If you love McDonald’s Caramel Frappe beverages like I do, skip the drive through and give this caramel frappe recipe a try at home.
If you couldn’t tell by my chicken leg post, I have what I would call “addictive tendencies”. That is one reason why I have never tried drugs… I know I would probably like them and then be addicted and then we’d all see my happy little life spiral down the drain, out of control. If drugs are anything like baked chicken legs, I know I’d be in trouble.
As mentioned in a recent Project 365 entry, I was sailing through life pretty much sure that all of you drinking iced coffee drinks were disgusting. An iced coffee drink seemed like you forgot you had a half of cup of coffee sitting on your night stand and then you woke up the next morning and continued to drink the old, cold coffee. Cold coffee? Blech.
I was at a McDonald’s play date with my 3 year old, innocently slurping from one of my current and long standing addictions – a fountain drink – when a McDonald’s employee handed me a sample of their new McCafe Caramel Frappe. Of course I took it because – you know… it was free. It is a common rule of life…you don’t turn down free samples, even if you don’t like what they are passing out. With the Caramel Frappe sitting in front of me, I decided to take one sip, knowing that after that one sip, I’d be tossing the Frappe into the garbage.
So, I took my sip. Then another sip. Before you know it slurpy straw sucking sounds were echoing through the McDonald’s as I tried to get the last little drips of deliciousness from the bottom of the cup. I left that McDonald’s and promptly went through the drive through to order my own Caramel Frappe.
That week alone, I had four Caramel Frappe’s. I’d wake up thinking of Caramel Frappe’s. I’d go to sleep thinking of Caramel Frappe’s. Brushing my girls hair, I’d look down at their golden locks and I’d be immediately transported to the golden caramel ribbons that adorned my new favorite indulgence.
I attempted to give up my Caramel Frappe addiction…
The hard thing about addictions is that, well, they are addicting. Overcoming them is difficult. I tried hiding my keys so I couldn’t go to McDonalds. I attempted leaving my money at home when I’d be out (although it is challenging to buy groceries when you don’t have money with you… they kind of frown upon that for some reason). I tried shocking myself with the enormous Caramel Frappe calorie count. Didn’t work… apparently my addiction can’t be scared into submission.
I tried everything to just kick the habit. Then, I finally decided, instead of trying to stop the addiction, I’d embrace it. Surely it will get old and my overwhelming desire for Caramel Frappe goodness will eventually subside.
In my effort to embrace my 24 hour, 7 days a week desire for a Caramel Frappe, I figured I should try to find out how to make a caramel frappe at home. Finding this Caramel Frappe for 2 recipe at Recipezaar.com did the trick. I made some minor adjustments, after studying the “barista’s” at the McCafe and now have the perfect way to feed my addiction at home. Between Baked Chicken Legs and the at home Caramel Frappe, I’m a happy – albeit addicted – woman.
Caramel Frappe for 2
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 2-3 teaspoons instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons vanilla bean latte mix International Delight Brand works well
- 1 tablespoon caramel coffee shop syrup optional (although recommended)
- 2-3 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping
- 2 cups ice more for a thicker, shake like texture
- 1/2 cup milk not skim
- Redi Whip and additional caramel topping for garnish
Instructions
- In a heat-tempered, glass measuring cup heat water in microwave, on high, for about 1 minute.
- Add instant coffee and latte mix. Stir until both are dissolved.
- Add caramel ice cream topping and syrup to coffee mixture and stir.
- In a high powdered blender or smoothie machine, place 2 cups of ice. Add 1/2 milk, and then the coffee/caramel mixture.
- Process on "ice crush" setting until smooth
- Garnish with RediWhip and caramel drizzle.
- Depending on one's taste, milder or stronger versions of this can be achieved by increasing or decreasing each ingredient.
