Vanilla Iced Coffee Frappuccino

Name: Vanilla Iced Coffee Frappuccino
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups brewed coffee, cooled; 1 cup milk (or milk alternative); 1 cup ice; 3 tablespoons vanilla syrup; Whipped cream (optional, for topping); Chocolate shavings or caramel sauce (optional, for garnish)

Highlighted under: Express Kitchen

I’ve always been a fan of cold coffee drinks, especially in the warmer months, and this Vanilla Iced Coffee Frappuccino has quickly become a favorite. The combination of rich coffee flavor with a smooth vanilla sweetness is a delight. It’s easy to make and can be customized to fit your taste preferences! Making a frappuccino at home not only saves you a trip to the coffee shop but also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that it’s both delicious and satisfying. Get ready to enjoy a refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion!

Created by

Penelope Dawson

Last updated on 2026-02-10T21:25:36.877Z

When I first made this Vanilla Iced Coffee Frappuccino, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to whip up at home. Using freshly brewed coffee lets you control the strength and flavor, making each sip exactly to your liking. I also love that you can blend in ice to achieve the perfect creamy texture while avoiding the excess sugar often found in store-bought options.

I found that adding a splash of vanilla extract elevates this drink even further. Using a high-quality coffee and blending it well helps create a smooth, velvety frappuccino that’s amazing on hot days. Don’t forget to top it with whipped cream if you want that café-style treat!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich vanilla flavor with a strong coffee kick
Perfectly blended for a creamy texture
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings

Mastering the Blend

To achieve that perfect frappuccino texture, it’s crucial to blend your ingredients well. Start by adding the ingredients in the correct order: coffee first, followed by milk, vanilla syrup, and then ice. This method ensures that the ice shaves down evenly, creating a creamy consistency. Blend on a medium setting for about 30 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and frothy, but be careful not to over-blend, as this can lead to a watery drink.

Adjusting the ice content can dramatically change your frappuccino's texture. If you prefer a thicker drink, you can increase the amount of ice slightly and reduce the milk accordingly. Conversely, for a lighter frappuccino, you can decrease the amount of ice. Just remember, the blending time may also need adjustments based on how much ice you’re working with, so keep an eye on that creamy consistency!

Flavor Customizations

One of the best parts of making this frappuccino at home is the ability to personalize the flavors. For a deeper coffee flavor, consider using espresso instead of brewed coffee. Using espresso will enhance the richness and provide an intense kick, especially when balanced with the sweetness of the vanilla syrup. For a fun twist, you can also infuse different syrups such as hazelnut or caramel, which pair beautifully with vanilla.

If you are looking for a healthier alternative, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can replace regular milk without sacrificing creaminess. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of vanilla syrup used based on your sweetness preference. To add a delightful crunch, mix in crushed cookies or nuts into the blend or as a topping without increasing the calorie count too much.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Iced Coffee Frappuccino

2 cups brewed coffee, cooled
1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
1 cup ice
3 tablespoons vanilla syrup
Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Chocolate shavings or caramel sauce (optional, for garnish)

Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add more cream to suit your taste preferences!

Instructions

Brew the Coffee

Brew your favorite coffee and let it cool down to room temperature. You can use a stronger brew for a more intense flavor.

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, combine the cooled coffee, milk, ice, and vanilla syrup. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Serve and Enjoy

Pour the frappuccino into glasses, top with whipped cream if desired, and garnish with chocolate shavings or caramel sauce. Enjoy immediately!

This frappuccino is best served fresh, but you can prepare the coffee in advance to save time!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different flavors by adding flavored syrups or spices to customize your frappuccino experience.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepping your frappuccino in advance can save time on busy mornings. Brew a larger batch of coffee and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This not only cools your coffee down instantly but also allows the flavors to fully develop. Just give it a stir before using to mix any settled coffee grounds and make a refreshing frappuccino at a moment’s notice.

For an even quicker version, you can freeze coffee into ice cubes ahead of time. These coffee ice cubes can replace regular ice, preventing your frappuccino from getting diluted and keeping that rich coffee flavor intact. Simply blend the frozen cubes with milk and vanilla syrup for an easy-to-make iced delight anytime.

Storage and Serving

If you find yourself with leftover frappuccino, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, the consistency might change, becoming less creamy as it sits—just give it a shake or stir before serving again. You can prevent separation by blending the drink for a few seconds before pouring it back into a glass.

When serving, consider adding a fun twist with seasonal toppings. In the fall, a sprinkle of pumpkin spice or a dash of cinnamon can elevate the vanilla flavor, while a touch of peppermint syrup makes it joyous during winter holidays. Serve in chilled glasses for extra refreshment, and don’t forget to garnish with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate for that café-style presentation!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use decaf coffee?

Absolutely! Using decaf coffee is a great way to enjoy this drink without the caffeine kick.

→ How can I make this dairy-free?

Simply substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other dairy-free alternative.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the coffee and have everything ready to blend when you're ready to serve.

→ What type of coffee works best?

A medium to dark roast coffee works best for a rich flavor, but feel free to use your personal favorite.