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This Copycat Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino is the perfect sweet treat! 

Skip the drive thru and make this Copycat Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino right at home. It is one of Starbucks most ordered drink and now you can make it anytime you like.  A sweet coffee frappuccino is swirled with caramel and topped with whipped cream, more caramel and of course everyone’s favorite part, the caramel crunch pieces.

Everyone in this house knows I’m completely obsessed with Starbucks, but if I had to pick a favorite, it’s definitely the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino. That mix of cold creamy coffee, thick swirls of caramel, and the sweet little crunchy topping? It’s everything. I could honestly drink one every day… but my wallet would never forgive me.

Between the teething baby, grocery runs, and keeping up with everything else on my plate, I don’t always have the time (or energy) to swing through the Starbucks drive-thru every time the craving hits. And let’s be honest, when you’ve got kids asking for drinks and cake pops too, that total adds up real fast. So I figured there had to be a way to make it at home.

And spoiler alert: there is. This copycat version is ridiculously easy and tastes just like the real thing. You don’t need an espresso machine or anything fancy. Just a blender, some strong coffee (or instant if you’re in a rush), caramel sauce, milk, and ice. That’s it. I usually keep a jar of caramel in the fridge anyway because sometimes I need that midnight sweet treat while standing in the fridge.

Whether you’re making one for yourself during nap time or making enough to get you through the day, this homemade caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino is a total win. It’s sweet, creamy, customizable, and way cheaper than a coffee run. 

I promise you will love this Copycat Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino.

What Is a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino?

It’s one of Starbucks’ most indulgent blended drinks. Think of it like a creamy caramel milkshake made with coffee, layered with ribbons of caramel sauce, whipped cream, and buttery crunchy bits on top. It’s a cold, sweet treat that tastes like dessert in a cup.  It is one of their top sellers!

You will want to make Caramel Frappuccino again and again! We do!

Why This Recipe Works

• It’s budget-friendly. No more spending $6+ at Starbucks. 

• Tastes just like the real thing. Rich caramel flavor and perfect texture.

• No fancy equipment. Just a blender and a few simple ingredients.

• Kid-friendly version too. Skip the coffee and everyone can enjoy it.

• Easy to customize. Add more caramel, less ice, or make it decaf.

Can I use any caramel for this homemade caramel frappe?

Of course! Any caramel ice cream topping or dessert topping you come across will work.  I do find the ones in the jar are thicker than the squeeze bottle ones and I like to use those.

What kind of milk can I use?

This is the best part! You can use your favorite milk! Whether you like whole milk, heavy cream, coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, plant-based milks, you can use whichever milk you prefer!  This is how you really make it your own pumpkin spice frappuccino recipe.

Can I make this decaf or sugar free?

You can certainly use decaf coffee in this, I do!  You can also lighten this up by using a sugar substitute, sugar free syrup and a lighter milk.

INGREDIENTS

• Brewed coffee- Cooled.  You want to make sure your coffee is cooled off so it does not immediately melt all your ice. You can use any coffee you like drinking.  This is also a great recipe to use cold brew coffee.
• Milk of choice-  This is where you can customize your drink and use the milk you prefer drinking.
• Sugar- You can use white granulated sugar, warm things up with some brown sugar or use a sugar substitute or keto sweetener. You could even use a simple syrup if you like.
• Caramel sauce-  I like to use caramel ice cream topping for this easy recipe.
• Dry instant butterscotch pudding-  This helps the frappuccino have a better consistency and adds a bit of flavor. This gives this starbucks frappuccino a smooth consistency.
• Heath toffee bits- For topping.  They make these that are chocolate covered and some that are not chocolate covered, you are looking for the not chocolate version.  You could also crush up hard caramel candies instead.
• Ice- I like to use crushed ice to make the blending easier and to get that
  frappuccino consistency.
• Whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish, optional-  Top this with some whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel and sprinkle of crunchy caramel bits just like the starbucks version!

Gather your ingredients for this homemade caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino recipe.

Mix up the caramel coffee mixture.

Add to your blender with ice and blend. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce and sprinkle of crushed caramel candies.

How to make this Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

1. FULL RECIPE BELOW
2. In a mixing cup whisk together the coffee, milk, caramel sauce, sugar, and instant pudding mix.
3. Add your ice and coffee mix to the blender.  Blend together until all mixed and the ice is all crushed and everything is combined into a slushy texture,
4. Drizzle caramel inside the cup.
5. Pour in the frappe.
6. Top with whipped cream, more caramel and a sprinkle of the heath bits.
7. Serve!

Substitutions

• Use decaf coffee or skip it entirely for a kid-friendly version.

• Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or even honey in a pinch.

• Use plant-based milk like oat or almond for a dairy-free treat.

• No toffee bits? Try crushed Werther’s, caramel popcorn, or even granola.

Variations

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra creamy version.

• Blend in a spoonful of chocolate syrup for a mocha-caramel twist.

• Top with a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted caramel frappuccino.

Tips & Tricks

• Use cold coffee or espresso to keep your drink from getting watery.

• A drizzle of caramel in the cup before pouring adds that signature look.

• Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays so your frappuccinos never get watered down.

• To make it thicker, add more ice or a splash of heavy cream.

There’s something so satisfying about making your favorite treat at home, especially when it tastes just like the original. This Copycat Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino brings all the caramel-y goodness you love, without the drive-thru or the price tag. 

Did you make this COPYCAT STARBUCKS CARAMEL RIBBON CRUNCH FRAPPUCCINO, tell me how you liked it in the comments! For more delicious family friendly recipes you can follow me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK 

Want more copycat recipes? Check these out!

•  
• Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink

• Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino

• Copycat Starbucks S’mores Frappuccino

• Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

• Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Muffins
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