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Home » Drinks

How to make Mcdonald’s Caramel Frappe

Published: Mar 7, 2023

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This Mcdonald’s caramel frappe is a deliciously refreshing iced coffee recipe that is blended with ice, coffee, and some sort of dairy. It is packed with coffee flavors and is a definite go-to during a hot summer day.

Since you are here, make sure to take a look at my McDonald’s Oreo shamrock shake recipe, Mcdonald’s oreo mcflurry, Mcdonald’s strawberry banana smoothie, as well as this Mcdonald’s caramel iced coffee.

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copycat Mcdonald's caramel frappe

There is something extra special about the McDonald’s frappés. They come in a variety of flavors but the two that seem to be the most popular are the caramel and the mocha frappe.

They are refreshing, perfectly sweetened, and pack a punch thanks to the caffeine allowing you to keep going and end the day on a strong note. Plus who doesn’t like a beverage that is topped with whipped cream and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce? Thas is literally the cherry on top!

This is the best caramel frappe beverage recipe!

If you are a fan of mcdonad, and this caramel Mcdonald’s frappe then you have arrived at the right place.

In this article, I will show you exactly how to make your favorite frappe drink in the comfort of your own home. The craziest thing is that it will taste just like the one at Mcdonald’s and will have you wanting more in no time.

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 need to make this recipe!

  • It’s a simple recipe that can be made at home with just a few basic ingredients.
  • This recipe is easy to customize, like it sweeter, and add more sugar. Want it a bit less sweet add less. Make it decaf or caffeinated all depending on what you want or need that specific day.
  • It’s a great refreshing and indulgent treat to make for friends and family when they come over in the summertime. Trust me you’ll become their favorite in no time.
  • This recipe allows you to use higher quality ingredients compared to what McDonald’s uses in their chain restaurants.
  • It comes together in no time, Aka no waiting in the drive-through line or spending extra money at McDonald’s for this one.
Ingredients on the counter

Ingredients for this McDonald’s caramel frappé

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this homemade frappe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.

  • Ice- Use crushed ice for this. If you don’t have an ice machine, it is best to get ice from your local grocery store to make sure that doesn’t have any funky freezer flavor.
  • Half and half- Because this is a creamy drink, we want to use something a little higher in milk. Skim milk would work still but wouldn’t make this drink as creamy. I would recommend using whole milk or even a mixture of all of these with a little heavy cream as well.
  • Instant coffee- I opted for instant coffee so that we can keep the texture of this frappe cold and icy. We don’t want to add too much liquid and end up with a watery iced drink.
  • water- You’ll need a tiny bit of water to dissolve the instant coffee.
  • Sugar- The granulated sugar is used to sweeten your frappe, try it and assess if you like it as is or if it needs a little more sweetness.
  • Caramel syrup- I used the Monin caramel syrup for this, it gives it a delicious caramel flavor.
  • Whipped cream- You can use either homemade whipped cream or storebought. Both work just fine.
  • Caramel sauce– I personally think caramel sauce is a must. It makes your drink look gorgeous and it also helps add extra flavor when you are sipping on this frappe copycat recipe.
  • Xanthan gum– This is optional but it will help give your frappe the perfect texture.

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!

  1. In a small cup mix the instant coffee with the hot water until dissolved.
  2. 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.
  3. Blend until smooth.
  4. Pour in a tall glass and top your chilled drink with whipped cream and a generous caramel drizzle.
  5. Enjoy with a straw.
Ingredients in a blender
Blended caramel frapp in a blender
Mcdonalds caramel frappe

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

Can I make mcdonald’s frappes ahead of time?

It is best to make and enjoy any type of frappe as soon as you make it. Since it is a coffee drink that is made with ice, we don’t want to make it ahead to time and let it melt because you will end up with a watery mess.

How do I make a frappe that has the right consistency and texture?

The secret to making the right textured frappes is to use really cold ingredients combined with Xanthan gum. I know it seems like a hassle to have to get it but it is the one thing that will really emulsify all of the ingredients together and give you a frappe that has a very similar texture to the one at Mcdonald’s

Mcdonald's caramel frappe

Can I make this Mcdonald’s caramel frappe vegan or dairy free?