Notes
- Monday: Baked Seasoned Salmon from Recipezaar
- Tuesday: Date Night… surprise meal including a Dine & Dish Giveaway
- Wednesday: Oven Baked Pork Loin with Olive Oil, Garlic & Thyme (from Recipezaar)
- Thursday: Diner Meat Loaf Muffins from Cooking Light (didn’t get to these last week)
- Weekend – Nephew’s First Communion Festivities
If you love iced coffee, you may enjoy these recipes from other bloggers:
- Homemade Caramel Vanilla Ice Coffee from Food, Faith, Fitness
- Dairy Free Iced Coffee from Sarah Bakes Gluten Free
- Chocolate Chip Frappuccino from Swanky Recipes
I don’t do coffee, but this drink looks super tasty!
.-= Maria´s last blog ..2peas3-0 =-.
I don’t love coffee, but love it when it’s flavored! That sounds delicious!
Very professional looking. I am not a fan of flavored coffees but his does look delicious.
Your version looks much yummier than the McDonald’s version!
That looks AMAZING! YUM!
And Pssst… I think CB2 isn’t Crate and Barrel’s outlet, but it’s their spin-off store, to target Ikea customers. Sort of like Old Navy & Gap (or Gap & Banana Republic), or Ann Taylor & Ann Taylor Loft. Ya catch my drift?
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Soy Marinated London Broil =-.
haha, i have the same reasoning for staying off drugs. you are brave to admit that on the web! i am finally getting over my addiction to sweet potato fries, just in time for the holiday and now i have a box of cadbury eggs to take their place. i’m waiting for the day i feel this way about veggies.
.-= sarah´s last blog ..tastespotting =-.
That caramel frappe sure looks delicious to me! And I love iced coffee drinks. Iced mocha latte, iced vanilla latte, you name it and I probably like it. I’ll be giving this version a try really soon.
.-= Lana @ Never Enough Thyme´s last blog ..Pasta Puttanesca =-.
I don’t think I could ever be addicted to drugs, but food….most definitely. My addictions are coffee and peanut butter. I can’t live without either of them.
I’m going to have to stay away from this frappe…because I know it would be instant love. But it looks fantastic.
I added your blog to bookmarks. And i’ll read your articles more often!
mmm! that actually looks really, really, REALLY good! lol and thats so funny…you are just like me! you have an ‘easily addictive’ personality.
I love your blog by the way! I just stumbled upon it today and have been reading through it for a little while now;) Very nice of you to help out newbie bloggers like myself! And I love your idea for adopting a newbie, planning on starting a new round any time soon? 😀
I admit to heading to the McD’s drive -thru for the occasional afternoon pick-me-up! Will have to give the caramel frappé a try next time 🙂
.-= Kathy – Panini Happy´s last blog ..Call for Entries: The 2nd Annual Grilled Cheese Pageant! =-.
Wow, this looks absolutely amazing! This week I made a Dulce de Leche Coffee that was delicious, but I might have to give this Caramel Frappe a try!
.-= Marthe´s last blog ..Poffertjes =-.
I love coffee but I don’t need another high calorie drink. I would love it though but it would not help me lose these 3 lbs. I gained this summer. LOL!
.-= Melanie´s last blog ..A girl, a camera, a class, & Karen Russell. =-.
Yep, CB2 is their “apartment” branch – for their less affluent customers who still like their style but can’t afford it at Crate & Barrel’s regular prices. In other words, me!
And while I don’t drink coffee, I “get” iced coffee drinks – I mean, I like tea and I also like iced tea, and iced tea isn’t just like old cold tea left hanging around. It’s a different drink. Although there are two schools of iced coffee – the “frozen blender drink” like this sounds like, and the Dunkin Donuts kind where it’s a liquid beverage with ice in it (more like what iced tea is to tea, this is to coffee). So I don’t blame you for developing a serious habit.
.-= camille´s last blog ..Soda Bread =-.
I think that is the exact reason I’ve never tried them! I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop drinking them! lol!
