A vanilla bean frappuccino is a delicious blended coffee drink made with vanilla bean powder, milk, ice, and espresso. While tasty on its own, there are lots of ways to customize and enhance the flavor of this Starbucks classic. Adding extra ingredients can provide new depths of flavor, texture, and nutrition to your frappuccino.
Fruits
Fruit is a fantastic way to boost the flavor of a vanilla bean frappuccino. The sweetness of fruit pairs perfectly with the vanilla and coffee notes. Here are some delicious fruit add-ins:
- Banana – Sliced banana gives a creamy, tropical vibe
- Strawberries – Diced strawberries lend a bright, sweet kick
- Blueberries – Fresh or frozen blueberries provide antioxidant power
- Mango – Mango adds vibrant, sunny flavor
- Pineapple – Pineapple chunks offer a tropical twist
- Raspberries – Raspberries contribute tartness and color
- Blackberries – Blackberries infuse rich, jammy flavor
- Peach – Peach slices bring a delicate, stone fruit note
- Grapes – Grapes provide a refreshing pop of juicy sweetness
- Cherries – Sweet cherry pieces give a candy-like taste
Aim for 1/4 to 1/2 cup of diced or sliced fruit. Berries, peaches, mangos, and bananas work especially well. The fruit can be added fresh or frozen. Frozen fruit will thicken up the frappuccino consistency.
Vegetables
Vegetables may seem like an unlikely frappuccino addition, but a handful of veggies can add flavor complexity. Try these tasty options:
- Spinach – Fresh spinach boosts nutrition without altering the flavor.
- Avocado – Avocado lends creaminess and healthy fats.
- Carrot – Shredded carrot subtly sweetens the drink.
- Sweet potato – Baked sweet potato brings warmth and body.
- Beets – Shredded beets impart earthy, vibrant color.
When adding veggies, start with small amounts like 1-2 tablespoons to allow their flavors to complement the frappuccino instead of overpowering it. Blending the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds make for crunchy, protein-packed frappuccino boosters. Their oils and rich flavors take the drink up a notch. Try these nutritious add-ins:
- Almonds – Slivered almonds provide nutty crunch.
- Cashews – Cashews lend a creamy, buttery vibe.
- Hazelnuts – Toasted, chopped hazelnuts give a sweet, earthy accent.
- Pistachios – Pistachios offer color and nuttiness.
- Peanuts – Peanut butter delivers creamy richness.
- Pecans – Pecan pieces contribute warm, toasted flavor.
- Walnuts – Walnut halves add hearty crunch.
- Chia seeds – Chia seeds provide a boost of fiber and omega-3s.
- Flax seeds – Flax seeds impart nuttiness and nutrition.
- Hemp seeds – Hemp seeds add protein and healthy fats.
Get creative and use 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite nuts or seeds to give your frappuccino a superfood upgrade. The crunch of nuts and seeds adds great texture.
Granola, Oats, and Grains
Mixing hearty grains into your vanilla bean frappuccino creates a deliciously chewy drink that’s perfect as a breakfast or snack. Consider blending in:
- Granola – Try a few tablespoons of homemade or store-bought granola for crunch.
- Oats – Rolled or steel-cut oats thicken the frappuccino into a shake.
- Cereal – Add a handful of your favorite crunchy cereal.
- Quinoa – Cooked quinoa lends protein, fiber, and texture.
- Muesli – Muesli cereal contributes nuts, oats, and fruits.
The options are nearly endless when incorporating whole grains. Get creative with combinations like granola and banana or oats and peanut butter. Just 1-4 tablespoons is all you need for substantial thickness and a touch of wholesome flavor.
Spices
Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger can take a vanilla bean frappuccino to the next level. Try shaking in:
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon boosts the sweetness and brings cozy flavor.
- Nutmeg – Nutmeg enhances the vanilla and provides subtle spice.
- Ginger – Fresh grated ginger adds zing and bright flavor.
- Cardamom – Cardamom imparts exotic intensity.
- Cayenne – Just a dash of cayenne brings smoky heat.
- Cocoa powder – Cocoa powder amplifies the chocolate notes.
- Pumpkin pie spice – This blend contains cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
Spices pack big flavor in small amounts. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of ground spice or a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Mix and match spices to create your own signature combination.
Sweeteners
If you want an extra sweet kick, stir in one of these sugary additions:
- Honey – Honey brings natural floral sweetness.
- Maple syrup – Maple syrup lends rich caramelized flavor.
- Brown sugar – Sprinkling on brown sugar tops it with molasses notes.
- Vanilla syrup – Vanilla syrup doubles down on the vanilla.
- Caramel sauce – Drizzling caramel sauce creates a salty-sweet layer.
- Dulce de leche – Dulce de leche swirls in creamy, toasted sweetness.
- Condensed milk – Condensed milk contributes thick, milky sugariness.
