Forget about paying those high prices and make this simple Starbucks copycat recipe right at home. The flavor of this Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Recipe takes cold coffee to a whole new level - loaded with sweet caramel flavor, making it perfect for a hot summer day.
I always think that the homemade version is better than anything from the store or local Starbucks. Maybe that's just me, but I have a feeling that coffee lovers agree as well! The caramel crunch toppings add the perfect extra crunch to take this delicious drink to a whole new level.
You'll love the simple steps listed on the recipe card below. They prove that all you need are a few simple ingredients, and you can have your own icy caramel coffee frappe in just a few minutes of time.
Speaking of great copycat recipes, be sure to check out this Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte Recipe and this Starbucks Hibiscus Tea Recipe. Love them both!
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Ingredients
- Whole milk - Keeps the drink nice and cold.
- Espresso chilled (or double-strength coffee) - You can use either, so pick your favorite!
- Ice cubes - Add near the end so it doesn't water the drink down.
- Caramel sauce - I make my own caramel sauce and add it!
- Simple syrup - To add sweetness.
- Xanthan gum - This helps frozen drinks not to separate. It can be optional.
- Whipped cream - For the toppings.
- Crushed caramel candy - To make that irresistible crunch topping.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make this Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Recipe
Step One: Put the espresso and ice in the blender.
Step Two: Add the milk. Add the xanthan gum, if using.
Step Three: After that, add the caramel and simple syrup. You can add a bit more caramel if you want - it's up to you!
Step Four: Blend until nice and smooth. It will be a bit thick once everything is blended. The xanthan gum prevents separation.
Step Five: Grab your favorite tall glass and pour it in.
Step Six: Finally, add the whipped cream as a garnish, followed by the caramel sauce and crunchy topping.
Top Tip
If you don't want to make your own caramel sauce, you can buy it from the store and add it. Have fun with the sweet process.
Substitutions
- Coconut milk - You can swap the whole milk for coconut milk for this easy drink.
- Decaffeinated coffee - If you're cutting back on some of the caffeine in your life, don't let that stop you from making this drink!
- Oat milk - You can also use oat milk in place of regular milk.
Variations
- Change the topping - Even though it's hard to deny the caramel drizzle, you can use other toppings as well. Your sweet tooth might like just fluffy whipped cream and no crunchy caramel bits, or you can opt for chocolate syrup, too.
See this Starbucks Oat Fudge Bars Recipe as a fun pairing!
Equipment
Since this Copycat Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino is so simple, you really only need a blender and a tall glass to pour it into.
Storage
It's important to note that this homemade caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino recipe is best made and enjoyed fresh. This is because of the added ice cubes. If you make it ahead of time, the ice cubes will water down the rest of the flavor.
Common Questions
You can always add more caramel crunch topping and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce. The addition of buttery caramel syrup is the best part of the topping, so have fun and add more!
You bet! This is a great way to cut down on prep time. You can also use leftover coffee that you might have from your morning brew.
Some people worry that using ice cubes will water down the recipe, but this isn't the case. This drink is meant to be made and drank right away, and the ice cubes are a big part of making it nice and cool. You can skip blending it and have an iced latte instead.
Just know that adding the ice cubes to the rest of the ingredients that are chilled or cooled means that they won't melt and won't water down your drink.
The only thing that you have to worry about with the drink watering down is if you try and make it in advance, or don't have plans to drink it right away.
Related Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup espresso chilled (or double-strength coffee)
- 2 cups ice cubes
- ¼ cup caramel sauce ***
- 2 oz simple syrup
- pinch xanthan gum optional
Garnish
- 2 tablespoon caramel sauce
- whipped cream
- crushed caramel candy
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Garnish with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and crushed caramel candies.
Ashley
I love making my own starbucks drinks at home. This one came out perfect. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Jenn
Total decadence! Love this homemade copycat Starbys recipe!
Zachariah Billie
This Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch copycat recipe is a game-changer! I love how easy it is to recreate at home with just a few ingredients. The caramel crunch topping is the perfect finishing touch. Can't wait to try this on the next hot day—thanks for sharing such a delicious and cost-effective alternative! 🍹✨