.-= patsy´s last blog ..Weekly Tasty Tidbits =-.
I don’t do drugs for the same reason – I get addicted to foods SO easily. I would be a mess if it were drugs. 🙂
Any ideas how to recreate the McCafe Chocolate frappe?!?!?!?!
Hi Kristen, follow my link for an award!
.-= Asha´s last blog ..My first award! =-.
see, now, you say this is for two, but if i made it, those two would be me and myself. i also get latched onto a food or drink and consume it until it finally disgusts me, and then i don’t have it again for years. i don’t think i’ve admitted that to anyone (including myself) before. ah, the power of a frappe. 🙂
My daughter will sooooOOO love this recipe! The McD Caramel Frappe is her all time favorite. “Even better than Starbuck’s”, she says (I like the price!). Can’t wait to make it!
.-= Laurel´s last blog ..Almond Lovers Chocolate Chip Cookies =-.
I felt that way about Chocolate Chunk Freeze at Homer’s. Alas, Homer’s discontinued them. Is that God’s way of saying ENOUGH??
Whit
Love coffee, but have never been a fan of iced or cold coffee drinks. Think this one would change my mind? That said, hubby would LOVE it 🙂
.-= Sandie {Inn Cuisine}´s last blog ..Chocolate Therapy (Recipe: Andon-Reid Inn’s Brownies on Steroids) =-.
This looks sinfully good. How many calories would you say?
.-= The Teacher Cooks´s last blog ..Ultimate Comfort Food – Tuna and Shells – another classroom activity =-.
The mug is amazing and I do appreciate the link to the recipe for the frappe. I think we all have or think we have small addictions we don’t much talk about, so you got a lot of company on that score. I love your blog. I found it by chance, but I’ll be back often to see what you’ve been cookin’ up. Have a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
.-= Mary´s last blog ..Cheesy Orzo Pilaf =-.
I’m addicted to these things as well. The Mocha one is my drug of choice. I was doing a little research online tonight and the calorie count is off the hook. Guess I better slow down……before I blow up like a beached whale
I also love frappes. About two months ago I was seriously considering getting a frappe machine (http://www.household-gadgets.com/frappe-machine.html). But in the end I decided not to get it and I am glad I didn’t. If I had the machine, I would be drinking frappes non-stop and my waist would keep on expanding and expanding. I am now trying to limit frappes to only once a week, because the calorie content is just so high. But at times I find it very difficult to stick to my target.
I can’t wait to try your Frappe recipe because I am addicted to the McDonald’s Caramel Frappe’s too!! I think about them at least 3 times a day and even told my husband last night that I am officially obsessed! Thank you!
sounds tasty!
thank you for sharing =)
and coffee lover, check my mars coffee recipe *.*
best wishes.
.-= Coffee´s last blog ..My Mars Coffee Recipe ~ =-.
OMG!!! You are so right. I don’t drink coffee at all, however, I love the smell of it. When McDonald’s came out with the iced coffee drinks, I was like I’ll try it. I tired the Iced Mocha—died and went to Heaven. The week I tried it, I had it like four more times that week. Of course I was bouncing off the wall, but who cares. It was like coffee flavored chocolate milk. Today I tried the Mocha Frappe……………SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!. I was thinking that I have receipts that offer buy one get one free. OMG, HEAVEN!!!
I tried your recipe and…
The coffee is overpowering all of the other flavors in this recipe.
And the vanilla & caramel is tad to weak to resemble Mcfrappe.
Well, I am addicted also. It is sad to be addicted to a drink but it happened. My husband thinks I am crazy for loving a drink so much but I do. I told him if we ever get into a fight and he storms out he better bring me back a large caramel frappe or I’m not letting him back in lol. But I am thinking it will save a lot of money to make them at home so this weekend I’m making a list of these ingredients and going shopping. I really hope I like it!! (the calorie count doesn’t bother me at all, I have a very fast metabolism and after 4 kids I am still underweight lol) Wish me luck!!!
