Learn how to make this easy coffee ice cream frappe (frappuccino) at home and you won't step foot into Starbucks ever again. It's the best frozen drink on a hot summer day and one of the most popular Greek desserts.
In this article you will find 2 ways for making this easy recipe for homemade frappuccino coffee. If you're searching for the traditional Greek iced coffee, please see this Greek frappe recipe.
The classic way is using a blender, which will give you a drink with a creamy texture, almost like a milkshake.
The second way is the "Greek way" which doesn't require a blender. I call it the Greek way because in Greece you can order an espresso freddo or a Frappe coffee from any local coffee shop and ask them to add 1-2 scoops of no-churn vanilla ice cream.
The difference between the Greek Frappe and espresso freddo is that the first is made with instant coffee while the later is made with 2 shots of freshly brewed espresso.
As the ice cream melts in the iced coffee, it slowly transforms your drink and makes every sip different. Using the straw to stir it often, helps!
However you decide to make it, ice cream frappe is one of the most satisfying caffeinated drinks you can enjoy on a hot day.
Ingredients
For this iced coffee frappe with ice cream you'll need the following simple ingredients:
- Espresso coffee
- Milk
- Sweetener such as stevia, maple syrup, honey, sugar (optional)
- Ice cubes or crushed ice
- Ice cream
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chocolate syrup or caramel sauce (optional)
Ingredient notes:
Ice cream: For the ice cream you can use whatever flavor you like.
This easiest, no-churn coffee ice cream is ideal for frappe because it will not weaken the coffee flavor. If you like a more milky taste, then you will certainly love this recipe with vanilla ice cream.
Whole milk is normally used for this coffee frappe recipe but for a creamier result you can also use evaporated milk.
Sweetener: Use whatever sweetener you normally use for your coffee, and the same amount.
Tip: Instead of ice, you can make coffee ice cubes and use these for extra strong coffee flavor.
Instructions
As mentioned previously, there are 2 ways you can make this recipe:
1st method: Using a blender
Combine coffee, milk, sweetener, ice cubes and ice cream in the bowl of your blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add more sweetener if needed.
Pour the ice cream frappe into a tall glass.
Optionally, garnish with whipped cream and chocolate syrup or caramel sauce
2nd method: The easy or the "Greek" way
Combine coffee, sweetener and ice cubes in a shaker.
Froth with a frother or close the shaker firmly and shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds. This is actually the way for making an espresso freddo coffee.
Pour the mixture into a tall glass, and add the milk and the ice cream.
Stir with a metal straw and serve.
Substitutions
Coffee: The best coffee for a homemade frappe is freshly brewed espresso coffee. If you don't have that, you can use instant espresso powder.
Another option is to use a Moka pot because it also makes strong coffee.
In the worst case, brew 1 cup very strong coffee with your coffee maker, chill it in the fridge or in the freezer for a shorter time and reduce the quantity of the ice in half.
Milk: Instead of whole milk you can use evaporated milk or a dairy-free milk such as oat, soy, almond, cashew.
Sweetener: Sweetened condensed milk can replace your normal sweetener for a milkier taste and creamier consistency.
Variations
Caramel: Usually a caramel frappuccino is made by adding caramel sauce and milk to iced coffee.
For a caramel frappe with ice cream you can just use 2 scoops of caramel ice cream, which will provide the caramel flavor.
You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce or caramel syrup in the blender before blending the drink and some extra more on top of the whipped cream before serving your coffee drink.
Mocha: This is another favorite variation, because coffee and chocolate pair really well. To make a mocha frappuccino with ice cream, use 2 scoops of chocolate ice cream (this no-churn homemade chocolate ice cream without eggs is amazing) and a drizzle of chocolate syrup (optional).
Vanilla: Use a quarter of a teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla-flavored espresso coffee for a delicious variation.
Caffeine-free drink: Use decaf coffee to make this recipe without caffeine.
This homemade freddo cappuccino is a lighter, low-calorie version of this drink.
Serving suggestions
Pair this refreshing sweet iced coffee with a slice of cake or a cookie on the side. Here are some perfect ideas:
📖 Recipe
Coffee ice cream frappe recipe (homemade frappuccino)
Equipment
- 1 Blender optional
Ingredients
- 2 shots (60 g) brewed espresso coffee
- 1 cup ice cubes
- sweetener of choice
- ½ cup (120 g) ice cream
- ¼ cups (60 g) milk
Extras
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate syrup or chocolate powder
- Chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
1st method:
- Blend together the espresso, the milk, the sweetener, the ice, and the ice cream until smooth. Taste and add more sweetener if needed.
- Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate.
- Serve with a straw.
2nd method (easy):
- Transfer the espresso, the ice and the sweetener to a tall glass and froth with a frother (alternatively, shake well in a shaker and pour into a tall glass).Add the milk and the ice cream and stir for a few seconds.Serve with a straw.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ
The name frappé (pronounced frap-pay) comes from the French and means beaten.
When it's used to describe a coffee, it refers to an iced coffee beaten with ice. This can be made using a blender, a shaker, or a frother and the goal is to create a tasty, foamy and refreshing drink which you'll serve cold.
There is no single recipe for a frappé and depending on the place, it can come in many variations. Probably the most popular frappé coffee is the Greek frappé (also known as Nescafé frappé) which consists of instant coffee, cold water, ice, sugar, and milk (the milk and the sugar are optional).
The word frappuccino is derived from the words frappé and cappuccino.
Cappuccino is an espresso coffee topped with frothed milk.
There is no single recipe for a frappuccino because it comes in many flavors. According to wikipedia, a Frappuccino is a line of blended iced coffee drinks sold by Starbucks.
Most of the times it is made with coffee or espresso, milk, and ice, however some types are made without any coffee added. Most often, flavored syrups, spices, and whipped cream are used to give the frappuccino its signature look and flavor.
Except from Starbucks, you can find bottled versions at gas stations, grocery stores and vending machines.
No, frappes are generally made without any ice cream added. The basic ingredients for frappe are coffee, sweetener, ice and optionally milk or cream. However, you can customize your frappe drink, by adding whatever suits your taste, including ice cream.
There isn't a fixed name for a frappe coffee with ice cream. The most popular names for this type of drink are frappe float, frappuccino with ice cream, or ice cream frappe.
Efi says
That was so easy and so tasty, thanks for the recipe Makos
Makos says
Hi Efi, thank you for the feedback, very happy you liked it!
Johanna says
That’s a great recipe! For my taste, it didn’t need any sweetener.
Makos says
Glad to hear that Johanna!