make it right down to the whipped cream. I didn’t expect it to really taste like the McDonald’s recipe, but to my surprise it was very, very close. This is my go to frappe fix recipe from now on. I’m so glad I found it!!
I’m happy it came in clutch for you! Thank you for making the recipe! 😁
This is the best caramel frappe’ (like McDonald’s) in a pinch and costs pennies to make! Thank you for posting.
Quick question. If I double the recipe, do I double the xanthan gum?
You can absolutely double the recipe! As far as the xanthan gum, you should taste and adjust as you go because it is potent. Start with the base amount with the doubled ingredients and taste a sample from the blender to see if it needs more then blend again if it does.
thank you for the recipe.
I have to drive 30 miles to get one.
You’re welcome 😁
I really like the Carmel frappe from Mcdonal’s. I can’t afford the drive/cost often due to budget cuts. Nice to have a receipt to try at home.
I get it! Making your own caramel frappe at home is a great way to enjoy it without breaking the budget! Cheers!