Yes you can definitely use a substitute to the half and half some of my favs are

  • Soy milk
  • Almond milk
  • 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.

How do I serve the frappe to make it look like a McDonald’s caramel frappe?

One of my favorite ways to enjoy this cold coffee drink is to have it in a Mcdonald’s cup that I used before. I usually wash it well then reuse it to serve my drink. I promise you it’ll look exactly the same as the one you would usually get from there.

Mcdonald's Caramel Frappe

How much coffee should I use to make the frappe?

To make this mcdonalds frappe I experimented with a few different amounts of instant coffee. My favorite was when it was at ½ a tablespoon or just a tiny bit over. Of course, if you love the coffee flavor and want more of it then feel free to experiment and add more or add less for less coffee flavor.

Can I add toppings like chocolate chips or caramel drizzle to the frappe?

Absolutely! The base of the drink can stay the same but you can always add some chocolate drizzle or chocolate syrup on top of this caramel frappuccino. I also love adding buttery caramel as well as chocolate on top because the flavor is out of this work. Some sprinkles would make the drink extra festive or even some toffee crunch pieces or mini chocolate chips on top of the whipped cream would take this delicious frappe to a whole new level.

Mcdonald's Caramel Frappe

Caramel mcdonald’s frappe recipe

Mcdonalds caramel frappe

The best McDonald’s caramel frappe

This easy McDonald's caramel frappe recipe is a simple copycat that tastes just like the real but will cost you a fraction of the price.
5 from 29 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 serving
Calories 283 Calories

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup half and half or whole milk or a combination of both.
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • ½ tablespoon instant coffee rounded (or more for a stronger coffee flavor)
  • 2 tablespoon caramel syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum
  • ½-1 tablespoon 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 tablespoon hot water. Stir to dissolve and set aside.
    ½ tablespoon 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 ½ tablespoon then add more if needed.
    ½ cup half and half, 1 cup crushed ice, 2 tablespoon caramel syrup, ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum, ½-1 tablespoon 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

Calories: 283CaloriesCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 173mgPotassium: 251mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 428IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword caramel frappe, mcdonald’s caramel frappe
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Mcdonald's Caramel Frappe
Mcdonald's caramel frappe
Mcdonald's caramel frappe
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Filed Under: Drinks, Iced Drinks Tagged With: caramel frappe, mcdonalds caramel frappe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. mia

    November 10, 2024 at 11:12 pm

    5 stars
    m

    Reply
    • Tara

      January 30, 2025 at 1:16 pm

      Can I use guar gum instead of xanthan gum?

      Reply
      • Chahinez

        February 09, 2025 at 1:56 pm

        It won’t work the same unfortunately!

  2. SuperMom

    August 18, 2024 at 4:50 am

    What brand of instant coffee did you use?

    Reply
    • Chahinez

      February 26, 2025 at 11:25 am

      I think just the one from the grocery store.

      Reply
  3. Denver chick

    June 04, 2024 at 11:56 am

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • Chahinez

      February 09, 2025 at 4:03 pm

      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!

      Reply
  4. Diane Achimon

    December 10, 2023 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    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!!

    Reply
    • Chahinez

      December 11, 2023 at 3:46 pm

      I’m happy it came in clutch for you! Thank you for making the recipe! 😁

      Reply
      • Debbie D.

        December 29, 2024 at 9:58 am

        5 stars
        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?

      • Chahinez

        January 01, 2025 at 7:42 pm

        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.

  5. Clark

    May 09, 2023 at 10:47 am

    thank you for the recipe.
    I have to drive 30 miles to get one.

    Reply
    • Chahinez

      May 18, 2023 at 8:41 am

      You’re welcome 😁

      Reply
  6. Schmidt-Colon

    April 30, 2023 at 2:34 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • Chahinez

      May 16, 2023 at 7:36 pm

      I get it! Making your own caramel frappe at home is a great way to enjoy it without breaking the budget! Cheers!

      Reply
5 from 29 votes (24 ratings without comment)

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Hey there! My name is Chahinez, and I’m the brains behind the blog, Lifestyle of a Foodie. LOAF was started back in 2018 during my last semester ...

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