If you’re craving a cozy treat, this Pumpkin Cream Frappuccino is a stellar choice for those chilly fall days. It combines rich coffee with creamy pumpkin goodness for a flavorful drink that feels like a hug in a cup.
This recipe focuses on controlling pumpkin flavor, managing sweetness, and achieving the right texture and temperature for a creamy, well-blended pumpkin cream frappuccino.
I’ve faced my share of challenges while perfecting this recipe. Sometimes, I struggled with getting the pumpkin flavor just right without overwhelming the drink. It became essential to balance the sweetness and spices, especially when serving it to my family on busy weekends.
This recipe is super straightforward and only takes about 10 minutes to whip up. You’ll enjoy a creamy and slightly spicy drink, feeling like a barista in your own kitchen.
If you want a sweet treat to pair with your frappuccino, try my Puff Pastry Apple Rosettes for a cozy fall snack!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination with typical coffee ingredients during preparation.
- The recipe contains milk and cream, so it is unsuitable for dairy-free diets without suitable milk alternatives.
- This recipe is not vegan because it uses dairy cream and milk derived from animal sources.
- The recipe does not meet keto or low-carb diets due to carbohydrates in fresh pumpkin puree and milk.
- The recipe is nut-free as it contains no nuts or nut-based ingredients in any form.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Satisfying Texture You’ll enjoy a creamy, frosty blend that’s thick enough to be indulgent yet smooth enough to sip easily. The ice gives it a refreshing chill that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.
- Rich Flavor Profile The combination of coffee, pumpkin puree, and a hint of maple syrup creates a balanced richness that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Add pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist that evokes cozy autumn vibes.
- Convenient and Quick In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this treat for two, making it an easy choice for an afternoon pick-me-up. You can even prepare the pumpkin mixture ahead of time for busy mornings.
- Seasonal Enjoyment This drink captures the essence of fall with its warm spices, making it ideal for chilly days. It’s a delightful way to embrace the season and create some tasty memories with loved ones.
How to Make Pumpkin Cream Frappuccino
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending and Heating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Homemade Pumpkin Cream Frappuccino recipe perfect for autumn with balanced coffee and pumpkin spice flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) strongly brewed coffee
- 1 ½ cup (360 ml) unsweetened milk (whole, fat-free, oat, almond, or coconut milk can be used)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) pumpkin puree (100% real pumpkin)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- 1 cup (approximately 240 g) ice cubes
- 1 ½ tsp Belans (pumpkin spice mix; homemade blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger suggested as a substitute)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream or coconut cream
- Chocolate chips or dark chocolate for topping
- Ground cinnamon or Belans for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew your coffee until it is strongly flavored. This forms the base for the frappuccino, ensuring the pumpkin and spices do not overpower the coffee taste.
- Step 2: Add brewed coffee, unsweetened milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, Belans, vanilla extract, and 1 cup of ice cubes to the blender. Begin blending slowly, then increase speed until you achieve a smooth, thick texture with no chunks. This blending method helps all flavors meld evenly.
- Step 3: Check your frappuccino’s thickness. If it is too thin, add additional ice cubes—up to 1 more cup—and blend again. This adjustment keeps the drink refreshingly cool with a creamy consistency ideal for sipping.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, sweetener (if using), and Belans. Stir or whisk continuously until everything is well incorporated. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil—that is, until the milk foams and bubbles (approximately 2-3 minutes). Watch it closely to prevent boiling over. Remove the saucepan from heat after foaming begins.
- Step 5: Pour the blended frappuccino evenly into two glasses. Drizzle the warm pumpkin mixture on top. This layering adds a rich aroma and visual appeal, embodying a cozy fall atmosphere.
- Step 6: Top each glass with whipped cream or coconut cream. Sprinkle ground cinnamon or additional Belans on top. Add chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate syrup if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- Store your pumpkin cream frappuccino in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Consume promptly to avoid spoilage.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Stir well before drinking.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before blending again to restore texture.
- Heat milk over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes while whisking continuously to create foaming for proper texture.
- If frappuccino is too thin, add another cup of ice and blend again until the desired thickness is obtained.
- Brew coffee 5-10 minutes before preparing to keep it warm enough for better blending and to retain temperature balance.
- To adjust sweetness, reduce maple syrup by 1 tablespoon and taste as you go to find the right level.
- Increase pumpkin flavor by adding 1 more tablespoon of pumpkin puree and blending until smooth.
- If needed, gently reheat refrigerated pumpkin mixture on the stove over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. Do not boil during reheating.
- Serve alongside cinnamon sugar cookies or gluten-free pumpkin muffins for a complementary fall snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: Not specified
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: Not specified
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified
- Cholesterol: Not specified
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh pumpkin puree: Choose a good quality puree for the best flavor; homemade works great, or grab a can of Libby’s for convenience.
- Milk: Use whole milk for a rich, creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, almond milk is a good substitute!
- Coffee: Brew a strong cup of your favorite coffee. Using cold brew can keep your frappuccino smooth and less bitter.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of pure vanilla adds depth; avoid imitation, as it lacks the complex flavors you want here.
- Cream: Heavy cream provides that luxurious richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half still gives a nice finish.
- Ice: Use large ice cubes for a smoother blend without watering it down too quickly. Try to avoid staling in your freezer!
Recipe Tips
- If your milk doesn’t foam well, heat it over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes while whisking continuously to create the right texture.
- When your frappuccino is too thin, add an extra cup of ice and blend again until the desired thickness is reached for optimal consistency.
- If your coffee cools too quickly, brew the coffee 5-10 minutes before preparing the frappuccino to maintain a balanced temperature while mixing.
- For an overly sweet drink, reduce maple syrup by 1 tablespoon and adjust gradually, tasting as you go to achieve your desired sweetness level.
- If the pumpkin flavor is lacking, incorporate an additional tablespoon of pumpkin puree and blend until smooth to ensure a stronger taste in your frappuccino.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with cinnamon sugar cookies or gluten-free pumpkin muffins. Pair with a side of roasted apples or a simple garden salad.
Use to make a smoothie bowl or breakfast parfait. Add to oatmeal or overnight oats for a seasonal twist.
Top with caramel drizzle or crushed pecans. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for added flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use oat or almond milk instead of unsweetened milk for a dairy-free pumpkin cream frappuccino. Add 1 ½ cups of your chosen milk to maintain creaminess and texture.
- Add 1 ½ teaspoons of homemade pumpkin spice mix instead of Belans, using cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for flavor. Either pre-made spice or homemade blend works equally well.
- You can substitute maple syrup with ¼ cup of honey or agave syrup for natural sweetness. If using honey, ensure it fully dissolves during blending for even flavor.
- Either double or halve the recipe quantities to serve 4 or 1 person, maintaining ¼ cup pumpkin puree and 1 cup brewed coffee proportions. This is useful when making smaller or larger batches.
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How to Store?
To keep your pumpkin cream frappuccino fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store your pumpkin cream frappuccino in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 day. Consume promptly to avoid spoilage.
Refrigeration: Place the pumpkin cream frappuccino in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days. Stir well before drinking.
Freezing: Freeze pumpkin cream frappuccino in a freezer-safe container up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before blending again.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Toasted Coconut Marshmallows
- Puff Pastry Apple Rosettes
- Rhubarb and Strawberry Tart Recipe
- Chocolate Peanut Clusters
If you enjoyed this Pumpkin Cream Frappuccino or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
