Name: Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Light (Copy-Cat)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: ⅔ cup double-strength regular or decaf coffee, chilled, see prep tips; ⅔ cup (1%) low-fat milk, see substitution tips; 2 tablespoons caramel topping; 4 packages Splenda, Stevia, Equal or your favorite sugar substitute; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 2¾ cups ice; 4 tablespoons light whipped cream or light vanilla-flavored whipped cream, see shopping tips; 1½ teaspoons caramel topping

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Starbucks creation, which cuts the fat, carbs, and calories of the original Frappuccino is a top-seller with coffee house regulars. Starbucks says their light version is 54% fewer calories per serving than the original Frappuccino. Sounds pretty good so I decided to tackle a skinny recipe to enjoy at home. My favorite is their caramel one. I’ve cut the fat and calories using 1% milk, mostly Splenda or Stevia, and a little sugar. Adding just a small amount of sugar adds to the taste. You don’t need much. Each skinny remake has 109 calories and 1 gram of fat, Sit down, relax, and enjoy this rich-tasting, chilly treat. Have fun skinny sipping!

Why You’ll Love Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Light (Copy-Cat)

A Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Light appeals to those seeking a sweet treat without the guilt. It offers the beloved caramel flavor and creamy texture of the original, but with significantly fewer calories and fat. This makes it a perfect choice for individuals who are conscious of their calorie intake or following a weight management plan. Enjoying the familiar taste of a favorite coffee shop beverage while maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a major draw for many.

Ingredients for Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Light (Copy-Cat)

This recipe aims to recreate the beloved Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino with a lighter, healthier twist. Here's a breakdown of the ingredients:

Coffee Base:

⅔ cup double-strength regular or decaf coffee, chilled: Provides the coffee flavor and caffeine (or decaf) content. Doubling the strength ensures a concentrated coffee taste.

Creamy Base:

⅔ cup (1%) low-fat milk: Offers a creamy texture without adding excessive fat.

Sweeteners:

2 tablespoons caramel topping: Adds a sweet caramel flavor and contributes to the overall sweetness.
4 packages Splenda, Stevia, Equal or your favorite sugar substitute: Provides additional sweetness while keeping the calorie count low.
2 teaspoons sugar: A small amount of sugar can enhance the overall flavor profile.

Flavoring:

1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.

Texture:

2¾ cups ice: Creates the signature frappuccino texture when blended.

This combination of ingredients provides a satisfying coffee drink while reducing the calorie and fat content compared to the original Starbucks version.

How to Make Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Light (Copy-Cat)

Key Steps:

Combination: The recipe involves combining several ingredients directly into a blender.
Blending: The mixture is blended at high speed until a smooth, icy consistency is reached.
Serving: The blended beverage is poured into a glass and optionally topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

Ingredient Roles:

Chilled coffee: Provides the coffee base and flavor.
Milk: Adds creaminess and balances the flavors.
Caramel topping: Offers sweetness and caramel flavor.
Sweetener: Provides additional sweetness without excessive calories.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Ice: Creates the signature frappuccino texture through blending.
Whipped cream and caramel drizzle: Optional toppings for added richness and indulgence.

Potential Improvements:

Coffee strength: Using double-strength coffee can intensify the coffee flavor.
Milk type: Experimenting with different types of milk can alter the taste and texture.

Sweetener adjustments: The amount of sweetener can be adjusted based on personal preference.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Food Facts
In 2004, Starbucks created a “Light” version which according to the company has 54% of the calories, 15% of the fat, and 52% of the carbohydrates of the original. Frappuccino is a trademarked line of blended coffee drinks sold by Starbucks. It consists of coffee blended with ice and various other ingredients, usually topped with whipped cream.

One Starbucks (12 oz) Light Caramel Frappuccino:
152 calories, 1.3g fat, 6g protein, 30g carbs, 2g fiber, 22g sugar

Shopping Tips
New to some supermarkets is a light vanilla-flavored whipped cream. The vanilla makes it a creamy color. instead of white. I found it at Safeway/Vons. If you can’t find it use any brand of light whipped cream.

Prep Tips
Make double-strength regular or decaf coffee by brewing with twice the coffee required by your coffee maker. Use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per each cup of coffee. Chill before using. Make extra, if desired, to keep on hand in the refrigerator.

I like to used fresh brewed hazelnut flavored coffee for this recipe because I love hazelnut coffee but any regular or decaf coffee will work.

Substitution Tips
To cut the calories and fat further, use nonfat milk instead of 1% and all Splenda, no sugar. These Skinny Facts still include the topping- 109 calories, 1g fat, 3g protein, 22g carbs, 133mg sodium 0g fiber, 1g sugar. WW POINTS PLUS 3- made with nonfat milk, no sugar, only Splenda and includes toppings

WW Freestyle SmartPoints-6 Blue w/o topping
WW SmartPoints 6-Green w/o topping

WW Freestyle SmartPoints-7 Blue with topping
WW SmartPoints 7-Green with topping

Skinny Facts: for 1 (1½ cups) (w/out toppings)
109 calories, 1g fat, 0.5g sat. fat, 4mg chol, 3g prot, 21g carbs, 0g fiber, 87mg sod, 20g sugar

Skinny Facts: for 1 (1½ cups) including 2 tablespoons light whipped cream and a little caramel drizzle
133 calories, 1.8g fat, 0.5g sat, 4mg chol, 3g prot, 24g carbs, 0g fiber, 94mg sodium, 22g sugar