How to Make a Strawberry Frappuccino at Home 

Save money by making this homemade Strawberry Frappuccino with this quick and easy, fruity drink recipe. 

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Hot days are back! And the cost of everything is insane. So, I want to share more ways to enjoy your favorite coffee shop drinks at a fraction of the cost. 

This delicious summer drink recipe includes simple ingredients that you can easily find in local grocery stores. 

The way it is written in the recipe card below tastes like Starbucks’ Strawberry Frappuccino. Or, if you’ve never tried that, it tastes like a refreshing strawberry frappe… or strawberry milkshake.

Side note - What is the difference between a frappe and a milkshake for you? I’m from New England, so I always think of a frappe as having BOTH ice cream and milk. A milkshake only includes milk.

But, I’m learning…. That’s a regional thing. And it’s very confusing for me. So, I’d love to hear/read, in the comments, where you’re from and what a frappe vs milkshake is for you. 

Back to the recipe though -

I know that a blended drink, like this cream frappuccino, can feel a little indulgent. More like a special treat for some of us. 

So I included a section on how to make a version with more protein. You can jump to it by clicking here. 

Other substitutions are discussed in their sections. 

For more cost-effective homemade versions of popular drinks, check out: 
- Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Recipe
- Homemade Matcha Coffee
- How to make Starbucks Peach Green Tea Lemonade
- Iced Guava White Tea Lemonade Recipe

Simple Ingredients

This Strawberry Frappuccino recipe consists of five simple ingredients - fresh strawberries, sugar, water, whole milk or heavy whipping cream, and vanilla ice cream. 

And two optional - ice cubes and whipped cream. 

Strawberry Puree

This quick and easy homemade strawberry mixture is similar to the one in this Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe and this Strawberry Latte Recipe. 

Since we’re already dirtying a blender or food processor for the later steps of this recipe, I like to just toss the chopped strawberries, water, and sweetener in it and mix until smooth. 

Fresh Strawberries

For fresh strawberry flavor, it’s best to use real strawberries. 

I prefer to use fresh strawberries. Simply rinse them, cut off their stems, then chop into pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier the blending. 

Frozen strawberries tend to be cheaper though, especially in the off season. 

If using frozen strawberries, I recommend thawing them some before making the puree. It’ll help to create a smoother consistency and bring out more flavor of the strawberries. 

Sugar

Adding sugar to berries helps to draw out their natural juices. 

This strawberry recipe uses granulated sugar. BUT, you’re welcome to use the sweetener of your choice - honey, maple syrup, stevia, brown sugar, etc. 

I’ve never made this recipe with JUST strawberries and no added sugar, so I can’t say how that would work. 

But, this recipe, even with the granulated sugar, contains less sugar than Starbucks frappuccinos.

It has 10 less grams of sugar than a grande Strawberry Créme Frappuccino Blended Beverage from the coffee giant. 

Water 

I always recommend using filtered water in any DIY drink recipe, so any weirdness of the tap water doesn’t negatively affect the taste. Same with any ice cubes. 

Ice Cream Mixture

Combining ice cream and heavy whipping cream (or whole milk) is the key to creating the frappe consistency of the starbucks version of this drink. 

And the ice cream makes it so SO refreshing on a hot summer day.

Vanilla Ice Cream 

The ice cream obviously leads to a thicker, colder drink. 

And vanilla balances the natural flavors of strawberry well. 

No Sugar Added Vanilla Ice Cream can be used to lower the sugar content.

Heavy Whipping Cream or Whole Milk

Heavy whipping cream makes this frappuccino taste just like it came from your nearest Starbucks. 

Their creme frappuccino recipe uses a créme frappuccino syrup. 

Heavy whipping cream helps to create the same flavor and consistency without having to buy xanthan gum, citric acid, and all these other ingredients to make a similar syrup. 

It’s easier and more affordable, but the same creamy drink. 

Dairy milk also works, if that’s what you have or prefer. 

I recommend using whole milk for the thicker texture though. 

It’s also better if you’re watching calories or fat in your diet (which is why I use it more often).

Can I substitute dairy milk/cream for a plant-based one?

Yes, just be aware that it will probably change the flavor, texture, and consistency of the cream drink. 

Oat milk may be the best alternative for its creamy thickness. 

Almond milk would lower the calories of the drink, but it’d make the consistency too thin for a classic frappuccino.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh strawberries?

Yes, definitely. As I mentioned in the strawberries section above, frozen fruit tends to be cheaper than fresh. 

Using frozen strawberries can make a thicker, colder Strawberry Frappuccino. 

For best results, thaw them some before making the strawberry puree sauce. It’ll help create a smoother consistency and bring more strawberry flavor. 

High Protein Version

I’m marathon training again so I’ve been trying to sneak in more protein whereever I can. 

I’m obsessed with these Core Power Protein Shakes. They’re expensive, so adding one goes a bit against the cost effective nature of making this Strawberry Frappuccino at home. BUT, they're so good. Not at all clumpy. They've been a super quick, easy, and pleasurable way to get more protein in my diet.

For this Strawberry Frappuccino recipe, I like to use a ½ cup of this Vanilla Core Power Protein Shake, with 26 grams of Protein, instead of a ½ cup of milk or cream. 

This higher protein version of the frappuccino has about 288 calories, 8 grams of Fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 44 grams of carbohydrates, 36 grams of sugar (the core protein shake bottle says, “no added sugar”), and 11 grams of protein. 

You could also use a whole cup of the Vanilla Protein Shake instead of adding the milk/cream AND ice cream. 

In this case, I definitely recommend adding ice cubes to the blender right before blending for a colder, thicker frappuccino. 

This high protein strawberry frappuccino without ice cream or milk/cream has about 199 calories, 3 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 29 grams of carbs, 24 grams of sugar, and 16 grams of protein. 

For even more protein, you could always use Core Power ELITE High Protein Shake, Vanilla, with 42g of Protein (in each bottle). 

Another high protein option is to include a scoop of this Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder in Vanilla Ice Cream Flavor. One scoop has 24g of protein. 

How to Store

If you somehow did not finish your drink or have way better self-control than me, I recommend pouring any leftovers into an airtight container or jar then putting it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

The drink may separate slightly. Simply shake or stir before serving. 

If you want to make this Strawberry Frappuccino ahead of time, you can mix the homemade strawberry puree and milk together then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Do not add the ice cream and/or ice cubes until right before serving.

When you’re ready to enjoy, simply blend the stored base drink with the ice cream and/or ice cubes. 

For more easy, refreshing drinks to make at home, check out:
- Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Recipe
- Iced Coffee Recipe with Ice Cream
- Iced Green Tea Lemonade Recipe