A coffeehouse-style treat made at home with rich caramel and creamy vanilla

If you love those creamy, coffeehouse-style frappes but want something you can whip up at home, this Vanilla Caramel Cold Brew Frappe is it. It’s smooth, sweet, and made extra rich with vanilla pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk. You get the bold flavor of cold brew, the sweetness of caramel, and the creamy texture of a true frappe—all in one easy, no-fuss drink. This Vanilla Caramel Cold Brew Frappe is the perfect sip when you want something refreshing and seriously satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with real cold brew for bold coffee flavor.
• Vanilla pudding mix adds creamy texture and richness.
• Sweetened condensed milk gives it a smooth, café-style finish.
• Blended with caramel for the perfect sweet touch.
• Tastes like a coffeehouse frappe but made at home.
• Easy to customize with toppings or extra drizzle.
• No espresso machine needed—just a blender and a few pantry staples.

Ingredient Notes

• Cold Brew Coffee: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade cold brew. It gives a smoother flavor than regular brewed coffee and blends beautifully with sweet ingredients.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds richness and sweetness in one step—no extra sugar needed. A little goes a long way!
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is the secret to the ultra-creamy texture. Just two tablespoons make a big difference.
• Caramel Topping: Any bottled caramel works here, but a thick ice cream-style topping adds the best flavor and drizzle.
• Ice: Crushed ice blends faster and creates a smoother frappe, but standard cubes will work too.
• Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and even a sprinkle of sea salt can take this to the next level.

Before You Blend

Do I need to chill the cold brew first?
Yes—use chilled cold brew for the best texture and to keep the drink icy cold. Warm or room-temp coffee will melt the ice too quickly.

Can I use brewed coffee instead of cold brew?
You can, but it won’t be as smooth or bold. If using regular coffee, make sure it’s extra strong and fully chilled.

Do I need to prepare the pudding mix first?
Nope! You’re just adding the dry mix straight into the blender. It thickens the drink and adds flavor without needing to make the full pudding.

FAQ

Can I make this without sweetened condensed milk?
Yes—swap it with milk and a sweetener of your choice, but the flavor and creaminess may change.

What type of caramel should I use?
Use a thick caramel ice cream topping for the best texture and flavor. You can also use homemade or sugar-free versions.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cold brew, coconut condensed milk (or almond milk + maple syrup), and check that your pudding mix is dairy-free.

How can I make it thicker or thinner?
Add more ice or a little extra pudding mix to thicken. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of cold brew or milk.

Can I prep this in advance?
It’s best served right away, but you can blend everything but the ice and store in the fridge. Blend with ice when ready to serve.

Sprinkle of Fun

Make this Vanilla Caramel Cold Brew Frappe, pour it into your favorite to-go cup, and head out for an old-school mall day. Forget online shopping—throw your hair up, grab your cutest outfit, and hit the stores in person. With music blasting and your frappe in hand, it’s the perfect start to a fun day out.