If you are a Starbucks junkie like my daughter then you probably know all about their secret menu (the menu of custom creations that aren’t advertised by the company). Customers created these secret menu items by ordering different concoctions of drinks.
When the new creations end up tasting amazing, they get shared from store to store across the country! One of these items on the secret menu is the Starbucks Cotton Candy Frappuccino. After we conquered creating Strawberry Acai, and Chai Lattes, we decided to look into creating this delicious concoction.
This beverage is just like their Vanilla Bean Frappuccino (a normal menu item), except it has a little twist. They add a couple of pumps of Raspberry Syrup to give it that cotton candy flavor we all know and love. Lucky for you, we snagged the recipe so you can make a DIY Starbucks Cotton Candy Frappuccino right at home!
How to Order the Cotton Candy Frappuccino in a Starbucks Store
If you would try to order this beverage and the barista looks at you like you are uttering complete nonsense, it is because most secret menu items don’t have a specific recipe. If that is the case, you just want to simply order a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with a couple of pumps of Raspberry syrup.
When you order a Cotton Candy Frappuccino from Starbucks, they will make you a Vanilla Bean Frappe with raspberry syrup and whipped cream. Yum!
They begin with your choice of milk base. Keep in mind, Starbucks has many different base options that you can choose from.
Their Frappuccinos typically have a base of whole milk which gives them that rich and creamy flavor. If you want something that has fewer calories, they offer 2% and skim milk as well. They also offer alternative milk options such as coconut, almond, and soy milk.
Next, they add what they call a Frappuccino roast coffee. Since the Cotton Candy Frappuccino is a crème-based drink, they don’t add the coffee flavoring.
Then comes a pre-mixed vanilla bean powder and the raspberry-flavored syrup. They add all the ingredients to the blender along with ice and then blend it all together. The frappe is topped with whipped cream and served!
DIY Starbucks Cotton Candy Frappuccino at Home
Substitutes We Use When Making Our Own Cotton Candy Frappes
When making a DIY cotton candy Frappuccino at home, you may be a bit limited in your access to special ingredients such as vanilla bean powder, so you’ll have to use some substitutions.
Luckily, we have selected some perfect swaps that will help you make a delicious frappe from the comfort of your kitchen!
For the vanilla bean powder, we have found that vanilla bean ice cream makes an excellent substitute.
Raspberry syrup, luckily, can be found at most grocery stores. If not, you can always try and make your own homemade raspberry syrup.
While it is a bit harder to replicate the exact flavor of the Starbucks creations when trying to add a healthy spin, it is still totally doable.
Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy substitutions that will help you retain the delicious cotton candy flavor while managing your calorie count! The table below provides a breakdown of some of the various options that you can use to customize your homemade Cotton Candy Frappuccino!
Some of these may cost a bit more than typical ice cream, but the end result will still be cheaper than the Starbucks drink. Plus, it makes way more drinks!
Note that all of the recipes we have will produce two servings, so the table shows the calorie count for two servings of each ice cream type.
Ice Cream | Calories/2 Servings | Average Cost | Brand |
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream | 425 cal. | $2.97/ 48 Ounces | Great Value |
Low-Fat Vanilla Bean Ice Cream | 360 cal. | $4.38/ 1.4 Ounces | Skinny Cow |
Vanilla Bean Frozen Yogurt | 400 cal. | $4.19 / 48 Ounces | Blue Bunny |
Soy Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream | 480 cal. | $4.48/ 32 Ounces | So Delicious |
Enlightened Vanilla Bean Ice Cream | 140 cal. | $4.47/ 16 Ounces | So Delicious |
Copycat Starbucks Cotton Candy Frappuccino Recipe
This recipe is identical to the Starbucks Cotton Candy Frappuccino recipe and is a copycat recipe. Once you have practiced a few times using these exact ingredients, your drink will taste barista-made! Plus, you can make drinks at home for the whole family for the same cost as one or two frappes from Starbucks.
The Classic Version Recipe
Ingredients
Note: This recipe makes 2 servings.
- 3 scoops of vanilla bean ice cream
- 1 cup of milk
- Whipped cream
- 1 cup of ice
- 1 tablespoon of raspberry syrup
Directions
Step 1: Combine vanilla bean ice cream, milk, raspberry syrup, and ice in a blender. Blend until well combined.
Step 2: Divide between two cups and top with whipped cream. Serve immediately.
Healthy Starbucks Cotton Candy Frappuccino Recipe
For those who are looking for low-calorie substitutes or reduced sugars, this is the recipe for you! Swapping a couple of key ingredients for more healthful substitutions will create a delicious Frappuccino that is way better for you. Try swapping out different substitutions to customize your drink and find a flavor you love!
Ingredients
Note: This recipe makes 2 servings.
- 3 scoops of Enlightened Vanilla Bean Ice Cream or Vanilla Bean frozen yogurt
- 1 cup of Vanilla Unsweetened Almond Milk
- Light Whipped Cream
- 1 tablespoon of Sugar-free Raspberry Syrup
- 1 cup of Ice
Directions
Step 1: Combine vanilla bean ice cream, milk, raspberry syrup, and ice in a blender. Blend until well combined.
Step 2: Divide between two cups and top with whipped cream. Serve immediately.
Don’t Have Rasberry Syrup – Here is How to Make it!
Ingredients
Note: This recipe makes 2 servings.
- 1/4 Cup of Rasberry Jam
- 1/4 Cup of Water
- 1/6 Cup of Sugar or Monkfruit for Low Calorie Option (Monkfruit is amazing)
Directions
Step 1: Combine Rasberry Jam, Water and Sugar (or Monkfruit) into a pan. Bring to a boil.
Step 2: Let Cool
Step 2: Divide between two cups and top with whipped cream. Serve immediately.
Vegan Cotton Candy Frappuccino Recipe
You can still get the comforting taste of a Cotton Candy Frappuccino while avoiding animal by-products. This is also a great option for anyone who is lactose intolerant, or just looking to try something new!
Ingredients
Note: This recipe makes 2 servings.
- 3 scoops of Dairy-free Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- 1 cup of a Milk Substitute
- Dairy-free Whipped Cream
- 1 tablespoon of Raspberry Syrup
- 1 cup of Ice
Directions
Step 1: Combine vanilla bean ice cream, milk, raspberry syrup, and ice in a blender. Blend until well combined.
Step 2: Divide between two cups and top with whipped cream. Serve immediately.
Whether you go with the classic version, the healthier twist, or the vegan option I can guarantee one thing; it is sure to be delicious! Making DIY Starbucks creations at home has become something fun for our whole family. We love trying out different substitutions and putting a twist on classic favorites. After all, there is nothing quite like a homemade treat!
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