Craving that iconic Starbucks Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino but don’t want to leave home? You’re in luck! This copycat recipe brings all the creamy, berry-filled goodness of the popular seasonal drink right to your kitchen. With layers of sweet strawberry flavor, vanilla notes, and that signature whipped cream topping, this homemade version might just become your new favorite treat.
Perfect for warm summer days or whenever you need a special pick-me-up, this frappuccino combines the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake with the refreshing chill of a blended beverage. The best part? You can customize it exactly to your taste preferences and enjoy it for a fraction of the coffee shop price!
Why You’ll Love This
- Save money by making your favorite Starbucks drink at home
- Customize sweetness and coffee strength to your exact preferences
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
- Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself on a hot day
- Makes enough for sharing with family or friends
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (any type)
- ¼ cup strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
- ¼ cup vanilla ice cream
- ¼ cup ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Shortbread cookies, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- If making your own strawberry puree, blend about ½ cup of hulled fresh strawberries until smooth. For a smoother texture, you can strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- In a blender, combine the milk, strawberry puree, vanilla ice cream, ice cubes, sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no ice chunks remaining, about 30-45 seconds.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes or a little more ice cream and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
- Pour the blended frappuccino into a tall glass. Top generously with whipped cream, creating a fluffy cloud on top of the drink.
- Arrange sliced fresh strawberries on top of the whipped cream. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled shortbread cookies for that authentic strawberry shortcake flavor and added texture.
- Add a straw and serve right away while cold and frosty. The frappuccino is best enjoyed fresh before the ice begins to melt.
Tips & Variations
- For a caffeine-free version, simply omit the coffee/espresso and add a bit more milk.
- Use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for an even thicker consistency.
- Make it dairy-free by substituting almond or coconut milk and dairy-free whipped topping.
- Add a tablespoon of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract.
- Drizzle the inside of your glass with strawberry syrup before adding ingredients for a professional presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino in tall, clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers. For a complete coffee shop experience, pair it with a slice of lemon loaf or a butter croissant. If serving at a brunch, these frappuccinos make a delightful sweet ending alongside savory breakfast items.
For an extra special touch, serve with shortbread cookies on the side for dipping or create a DIY frappuccino bar where guests can add their own toppings like sprinkles, cookie crumbles, or different fruit syrups.
Notes
- This drink is best consumed immediately after preparation as it will separate if left standing.
- For a thicker frappuccino, freeze coffee into ice cubes instead of using regular ice.
- The drink should have a smooth, pourable consistency – if too thick, add a splash more milk.
- Store any leftover mixture (without whipped cream) in the freezer for up to 1 day and re-blend before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this without a blender?
While a blender gives the best results, you can use a food processor or immersion blender in a pinch. The texture may be slightly different.
How can I make this less sweet?
Reduce the amount of vanilla syrup and strawberry syrup, and use unsweetened whipped cream on top.
Can I prepare this in advance for a party?
You can blend the base mixture up to 2 hours ahead and store it in the freezer, then re-blend quickly before serving and adding toppings.
What’s the best coffee to use for this recipe?
A dark roast coffee or espresso works best to balance the sweetness, but any coffee you enjoy will work fine.
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