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My homemade caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino recipe has become a recent household obsession. It features coffee blended with caramel drizzle, then topped with crunchy caramel bits.
The ultimate Starbucks dupe at home!
I have always been a diehard Caramel Ribbon Crunch frappe kind of guy until my wallet (and my common sense) dictated that I make it at home… and I’ve never turned back!
Not only is it far cheaper to make at home, but it’s made with simple ingredients, and I can add as much dark caramel sauce as my heart desires! It’s ready in seconds and so easy to customize. I prefer the classic blended frappuccino, but if you want a warm version (like my family does), I’ll explain how to make one!
Need more Starbucks dupes? Try my salted caramel cream cold brew, peppermint mocha, or gingerbread latte next.
Key Ingredients
- Ice. The smaller the ice you use, the creamier it will be.
- Cold coffee. You have a few options here, depending on how strong you want the frappuccino to be. I’ve tried it with cold brew concentrate, espresso, and instant coffee, so use whichever you prefer caffeine-wise.
- Your choice of milk. I like to use unsweetened almond milk, but any milk works, including whole milk, coconut milk, oat milk, etc. For a silkier texture, use heavy cream.
- Sugar. White sugar, brown sugar, or sugar free subs (like allulose).
- Caramel syrup. I use my homemade sugar-free caramel syrup to keep things lighter, but any store-bought sauce can be used. Half will be in the blended coffee, and the rest will be drizzled on top.
- Whipped cream. A must for any good frappuccino (but also you do you!).
- Candy bits. Optional, but this stays true to a traditional caramel ribbon crunch drink. Stick to chopped-up caramel candies.
How to make Starbucks caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Blend. Combine all ingredients (except half of the caramel syrup) and blend until smooth.
Step 2- Serve. Pour the drink into two glasses and top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and crushed candy topping.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Add xanthan gum. If you’re worried about the frappuccino separating after it’s blended, add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum. This will help thicken the drink and prevent the liquid from separating.
- Adjust the flavor. Give the drink a taste and add extra caramel syrup to level up the sweet caramel flavor.
- Use coffee ice cubes. So your delicious drink doesn’t get diluted when you blend it.
More addictive coffee recipes
Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee or 1-2 espresso shots * See notes
- 1 cup milk I used unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons caramel sauce divided
- 1/4 cup whipped cream
- 1 tablespoon caramel candy crushed, optional
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, add the ice, coffee, milk, sugar, and two tablespoons of caramel sauce. Blend until completely combined.
- Transfer into two glasses and top with whipped cream, drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce, and sprinkle the crushed-up candy pieces.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published August 2021, updated and republished December 2024
Is caramel sauce bought one or I can make my own? Sou have recipe for that?
Dear, your caramel sauce link goes to vanilla frosting on Amazon.
Thanks for letting me know- will fix!
Great CRCF
I added a bit of extra white sugar to mine and used one shot of espresso and it was so good!!!!!!! Taste just like the one from SB!!!! 😋
I just made this delicious recipe-it tastes better than Starbucks, only thing missing was cookie bits but didn’t miss them at all! I’ll probably will use more coffee next time – but as a sugar free sweetener I used Coffeemate Italian cream liquid creamer! Amazing!💕💕
Absolutely LOVED this homemade Starbucks classic!
I can’t wait to try it! It looks absolutely delicious! Every time I go to Starbucks I always get this drink! It is FABULOUS!!!! Thanks for doing this because now I have a recipe I can use.
I love love love it. Thank you.
amazing, tastes just like the one from starbucks! didn’t take took long to make. So good!😊😋
Very very very very good delicious
tastie!!!!!!! is really good. I do recommend
I lovee this it tastes amazing💗💗💗
What kind of keto candy? Any you recommend?
Here we go- https://thebigmansworld.com/keto-candy/
Can liquid Allulose be used? If so, quantity?
I haven’t tried, feel free to experiment and see
Can’t wait to try. Looks sooo yummy
You are awesome! I’ve been craving caramel frappe since going low carb, I haven’t committed to Keto yet. I can’t wait to try this but first I need to do some shopping.
Mine came out super thin. I followed your recipe except I used 1 cup of coffee instead of half and I used almond milk. What can I do to make it thicker?
Hi Delia- that doesn’t surprise me, you swapped out half the original recipe with coffee. If you make it as written, it will be thick.
Maybe because you used too much coffee? It’s only supposed to be one and a half cups and you put in two cups. That’s a third more liquid than it’s supposed to have. Of course it’s going to be thin.