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Nothing says cozy and indulgent quite like a perfectly blended autumn treat, and this 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe nails it every single time. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you get a luscious, creamy drink bursting with the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, all brightened by smooth cold brew coffee. It’s an easy, delightful way to bring the essence of fall into your cup without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These five essential ingredients are the heart and soul of the 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s the bold coffee kick, the creamy texture, or the cozy pumpkin spice warmth—making this drink both satisfying and utterly crave-worthy.
- Cold brew coffee (1 cup): Provides a smooth, rich coffee base that’s less acidic and perfectly chilled, setting the tone for this frappuccino.
- Milk (1 cup): Choose any kind you like—from creamy whole milk to nutty almond milk—for a silky texture and balanced creaminess.
- Pumpkin butter (1/4 cup): Gives the frappuccino its signature pumpkin flavor and natural sweetness; pumpkin puree works well too if you prefer.
- Agave nectar (2 tablespoons): A gentle, plant-based sweetener that enhances the blend without overpowering the pumpkin’s delicate taste.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon): Infuses warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove for that unmistakable fall feeling in every sip.
How to Make 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cold Brew Coffee
Start by combining coarsely ground coffee with cold water and letting it steep overnight in the refrigerator. This slow extraction ensures your cold brew is smooth, less bitter, and packed with rich coffee flavor—an ideal foundation for your frappuccino.
Step 2: Create Pumpkin-Infused Milk Ice Cubes
Whisk together milk, pumpkin butter, agave nectar, and pumpkin pie spice until silky smooth. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. These special ice cubes add creamy pumpkin goodness to the drink while keeping it icy cold without watering down the flavor.
Step 3: Blend the Frappuccino
The next morning, blend your cold brew coffee with the pumpkin milk ice cubes until everything is wonderfully smooth and frosty. Blending for at least a minute crushes all the ice cubes perfectly, delivering that classic frappuccino texture you love.
Step 4: Adjust Sweetness and Consistency
Give your frappuccino a quick taste test. If you crave a little more sweetness, a splash of agave nectar will do the trick. If it’s too sweet, balance it out with an extra splash of cold brew. For smoother blending, adding a bit more cold brew partway through blending helps the mixture come together beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
For that iconic café-style feel, crown your frappuccino with a generous swirl of whipped cream and dust a pinch of ground cinnamon on top. This elevates the aroma and adds a cozy, inviting look that makes it truly irresistible.
How to Serve 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream is a delightful topper that adds luxurious creaminess, while a sprinkle of cinnamon creates a warm spice aroma and enhances visual appeal. You can also sprinkle a little nutmeg or drizzle caramel sauce if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
Pair your pumpkin frappuccino with autumn-inspired snacks like cinnamon sugar doughnuts, a soft pumpkin muffin, or oatmeal cookies for a satisfying treat. These sides complement the drink’s spiced pumpkin notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your frappuccino in a clear glass mug to show off those beautiful layers of creamy pumpkin and coffee. Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer or rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for an extra-special touch that will wow guests or make your morning feel extra festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover frappuccino, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick stir before serving since the ingredients may settle or separate.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pumpkin milk mixture in an ice cube tray to use again in making more frappuccinos later. This preserves flavor and texture, ensuring you always have a pumpkin-flavored treat on hand.
Reheating
This frappuccino is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, try blending frozen pumpkin milk cubes with freshly brewed cold brew to refresh your drink any time you want.
FAQs
Can I use regular pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin butter?
Absolutely! Pumpkin puree works just as well, though pumpkin butter tends to be sweeter and thicker, which gives the frappuccino a richer texture and flavor.
What type of milk is best for this recipe?
You can use any milk you prefer—dairy or plant-based. Almond, oat, and whole milk all offer different flavors and creaminess, so choose what suits your taste and dietary needs.
Is agave nectar necessary or can I substitute it?
Agave nectar is a mild, natural sweetener that blends well with pumpkin flavors, but you can swap it for honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sweetener without compromising taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply use a plant-based milk like almond or oat, and replace whipped cream with a dairy-free alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.
How long does it take to make the pumpkin milk ice cubes?
You’ll need to freeze the pumpkin-infused milk mixture overnight, about 6 to 8 hours, to ensure the ice cubes are fully set and ready to blend for a creamy frappuccino texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed fall without it. It’s an easy, approachable way to celebrate the season with every delicious sip—perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or anytime you want a taste of pumpkin-spiced happiness. So grab those five simple ingredients and start blending your new favorite fall treat today!
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Print
5-Ingredient Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight steeping and freezing time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: Overnight (approx. 12 hours including steeping and freezing) plus 5 minutes active blending
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and delicious 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Frappuccino that blends cold brew coffee with pumpkin-flavored milk ice cubes for a creamy, refreshing fall-inspired drink. Perfect for pumpkin lovers looking for a homemade version of the popular seasonal beverage.
Ingredients
Cold Brew Coffee
- 2 cups (about 190 g) coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups (960 ml) cold water
- 1 cup (240 ml) prepared cold brew coffee (from above)
Pumpkin Milk Ice Cubes
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk, any kind—dairy or dairy-free (almond, oat, whole, or 2%)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) pumpkin butter (or substitute with pumpkin puree)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon (2.6 g) pumpkin pie spice
Toppings (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon (about 1/4 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Prepare Cold Brew Coffee: Combine 2 cups of coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of cold water in a bowl. Stir gently, cover, and refrigerate overnight to steep and extract a smooth, concentrated coffee flavor.
- Make Pumpkin Milk Ice Cubes: Whisk together 1 cup of your chosen milk, 1/4 cup pumpkin butter, 2 tablespoons agave nectar, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice until well combined. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight to create pumpkin-flavored milk ice cubes that add creaminess without diluting the drink.
- Blend the Frappuccino: Place 1 cup of prepared cold brew coffee and 8 to 10 pumpkin-infused milk ice cubes into a blender. Blend for at least 1 minute until smooth, creamy, and fully crushed to achieve a frosty texture.
- Adjust Sweetness and Consistency: Taste your frappuccino and add more agave nectar or stevia if sweeter is desired. If too sweet, blend in an additional tablespoon of cold brew coffee. If blending becomes difficult, add 1/4 cup cold brew coffee partway through blending to improve consistency.
- Add Toppings: Optionally, garnish your pumpkin frappuccino with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to enhance the warm, spicy aroma and visual appeal before serving.
Notes
- Use pumpkin butter for a richer, sweeter flavor or substitute with pumpkin puree for a more natural pumpkin taste.
- Adjust the amount of agave nectar to your preferred sweetness level.
- Choose any milk type based on dietary preferences or restrictions.
- For stronger coffee flavor, steep the cold brew longer or add extra cold brew coffee during blending.
- The pumpkin-flavored ice cubes prevent the drink from watering down as they melt.
