Starbucks Strawberry Frappuccino Recipe

Enjoy a Strawberry Frappuccino in the comfort of your home. Made with real fruits, this Frappuccino has a delicious homemade strawberry syrup and is smoothly finished with vanilla whipped cream.

What does it taste like?

If you never tried a Frappuccino before, let me try to explain. This strawberry Frappuccino tastes similar to a strawberry milkshake: it’s not as creamy as a drink made with ice-cream, but delicious in its own way.

What is in a strawberry Frappuccino?

As the one made by Starbucks, this drink is a blend of ice, milk and homemade strawberry puree. I added Greek yogurt for it to be even creamier, and a secret ingredient that’s optional – but I would use it if I were you.

Strawberries. Use frozen strawberries for a better result. Fresh strawberries can be used, but they will make Frappuccino not as thick. You can buy fresh, wash and remove the stem, and the freeze them for 2 hours before using.

Milk. I use whole milk for this recipe. You can use any milk you prefer: skimmed, partially skimmed, and plant based for a dairy-free version.

Greek Yogurt. It makes a creamier, smoother drink. You can use plain Greek yogurt, vanilla, or strawberry flavored (the last 2 versions might contain added sugar and will give you a sweeter drink). You can use a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version.

Ice. It gives this drink a slushie, frappe consistency. Specially important if you’re using fresh strawberries. If you don’t want to use ice, make sure you’re using frozen berries. You can also freeze milk in an ice tray and use it instead.

Sugar. If you’re using a Greek yogurt with added sugar and want to cut down the sugar, you can omit this ingredient. If you like your frappuccino extra sweet, double the amount. You can substitute sugar for honey, maple syrup, agave, or any sweetener.

Strawberry Syrup. I’ll teach you how to make an easy homemade strawberry syrup, but you can use a store-bought one if you prefer.

Vanilla Whipped Cream. If you’re making homemade whipped cream (it’s so much better!), just add a splash of vanilla extract when whipping it. It can be substituted for a store-bought whipped cream, milk or plant-based.

Milk Powder. That’s my secret ingredient for a Frappuccino to taste like a milkshake. You can skip this ingredient for a normal homemade version of this drink, as is not everyone that has whole milk powder in their pantry. But if you have it, use it! Skip it for a vegan version.

How to make it

If you’re making everything from scratch, let’s start with the syrup. If you’re only making the Frappuccino, and using store-bought syrup and whipped cream, start on step 3.

1. Strawberry Syrup. Start by blending strawberries, water and sugar. For this, strawberries cannot be frozen (if using frozen, let them thaw first). Now, boil the strawberry mixture, and then simmer for 5 minutes on medium high. Stir all the time to avoid burning.
   
2. Vanilla Whipped Cream. You can make it by hand, but it’s way easier to make using a mixer. First, make sure the heavy cream is extra cold. In a bowl, add heavy cream and vanilla extract, and whip in medium-high speed. It will take 3 to 4 minutes until medium peaks are formed and your vanilla whipped cream is ready.
   
   What are medium peaks? It’s one that keeps in the beater/whisk, not too soft but not too heavy either. If lifted, the peak will drop down slightly, but won’t totally lose its shape.
   
3. Strawberry Frappuccino. In a blender’s cup, add frozen strawberries, milk and milk powder if using, Greek yogurt, sugar and ice, and blend for 1 minute, or until well blended. Serve it in a glass: you can pour in the syrup before the Frappuccino and make a pattern. Top it with syrup, whipped cream, and more syrup. Garnish with slices of strawberry for a beautiful drink.

Quick Tips

• Want it vegan? Use plant-based milk, yogurt and whipped cream, and skip the milk powder.
• If you don’t want to use ice, try freezing the milk in an ice tray and use it instead.
• You can make it using any sweetener.
• Use strawberry-flavored Greek yogurt for an extra-strawberry taste.

More Starbucks Inspired Drinks

Mocha Latte
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Matcha Frappuccino