If you’re craving a cozy, delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every sip, you’ll absolutely love this 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe. It’s simplicity at its finest, blending the rich flavors of cold brew coffee, creamy pumpkin, and just the right amount of warming spices, all whipped together into a refreshingly smooth drink. This recipe lets you enjoy the spirit of pumpkin spice without the fuss, perfect for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite seasonal indulgence you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe is straightforward and easy to find, yet each one plays an essential role in making the drink shine. From the bold cold brew coffee that provides that energizing kick to the pumpkin butter that adds rich autumnal sweetness, these ingredients come together beautifully for a perfectly balanced drink.
- Cold brew coffee: Choose a smooth, concentrated brew to give the frappuccino a rich coffee backbone without bitterness.
- Milk (any kind): Whether dairy or plant-based, milk adds creaminess and softens the boldness of the coffee for a silky texture.
- Pumpkin butter: This brings natural pumpkin flavor and sweetness; you can substitute with pumpkin puree if preferred.
- Agave nectar: A natural sweetener that complements the pumpkin’s earthiness without overpowering the drink.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that infuses the frappuccino with classic fall aroma and flavor.
How to Make 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cold Brew Coffee
Start by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water overnight. This method extracts a smooth, full-bodied flavor that’s less acidic than hot brewed coffee, setting the perfect foundation for your frappuccino.
Step 2: Make Pumpkin-Flavored Milk Ice Cubes
Whisk together milk, pumpkin butter, agave nectar, and pumpkin pie spice, then pour this mixture into an ice cube tray to freeze overnight. These special ice cubes keep your drink creamy and flavorful without watering it down.
Step 3: Blend Your Frappuccino
The next day, combine your cold brew coffee with the pumpkin milk ice cubes in a blender. Blend thoroughly until smooth and frosty, ensuring the texture is perfectly creamy and chilled.
Step 4: Adjust Flavor to Taste
Give your frappuccino a quick taste test—a little more sweetness or coffee might be just what it needs. Add agave nectar to sweeten or an extra splash of cold brew to balance if it’s too sweet, blending briefly after each adjustment.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
If you like, top your frappuccino with a cloud of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. This finishing touch not only looks inviting but also enhances the warm spice notes, making every sip feel extra special.
How to Serve 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon or even a dash of nutmeg makes the perfect complement, elevating the drink’s look and flavor. For a little extra sparkle, try a drizzle of caramel or a pinch of crushed graham crackers on top.
Side Dishes
Pair your frappuccino with simple fall treats like ginger snap cookies, a slice of pumpkin bread, or a handful of roasted nuts. These companion bites bring out the autumnal flavors and make your coffee break feel like a cozy celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your frappuccino in a clear glass mug or tall tumbler to show off its creamy texture. You can also rim the glass with cinnamon sugar or top with a cute cinnamon stick for stirring, adding charm and a pop of extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some leftover frappuccino, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Because of the pumpkin milk ice cubes, it’s best enjoyed fresh but can be lightly stirred and enjoyed the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the pumpkin milk mixture in ice cube trays ahead of time to save prep on busy days. However, the fully blended frappuccino is not ideal for freezing as the texture will change when thawed.
Reheating
This frappuccino is meant to be enjoyed cold and frosty, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, blend fresh with the pumpkin milk ice cubes whenever you want to whip up another delicious batch.
FAQs
Can I use regular pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin butter?
Absolutely! Pumpkin puree works well as a substitute but keep in mind it’s less sweet and more watery than pumpkin butter, so you might want to adjust the agave nectar accordingly for the right sweetness.
What type of milk works best in this recipe?
Any milk will do—dairy or plant-based like almond, oat, or soy. Choose your favorite based on taste and dietary preferences; oat milk tends to add a nice creaminess that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based milk and substitute whipped cream with coconut whipped cream or skip the topping altogether. Just ensure your pumpkin butter and sweeteners don’t include animal products.
Can I make a larger batch of this frappuccino?
Definitely. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and blend in batches to keep that perfect creamy texture. Prepare extra pumpkin milk ice cubes ahead of time for quick blending whenever you need.
What’s the best way to sweeten this drink without agave nectar?
You can use maple syrup, honey (if not vegan), or a few drops of liquid stevia. Adjust sweetness gradually to avoid overpowering the natural pumpkin and coffee flavors.
Final Thoughts
This 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe is such a delightful way to welcome the flavors of the season in a cool, refreshing form. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a fantastic treat for pumpkin lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. I encourage you to try it out and savor every creamy, spicy sip—you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate fall!
Print
5-Ingredient Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration for cold brew and ice cubes)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: Overnight (about 12-16 hours for cold brew and pumpkin ice cubes) plus 5 minutes blending and assembly
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and creamy 5-ingredient pumpkin frappuccino made with cold brew coffee, pumpkin butter, and pumpkin pie spice. This easy-to-make blended drink offers a perfect balance of rich coffee flavor and festive fall spices, ideal for a cozy autumn treat.
Ingredients
Cold Brew Coffee
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold brew coffee, prepared as instructed
- 2 cups (about 190 g) coarsely ground coffee (for cold brew)
- 4 cups (960 ml) cold water (for cold brew)
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 (can 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 (about 190 g) of coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups (960 ml) of cold water in a bowl. Stir gently to mix, cover, and refrigerate overnight to steep and develop a smooth, concentrated coffee flavor.
- Make Pumpkin Milk Ice Cubes: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240 ml) of your chosen milk, 1/4 cup (60 g) pumpkin butter, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) agave nectar, and 1 teaspoon (2.6 g) pumpkin pie spice until fully combined. Pour this mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight to create pumpkin-flavored milk ice cubes that add creaminess without diluting the drink.
- Blend Frappuccino: The next morning, place 1 cup (240 ml) of the prepared cold brew coffee and 8 to 10 pumpkin-infused milk ice cubes into a blender. Blend on high for at least 1 minute until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and frosty, ensuring all ice cubes are fully crushed.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the frappuccino and adjust sweetness to your liking by adding more agave nectar or stevia if needed. If the drink is too sweet, balance it by blending in an additional 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of cold brew coffee. If blending is challenging, add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of cold brew coffee about 10 seconds into blending to improve consistency.
- Serve with Toppings: Optionally, top the frappuccino with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon (about 1/4 teaspoon) to enhance the warm, spicy aroma and add visual appeal before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute pumpkin butter with pumpkin puree if pumpkin butter is unavailable.
- Use any type of milk you prefer, including almond, oat, whole, or 2% milk.
- The cold brew coffee requires overnight steeping, so plan ahead.
- Adjust sweetness according to personal preference, using agave nectar or alternative sweeteners like stevia.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and omit whipped cream or use dairy-free whipped topping.
- Adding pumpkin-infused milk ice cubes ensures the frappuccino stays creamy and flavorful without getting watered down.
