How to Make a Delicious Vanilla Bean Frappe at Home

Craving a chilled creamy vanilla bean frappe like the ones at your favorite coffee shop? With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can easily recreate this delicious blended drink at home.

Making a vanilla bean frappe is surprisingly easy All you need is ice, milk, vanilla ice cream, sugar, vanilla extract and a blender. Customize it with whipped cream or other fun toppings

Follow this simple homemade vanilla bean frappe recipe and method to treat yourself for a fraction of the cost of buying one out. Enjoy the luxurious vanilla flavors blended into refreshing, ice-cold frappé perfection.

Ingredients for Vanilla Bean Frappe

To make one large or two small vanilla frappes at home, you will need:

• 1 cup of ice – Use ice cubes or crushed ice. More ice makes it thicker.

• 1 1⁄2 cups milk – Whole milk or 2% milk works best. For a dairy-free version, use a milk alternative like almond or coconut milk.

• 3 scoops vanilla bean ice cream – Look for premium ice creams made with real vanilla beans for maximum flavor.

• 1 teaspoon sugar – White granulated sugar adds sweetness, but you can use alternative sweeteners to taste.

• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract enhances the vanilla notes.

• Whipped cream (optional) – For topping or folding in for extra richness.

Adjust the ingredient amounts depending on how thick or large you want your frappes. Keep them chilled until ready to blend.

Equipment Needed

To whip up the perfect homemade vanilla bean frappe, you will need:

• Blender – A powerful blender is key for smooth, creamy frappes. A regular countertop blender works, but high-speed models like Vitamix or Ninja give superior results.

• Cups and straws – Serve frappes in clear glass cups or mason jars to show off the layers. Colorful straws add a fun touch.

• Ice cream scoop – An ice cream scoop makes portioning the vanilla ice cream easy and consistent.

Optional but useful tools include a muddler for crushing ice, a whipped cream canister for freshly whipped topping, and a drizzle bottle for sauce decor.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for blended vanilla bean frappe perfection:

1. Add ice to the blender – Start with 1 cup of ice cubes or crushed ice. More ice makes a thicker consistency.

2. Pour in milk – For one large or two small frappes, add 11⁄2 cups of chilled milk. Whole milk or 2% milk works best.

3. Scoop in vanilla ice cream – Use an ice cream scoop to quickly portion 3 generous scoops into the blender.

4. Sprinkle the sugar – Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, or to taste. Agave, honey or other sweeteners also work.

5. Drizzle in vanilla – Add 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Scrape in seeds from a vanilla bean for extra flavor if desired.

6. Blend until smooth – Secure the lid tightly and blend until the frappe is smooth, creamy and frosty. Add more milk or ice to adjust consistency if needed.

7. Pour into glasses – Divide between serving glasses. For one large frappe, use a 16 oz mason jar. For two smaller frappes, use clear plastic cups.

8. Top with whipped cream – For ultimate indulgence, top with a heaping swirl of fresh whipped cream.

9. Add fun toppings – Customize with chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, sprinkles or cinnamon. Add a reusable straw and serve immediately.

For best results, thoroughly chill all ingredients ahead of time and use a powerful high-speed blender. That’s all it takes to make a coffee shop-worthy vanilla bean frappe at home!

Tips for the Best Homemade Vanilla Frappe

• Use high-fat dairy for extra richness. Whole milk and real ice cream work best.
• Make sure ice cream is softened slightly before scooping to blend smoothly.
• Add a pinch of salt to heighten vanilla flavors.
• Infuse the milk with vanilla bean pods or vanilla powder for intense vanilla taste.
• Swirl in whipped cream rather than blending it in to retain billowy texture.
• Garnish with chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle or cinnamon on top.
• Make it ahead and store in the freezer. Thaw before serving.

Flavor Variations

Once you master the classic vanilla recipe, get creative with different flavor combinations!

Chocolate – Use chocolate ice cream and milk. Top with chocolate sauce or shavings.

Strawberry – Blend in strawberry puree. Top with strawberry sauce and sliced berries.

Caramel – Swirl in caramel sauce. Top with caramel drizzle.

Mocha – Add a shot of espresso. Top with chocolate sauce and coffee grounds.

Cookies & Cream – Fold in crushed Oreo cookies. Top with more crushed cookies.

Mint Chocolate Chip – Use mint chocolate chip ice cream. Top with chocolate chips and mint leaves.

Spiced – Add cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom. Top with ground spice.

Let your imagination run wild coming up with fun flavor ideas!

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Instead of making frappes to order, you can batch blend and store them:

• Make a large batch in a blender. Use doubled ingredients.
• Pour into individual mason jars. Leave 1-inch headspace.
• Seal lids tightly and freeze overnight.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Shake or stir well before pouring into glasses.

Tightly sealed, frozen frappes last 1-2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. Give a quick stir or shake before serving to recombine any separation.

Why Make it Yourself?

Homemade vanilla bean frappes offer many advantages:

Cost savings – Far cheaper than buying a $5 drink out every time a frappe craving strikes!

Control ingredients – Use high quality ingredients and customize to your dietary needs.

Quick & easy – Whip up a frappe in just minutes with minimal cleanup.

Fun flavors – Get creative with mix-in and topping options.

Portion control – Make a size that fits your craving. Share or halve it if the servings are giant.

Refreshing treat – Whip up an ice-cold frappe on a hot day for the perfect cool-off beverage.

A blender, basic ingredients and 5 minutes are all you need to treat yourself to a refreshing homemade vanilla bean frappe!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of ice cream?

For a non-dairy or lower-fat option, use frozen banana slices, coconut cream, Greek yogurt or frozen cauliflower rice.

Can I use instant coffee or espresso powder?

Yes, add 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee or espresso powder to make a creamy mocha frappe.

How do I get it thicker?

Use more ice and less milk for a thicker milkshake-like consistency. For easy sipping, use a little less ice.

Can I use a regular blender?

You can use a regular countertop blender, but a high-powered model makes smoother, creamier frappes.

How long does it last in the fridge?

It will last 2-3 days refrigerated. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in mason jars.

Satisfy that chilled, luscious frappe craving without leaving home or spending a fortune. Making your own vanilla bean frappe is simple, fun and infinitely customizable.