Vanilla Iced Frappuccino

Name: Vanilla Iced Frappuccino
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup brewed coffee, chilled; 1 cup vanilla ice cream; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup; 1 cup ice

Highlighted under: Sugar & Whisk

I absolutely love crafting the perfect Vanilla Iced Frappuccino at home. There’s something incredibly refreshing about sipping a creamy coffee treat on a warm day. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a blend that rivals your favorite coffee shop version. I enjoy customizing the sweetness and creaminess to my taste, allowing me to savor every sip guilt-free. The comforting vanilla flavor mixed with chilled coffee provides an indulgent yet energizing experience. Let's dive into making this delicious drink together!

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:25:36.588Z

When I first attempted to make a Vanilla Iced Frappuccino at home, I was frustrated by many recipes that didn’t quite nail the texture or flavor. After a few tries, I discovered that blending frozen coffee ice cubes with vanilla ice cream created a perfect consistency. The creaminess paired so well with the rich coffee flavor that it quickly became a go-to summer treat!

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is how easily you can adjust the sweetness. I often start with a small amount of vanilla syrup and add more as needed, ensuring that every sip is just the right level of sweetness for me. This adaptability, along with the vibrant flavors, is what makes this recipe special!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich vanilla flavor that soothes your taste buds
Creamy texture that’s perfect for hot weather
Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Vanilla Iced Frappuccino plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect blend of flavor and texture. The chilled brewed coffee provides a caffeinated backbone, while the vanilla ice cream adds a rich creaminess that keeps the drink refreshing. Using whole milk enhances the creaminess even further, making each sip indulgent. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, which will still blend nicely but may alter the flavor slightly.

Vanilla syrup is key for that signature sweet vanilla flavor. You can easily make your own by simmering equal parts sugar and water with a vanilla bean, allowing it to steep for a few hours. This homemade syrup can be adjusted to your sweetness preference, making the drink more personalized. If you find yourself out of vanilla syrup, a splash of pure vanilla extract can work in a pinch, but remember to use it sparingly since it’s more concentrated.

Perfect Blending Tips

Blending is where the magic happens in this recipe. Start by adding the liquid ingredients—chilled coffee, milk, and vanilla syrup—before the ice and ice cream. This sequencing helps the blender create a smoother consistency and avoids any lumps. I recommend blending on a low setting initially, increasing to high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, usually within 30-60 seconds. If the frappuccino is too thick, add a little more milk to achieve your desired consistency.

It’s essential to monitor the texture during blending; you want a drink that is well-combined but not overly aerated. Over-blending can lead to a frothy consistency rather than a creamy frappuccino. If you notice your mixture isn’t blending well, pause the blender, stir the contents gently with a spoon or spatula, and then blend again. This ensures all ingredients are evenly incorporated for the best flavor experience.

Ingredients

For the Frappuccino

1 cup brewed coffee, chilled
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
1 cup ice

Preparation

Instructions

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, combine the chilled brewed coffee, vanilla ice cream, milk, vanilla syrup, and ice. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting sweetness if necessary.

Serve and Enjoy

Pour the frappuccino into tall glasses. You can top it with whipped cream and a drizzle of additional vanilla syrup, if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Tips

Pro Tips

For an extra-rich flavor, try using cold brew coffee instead of regular coffee. Additionally, using homemade vanilla syrup adds a personal touch to the drink.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Vanilla Iced Frappuccino, I like to serve it in tall glasses with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. A drizzle of extra vanilla syrup or a sprinkle of crushed coffee beans adds visual appeal and an extra touch of flavor. You could also layer your drink with some chocolate sauce inside the glass before pouring in the frappuccino for a gourmet experience.

For gatherings, consider making a larger batch of this frappuccino. Simply multiply your ingredient amounts by the number of servings you need. Make sure to blend in batches and keep the drink chilled until serving. A big pitcher of this delightful frappuccino can become the star of your summer brunch or afternoon gathering.

Make-Ahead & Storage

While this recipe is best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare some components ahead to save time. Brew your coffee the night before and store it in the fridge. You can also make the vanilla syrup and keep it sealed in an airtight container for up to two weeks. The ice cream can be pre-scooped into portions and stored in the freezer; just let it sit out for a few minutes to soften before blending.

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store any remaining frappuccino in a sealed container in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, give it a brief blend to return it to that creamy state. Just be aware that texture may change slightly after freezing, so it’s best to only make as much as you plan to drink.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this frappuccino dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk and vanilla ice cream with almond milk and dairy-free ice cream.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness?

Start with the recommended amount of vanilla syrup and blend, tasting as you go. Add more syrup until it reaches your desired sweetness.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the coffee and freeze it in ice cube trays ahead of time for a quick blend later!

→ What type of coffee should I use?

Any brewed coffee will work, but using a medium to dark roast will add rich flavor to your frappuccino.