LOL I thought my friend and I were the only one’s with this problem!!!!! Can’t wait to try the receipt and save my $3.50
I LOVE THE CARAMEL FRAPPE. I BEEN GETTING ONE EVERYDAY SINCE YOU’LL STARTED SELLING THEM. THEY ARE GREAT AND I DO NOT LIKE COFFEE. THANKS.
I Love This Coffee. Taste Very Good !
I am in the Frappe Lovers Club as well. I started by getting a free sample on a free frappe friday (hated their regular coffee) but like she said can’t turn down a free sample, i also got one for my sitter. She by the way HATES coffe but can’t show up with my kids at 7am and not offer my free treat. She and i both became instantly addicted. We are up to 3 or 4 (med) a week. The other day there was a storm and their cc machine was down and when i got to her house she jumped in her van to go get us some……it was monday and we had to have them. We’ve decided it’s really hurting both our budgets so I hope this recipe works cause either way we gotta have them….Thanks Brandie and Heather.
um. why is this article shockingly similar to the link below??
http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3194566
I can so relate to your addiction. It happened to me in just the same way. The old free sample. Then I checked out the calorie count….OMG!!Thank you so much for posting the recipe, it’s great!!!
You sound like me…I get addicted to one thing and can’t stop for the longest time. It finally twitters out and I’m onto something else. I LOVE carmel frappes at McDonald’s. I’m going to try your recipe this weekend. I used to dream of frozen cans of mandrin oranges. (Really!) Once I couldn’t stop eating bananas dipped in dry roasted sunflower seeds. (Only Planters brand.) When I was driving out of town for several hours I stopped for coffee but didn’t want the strong store coffee so one of the clerks introduced me to Starbucks Vanilla in a bottle. I bought two. I drank one and it seemed to help perk me up so I took the other one to my destination and froze it. Now I have to go the Sam’s at least twice a month and buy a case to freeze. I’m down to three a week which is better than the three a day I was drinking. Me too, as far as drugs are concerned. I do have an addictive personality and I would certainly be in trouble if I started down that road. Love your blog. Now I have another addiction…………..poo.
I just went to McDonalds and had one. It was good too i’ve had 6 this week! Thanks for the recipe
Oh I am so glad to hear I am not alone in the Frappe addiction! You are a life saver for that recipe lol =) … I prefer mocha but my boyfriend loves the caramel! Thank you!
…? Why are they so addicting? We always joke and say that McDonalds puts crack in them! Thats how we describe it to our post frappe friends… Weve so far hooked like 7 people on them!
Where can I find latte mix?
Sounds delish and I am sooo addicted too!
Oh Emm Geee!!! Reading the first 2 paragraphs felt like my own life! I had the same week of frappe addictions – then I woke up on a mission to make it myself!
Googled it and this site came up – I AM SOOOOO STOKED! Your’e the best!
Haha, it’s so funny how alike I am with you (and the last comment for that matter) about craving this frappe. It is ridiculously good!
Yummy!!!!!! Just tried it and I’m hooked:D Thanks for sharing it & saving me a trip to McDonalds!
This sounds so good! Just wondering, have you done a nutrition comparison to the McDonald’s Frappes? I love them but they have so much sugar and calories. This sounds lighter, I hope so!
OMG – I was nodding my head while I was reading this post – my whole family is addicted to these things – this weekend we stopped by our local McD’s and their caramel frappe macihne was being repaired and there were about 20 people standing around waiting for the machine to work so they could get their frappe fix! =0 I’ve tried to make these at home, but they never taste quite right. I’m going to try your recipe and hopefully satisfy my addiction! Thanks!
I am not a coffee drinker at ALL but , my sister bought me a caramel frappe from McDonalds and now I am pretty much addicted too . The only problem is I can’t afford to buy them too often so I’m looking forward to trying this at home real soon ………………thnx