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Starbucks Vanilla Bean Copycat Recipe

This Starbucks Vanilla Bean Copycat Recipe recreates the iconic creamy, smooth, and sweet vanilla bean frappuccino at home using simple ingredients. It’s a quick, cafe-style blended drink with rich vanilla flavour, perfect for a refreshing treat or homemade Starbucks-style indulgence.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • 1 cup whole milk or preferred milk alternative
  • ½ cup heavy cream for extra creaminess
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla bean powder or vanilla bean paste
  • 3 tablespoons sugar adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk optional, for authentic Starbucks-style sweetness
  • Whipped cream for topping
  • Optional Add-ins:
  • 1 –2 teaspoons white chocolate syrup for richer sweetness
  • ½ frozen banana for thicker texture without extra sugar
  • Sugar-free sweetener for lower-calorie version

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  • Measure all ingredients before blending. Using cold milk and fresh ice helps create the classic thick frappuccino texture.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Blender

  • Add ice cubes, milk, heavy cream, vanilla bean powder (or paste), sugar, vanilla extract, and condensed milk (if using) into a high-speed blender.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

  • Blend on high speed for 30–60 seconds until the mixture becomes thick, creamy, and smooth. The consistency should resemble a milkshake or Starbucks-style blended drink.

Step 4: Adjust Texture

  • If too thick: add a splash of milk and blend again.
  • If too thin: add more ice or a few frozen milk cubes.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust Sweetness

  • Taste the drink and adjust sweetness or vanilla intensity based on preference.

Step 6: Serve

  • Pour into a tall glass, top with whipped cream, and optionally sprinkle vanilla bean powder for a café-style presentation.

Notes

  • Authentic Flavour Tip: Using vanilla bean paste instead of extract adds real vanilla specks similar to Starbucks’ version.
  • Texture Secret: Heavy cream gives the drink its signature creamy mouthfeel.
  • Healthier Option: Use skim milk, almond milk, or oat milk to reduce calories.
  • Lower Sugar Version: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
  • Storage: Best enjoyed immediately. Blended drinks lose texture when stored; however, you can freeze leftovers and re-blend later.
  • Kid-Friendly: This caffeine-free drink is perfect for kids and teens.
  • Extra Thick Version: Freeze milk into ice cubes before blending for a richer texture without watering down flavour.