Vanilla Bean Frappuccino Recipe
Jun 30, 2020, Updated May 27, 2025
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Make your own vanilla bean frappuccino easily in the comfort of your own home with just a few ingredients. Creamy, vanilla drink topped off with whipped cream. A great Starbucks copycat recipe.

My version of a Starbucks vanilla bean frappuccino is delicious and tastes just like the one from the coffee shop. Think of the taste and texture like an icy vanilla milkshake. The best part is they can be made at a fraction of the cost.
Having a family of five, a trip to Starbucks can really add up. That’s why I love to recreate some of our favorite drinks at home. This vanilla frappe is one of our favorite Starbucks copycat recipes and I really like that there is no coffee in this drink so that my kids can also enjoy having one.
If you enjoy a cold coffee shop drink, be sure to check out how to make a mocha frappuccino, caramel frappuccino, and iced coffee, iced vanilla latte.
What is a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino at Starbucks?
Did you know that the term “Frappuccino” is actually a trademarked name from Starbucks for their blended iced coffee drinks. These drinks can be either cream based or coffee based.
The vanilla bean frappe is a cream based drink, not coffee so even the kids can enjoy this drink.
Ingredients
This recipe is surprisingly easy to make. Just a few simple ingredients you might already have at home.
- Vanilla bean ice cream – You can substitute with vanilla or French vanilla ice cream but after some testing, I think that the vanilla bean tastes most like the original.
- Milk – Use what you have on hand. Whole milk will give a richer flavor. I typically use 2% because that is what we drink at home. You can also use a dairy free alternative.
- Ice – One cup works well for one serving.
- Vanilla extract – This adds extra vanilla flavor.
- Whipped cream – An optional ingredient, but it will give you that authentic Starbucks experience.
How to make a copycat Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
Scroll to the bottom for full printable recipe, ingredients and video.
- Blend: Add the milk, ice, vanilla extract, and ice cream to the blender. Blend until the ice is crushed.
- Serve: Pour the mixture in a glass, top with whipped cream and enjoy.

Can you make vanilla frappuccino without ice cream?
I really enjoy the creaminess and taste that the ice cream adds to this drink. You can make the recipe without ice cream.
Use 2 cups of ice, 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Blend until combined.

Storage
If you have leftovers, you can store the drink in a Mason jar in the freezer. When ready to drink, remove the jar from the freezer and leave it out at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften. Drink as is or you can blend it again.
Heather’s recipe tips
- Servings – This recipe makes one drink. If you would like to make enough for 2 drinks you can double the recipe.
- Creamy – If you prefer a creamier drink, add a little more ice cream.
- Sweetness – If you like a sweeter drink, add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar.
- Don’t over blend – If you blend this drink too much, it will become watery.
Common questions
There is no coffee in this frappuccino recipe.
This is similar to a milkshake with the addition of ice.
No, this does not contain caffeine.
More delicious drink recipes
- Homemade slushies – Make your own slushie at home.
- Pineapple lemonade – A wonderful summer drink.
- Fruit punch – A homemade fruit punch that is so delicious.
- Hawaiian iced tea – A sweet tea with tropical flavor.

Vanilla Bean Frappuccino Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup ice
- 3 large scoops vanilla bean ice cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- whipped cream optional
Instructions
- Pour milk, ice, vanilla extract and ice cream in a blender. Blend until combined.
- Top with whipped cream and serve.
Video

Notes
- Servings – This recipe makes one drink. If you would like to make enough for 2 drinks you can double the recipe.
- Creamy – If you prefer a creamier drink, add a little more ice cream.
- Sweetness – If you like a sweeter drink, add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar.
- Don’t over blend – If you blend this drink too much, it will become watery.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Oh my goodness! I am drooling over this frappuccino! I want it right now!
This looks so refreshing! Looking forward to making this for my family.
My daughter would love this. She is a huge vanilla fan.
Now this sounds like a delicious drink to sit back and relax with this summer. Definitely, one I will be trying for myself!
VANILLA is 10000% my favorite flavor! ALL about this life – YUM! 🙂 I used to suck these down from Starbucks ALL the time when I was a kid!
I love vanilla bean flavor! I will save this recipe for later when I’m feeling ready for a treat.
Yum, I do love this from Starbucks. I will have to try it out for sure. It’ll be perfect for the summer.
What a delicious summer treat idea! You save so much money making it at home too. Yum!
That look so pretty! I don’t care for coffee but my husband would love this.
I rarely go to Starbucks and it can really add up. That vanilla frappacino is a great treat for the whole family that drinks coffeee