Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there’s a comforting feeling that envelops me, nudging my taste buds toward the season’s quintessential indulgence: the Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino. This delightful drink captures the essence of autumn with every creamy sip, combining rich pumpkin, smooth vanilla ice cream, and a splash of coffee. The best part? You can whip up this seasonal favorite in your kitchen, avoiding long lines and hefty price tags. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also invites you to savor a festive treat that warms your soul. So, are you ready to experience fall in a glass—without venturing out? Let’s dive into this cozy concoction that promises to bring a smile with each delightful sip! Why Make This Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino? Simplicity: This recipe is a breeze to prepare, requiring only a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Seasonal Delight: Infused with the warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice, it’s the perfect drink to celebrate the fall season. Versatile Ingredients: Substitute with your favorite milk or ice cream, making this recipe customizable to fit various diets and preferences. Cost-Effective: Skip the coffee shop lines and hefty prices—this delightful frappuccino can be made at home for a fraction of the cost! Crowd-Pleaser: Impress friends and family at gatherings with this café-style treat, sparking joy with every creamy sip. Looking for other crowd-pleasing recipes? Try my Firecracker Salmon Savor for a fiery dinner idea! Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Ingredients For the Base Whole Milk – Adds creaminess; substitute with any non-dairy milk for a lactose-free option. Canned Pumpkin – Provides the pumpkin flavor and color; ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Sugar – Sweetens the drink; can be replaced with maple syrup or a sugar substitute. Pumpkin Pie Spice – Adds warmth and characteristic autumn flavors; you can use a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger as a replacement. Brewed Coffee – Adds depth and richness; use strong brewed coffee or espresso for a more intense coffee flavor. Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; can omit or use vanilla syrup as a sweeter alternative. For the Texture Vanilla Ice Cream – Creates a smooth and rich texture; can substitute with a dairy-free ice cream for a vegan option. Crushed Ice – Provides texture and chill; use coffee ice cubes for a stronger coffee flavor. For the Finishing Touch Whipped Cream (optional) – Allows for additional creaminess and presentation; can omit for a lower-calorie version. Dive into the delightful layers of flavor in this Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino that will warm your heart and soothe your soul! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Step 1: Heat the Pumpkin Mixture In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk, canned pumpkin, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir continuously for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sugar dissolves and small bubbles form around the edges. This mixture should be warm and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a cozy aroma, ready to elevate your Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino. Step 2: Chill the Mixture Once heated, pour the pumpkin mixture into a container and add brewed coffee and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine, then cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For optimal flavor, allow it to chill overnight. The longer it cools, the more the flavors will meld, ensuring a deliciously satisfying frappuccino. Step 3: Blend Until Smooth After chilling, retrieve the pumpkin mixture from the refrigerator. In a blender, add the pumpkin mixture along with vanilla ice cream and crushed ice. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, taking care not to over-blend. You want a velvety texture that’s reminiscent of your favorite café frappuccino, making your Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino a real treat. Step 4: Serve and Garnish Pour the blended frappuccino into tall glasses. If you like, you can top each serving with a generous swirl of whipped cream. For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle a dash of pumpkin pie spice on top. Serve immediately while it’s chilled and frosty, and get ready to savor this delightful seasonal drink! Expert Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Chill for Flavor: Make sure to refrigerate the pumpkin mixture for at least 2 hours; chilling brings out the deep flavors in your Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino. Choose Your Coffee: Opt for strong brewed coffee or espresso to match the richness of the pumpkin. Let coffee cool before adding to avoid melting the ice too quickly. Mind the Texture: Avoid over-blending your frappuccino; a few pulses should suffice to achieve that smooth, creamy consistency without turning it watery. Customize Sweetness: Adjust the sugar according to your taste; many find that a splash of maple syrup adds a lovely fall flavor to the drink. Dairy Alternatives: If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, replacing milk and ice cream with dairy-free options can keep this drink just as delicious! Extra Spice: Don’t skimp on the pumpkin pie spice; a little extra can elevate the flavors and truly capture that autumnal essence in your frappuccino! Make Ahead Options These Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccinos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pumpkin mixture up to 2 days in advance by heating the ingredients and refrigerating them after combining with brewed coffee and vanilla extract. This not only enhances the flavor but also saves you valuable time on busy mornings. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply blend the chilled pumpkin mixture with vanilla ice cream and crushed ice, and serve immediately for that freshly made taste. Remember to store the mixture in an airtight container to maintain its quality and flavor, ensuring each sip is just as delightful as the day you made it! Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Variations Feel free to get creative with your drink, adding delightful twists to suit your taste! Butterscotch Ice Cream: Swap vanilla ice cream for butterscotch for a richer, sweeter flavor. You’ll savor every sip as the butterscotch melds beautifully with the pumpkin. Lighter Alternative: For a lighter version, omit the ice cream and use additional milk. This change still delivers the creamy texture you crave while reducing calories. Flavored Syrups: Experiment with caramel or hazelnut syrup for an added twist. Just a dash can elevate your frappuccino to a new level of indulgence. Dairy-Free Delight: Replace whole milk and vanilla ice cream with coconut or almond milk for a vegan option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Coffee Ice Cubes: Replace standard ice with coffee ice cubes for a more intense coffee flavor without diluting your drink as it melts. Chill the Spices: Infuse the drink with an extra kick by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or ground ginger. The heat complements the sweetness beautifully. Pumpkin Pie Filling Upgrade: If you’re short on puree, use pumpkin pie filling. Just adjust the sugar, as it’s typically sweeter than plain puree. Layered Presentation: Create a stunning layered look by blending the ingredients separately and pouring them carefully into the glass. It’s a gorgeous holiday showstopper! Craving more delicious creations? Don’t miss my Firecracker Salmon Savor for a perfect pairing! How to Store and Freeze Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Fridge: Store the pumpkin mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, pour the blended frappuccino into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to a month. Reheating: If frozen, allow the frappuccino to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before blending again to restore its creamy texture. Serving: Always serve fresh after blending for the best taste and texture; adding a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice will enhance the presentation. What to Serve with Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Pair your delightful frappuccino with tasty accompaniments that complement its creamy, spiced flavors, transforming your drink into a full experience. Warm Cinnamon Roll: The gooey sweetness of a cinnamon roll enhances the autumnal spices and adds a comforting contrast to your frappuccino. Perfect for a cozy morning treat! Spiced Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices dusted with cinnamon and sugar bring a crisp, refreshing texture, perfectly balancing the creaminess of the drink. A delightful nod to fall flavors! Pumpkin Muffins: These soft, moist muffins echo the flavors of pumpkin spice while adding a tender bite that pairs wonderfully with the smooth frappuccino. Maple Pecan Scones: Rich buttery scones studded with crunchy pecans and a hint of maple syrup perfectly match the warm spices of your drink, creating a sophisticated café experience! Chai Tea: The aromatic blend of spices in chai tea mirrors the flavors of your frappuccino, making a warm and inviting contrast to the cool, creamy beverage. Salted Caramel Brownies: Indulge in fudgy brownies drizzled with salted caramel; the rich chocolate flavor beautifully complements the pumpkin notes, creating a dessert lover’s dream! These delightful pairings will not only satisfy your cravings but also enhance your experience of sipping on the Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino! Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best canned pumpkin for this recipe? Absolutely! When selecting canned pumpkin, ensure that you choose pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor of your frappuccino. Check the label—look for terms like “100% pure pumpkin” on the can for the best results! How long can I store the pumpkin mixture in the fridge? You can store the pumpkin mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. This makes it super convenient for meal prep! I often make it a day in advance so that the flavors can meld together beautifully before blending. Can I freeze the blended frappuccino? Certainly! To freeze your Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It can be safely frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then blend again for the best texture! What should I do if my frappuccino is too watery? If your frappuccino turns out watery, it might be due to over-blending or too much ice. Simply blend for a shorter time next time to keep that creamy texture. You can also try reducing the ice or adding extra ice cream to thicken it up! Can I modify this recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions? Very much so! This recipe is quite flexible. If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, substitute whole milk and vanilla ice cream with your favorite non-dairy alternatives, such as almond milk or coconut-based ice cream. Additionally, you can customize the sweetener—maple syrup, agave, or a sugar substitute will work beautifully, depending on your needs! Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino You Can Make at Home No ratings yet Enjoy a cozy homemade Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, combining pumpkin, vanilla ice cream, and coffee for the perfect autumn treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 5 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 2 cupsCourse: DrinksCuisine: AmericanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base1 cup Whole Milk Substitute with any non-dairy milk for a lactose-free option.1/2 cup Canned Pumpkin Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.1/4 cup Sugar Can be replaced with maple syrup or a sugar substitute.2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice You can use a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger as a replacement.1 cup Brewed Coffee Use strong brewed coffee or espresso for a more intense flavor.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Can omit or use vanilla syrup as a sweeter alternative.For the Texture1 cup Vanilla Ice Cream Can substitute with dairy-free ice cream for a vegan option.2 cups Crushed Ice Use coffee ice cubes for a stronger coffee flavor.For the Finishing TouchWhipped Cream (optional) Can omit for a lower-calorie version. Equipment blendersaucepanContainer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a small saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk, canned pumpkin, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir continuously for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sugar dissolves and small bubbles form around the edges.Once heated, pour the pumpkin mixture into a container and add brewed coffee and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine, then cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.In a blender, add the pumpkin mixture along with vanilla ice cream and crushed ice. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.Pour the blended frappuccino into tall glasses, and top each serving with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg NotesRefrigerate the pumpkin mixture for at least 2 hours to enhance flavors. Customize sweetness as needed and consider dairy alternatives for a vegan option. 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