A pump or drizzle of your chosen sweetener is plenty. The frappuccino already contains syrup, so you want the extra sweetener to accentuate rather than overpower.
Coffee and Espresso
Coffee lovers can amp up the caffeine and roasted coffee flavor of a vanilla bean frappuccino. Consider adding:
- Brewed coffee – Mix in a shot of freshly brewed coffee.
- Espresso – An extra espresso shot bumps up the richness.
- Cold brew – Cold brew coffee concentrate brings smooth intensity.
Stick to 1-2 tablespoons of brewed coffee or an added shot of espresso. The frappuccino already contains coffee and espresso, so just a splash will allow their qualities to shine.
Teas
Tea introduces vibrant flavor notes and antioxidants. Give your frapp a tea twist with:
- Green tea – Brewed or matcha green tea provides fresh grassy flavor.
- Black tea – Black tea infuses bold, aromatic flavor.
- Chai tea – Chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger enhance the vanilla.
- Earl grey tea – Earl grey’s distinctive bergamot orange pairs perfectly with vanilla.
Brew tea at double strength before blending 1-2 tablespoons into the frappuccino. The concentrated tea flavor will stand out against the rich ingredients.
Protein Powder
Adding protein powder transforms your frappuccino into a high protein meal or snack. Protein provides sustaining energy and a milkshake-like thickness. Try these protein types:
- Whey protein – Whey protein blends smoothly for creamy texture.
- Plant protein – Choose pea, soy, or other vegan protein powders.
- Collagen peptides – Collagen peptides provide a protein boost with health benefits.
1-2 scoops of protein powder is all you need. Make sure to blend it thoroughly so it incorporates seamlessly into the frappuccino.
Nut Butters
Nut butters integrate protein and healthy fats for a thick, rich frappuccino upgrade. Peanut butter is a classic choice, but consider other nutritious nut butters too:
- Almond butter
- Cashew butter
- Pistachio butter
- Hazelnut butter
- Sunflower seed butter
Swirl in 1-2 tablespoons of nut butter for a boost of creamy texture and wholesome plant-based protein and fats.
Extracts
Extracts infuse concentrated flavor that enhances the vanilla frappuccino. Try a drop or two of these extracts:
- Almond extract
- Coconut extract
- Lemon extract
- Orange extract
- Peppermint extract
- Raspberry extract
- Hazelnut extract
Extracts have intense flavor, so a little goes a long way. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more if desired.
Other Delicious Add-Ins
If you want to think outside the box, mix in any of these unexpected ingredients for a creative spin:
- Coconut – Shredded coconut lends tropical flavor and crunch.
- Cream cheese – Cream cheese creates a smooth, tangy twist.
- Mascarpone – Mascarpone provides rich, creamy texture.
- Pudding – Mix in chocolate or vanilla pudding for thickness.
- Cream of coconut – Cream of coconut supplies sweet coconut intensity.
- Cookie crumbs – Add crumbled cookies like Oreos or graham crackers for fun texture.
- Sprinkles – Colorful sprinkles make any frapp extra festive.
Let your imagination run wild and don’t be afraid to combine multiple mix-ins. A pineapple, coconut, and banana frappuccino? Yum! The possibilities are endless for crafting a unique and delicious vanilla bean frap creation.
Tips for Adding Ingredients
When stirring in extra ingredients, keep these tips in mind:
- Use small amounts at first – It’s easy to add more but impossible to remove.
- Blend thoroughly – Use a blender or whisk vigorously by hand to incorporate mix-ins.
- Consider texture – Ingredients like fruit and nuts add appealing crunch while mascarpone and protein powder lend creaminess.
- Mind the calories and sugar – Fruits, veggies, and proteins are healthy boosters while sweets, butters, and syrups should be used sparingly.
- Watch the proportions – Too many add-ins can make the drink overly thick or dilute the signature frap flavor.
- Taste test – Sample yourcreation before finishing to achieve optimal flavor balance.
- Make it your own – There are no rules – customize your frappuccino however you crave!
Fun Frappuccino Combinations to Try
Here are some tantalizing vanilla bean frappuccino recipes to inspire your own unique creations:
Protein Power Frap
- 1-2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 teaspoon cacao nibs
Bananas Foster Frap
- 3 slices ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Drizzle of caramel sauce
Cocoa Mocha Frap
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 shot espresso
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips
- Whipped cream topping
Tropical Paradise Frap
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon cream of coconut
- Dash of nutmeg
The Perfect Custom Frappuccino Awaits
A vanilla bean frappuccino is delicious on its own, but enhanced with fresh fruits, healthful spices, energizing proteins, or decadent sweets, it becomes a coffeehouse masterpiece personalized just for you. Unleash your inner barista and get creative with mix-ins to invent a signature frappuccino as unique as you are. Your perfect blend awaits!
