There’s nothing quite like the perfect blend of rich coffee, creamy caramel, and icy refreshment on a hot summer day.
This frozen caramel coffee recipe has become my absolute go-to drink when I need that caffeine boost without the heat of a traditional hot coffee. It’s like having your favorite coffeehouse drink right in your own kitchen, but better – because you control every delicious detail.
Recipe Information
- Servings: 2 large glasses
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Course: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Frozen Caramel Coffee Recipe
It is the perfect balance of bold coffee flavor with that sweet, buttery caramel taste that coats your palate. The frozen element adds a slushie-like texture that’s incredibly satisfying and refreshing.
The best part? You can make it as strong or as sweet as you like, and it costs a fraction of what you’d pay at your local coffee shop. Plus, it’s incredibly impressive when you serve it to guests – they’ll think you’re a barista magician.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Blender (high-speed preferred)
- Coffee maker or French press
- Ice cube trays
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tall glasses for serving
- Whisk (for caramel sauce)
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional, for smoother texture)
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Frozen Caramel Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
For the Coffee Base:
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled completely
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For Assembly:
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- Whipped cream for topping
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
- Pinch of sea salt for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Brew 2 cups of strong coffee using your preferred method. I recommend using a dark roast for the best flavor contrast with the sweet caramel. Allow the coffee to cool completely – this is crucial for the frozen texture. You can speed this up by placing it in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it boil until it turns a deep amber color (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream, butter, and salt. The mixture will bubble vigorously – this is normal. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Coffee Mixture In a large bowl, combine the cooled coffee, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Add 3 tablespoons of your homemade caramel sauce and mix well.
Step 4: Freeze the Coffee Pour the coffee mixture into ice cube trays and freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight. This creates the perfect slushy texture when blended.
Step 5: Blend and Serve Add the frozen coffee cubes to your blender along with regular ice cubes and milk. Blend until you achieve a smooth, slushy consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Step 6: Final Assembly Pour into tall glasses, top with whipped cream, drizzle with additional caramel sauce, and finish with a tiny pinch of sea salt. Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Coffee strength matters: Use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:10 for the perfect bold flavor that won’t get lost in the other ingredients.
- Temperature is key: Make sure your coffee is completely cool before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Caramel consistency: If your caramel sauce becomes too thick, warm it slightly and add a tablespoon of cream.
- Customization: Try adding a shot of espresso for extra caffeine kick, or a tablespoon of Irish cream for adult variation.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (makes 2 servings)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 285 |
Total Fat | 16g |
Saturated Fat | 10g |
Cholesterol | 45mg |
Sodium | 180mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 35g |
Dietary Fiber | 0g |
Sugars | 33g |
Protein | 3g |
Caffeine | 95mg |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade caramel sauce last?
Your homemade caramel sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container. Just warm it slightly before using if it becomes too thick.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, but I recommend using a high-quality instant coffee and making it stronger than usual – about 3-4 teaspoons per cup of water. The flavor won’t be quite as rich, but it’s a convenient shortcut.
What coffee beans work best for this recipe?
Medium to dark roast beans work best as they provide a bold flavor that stands up to the sweetness of the caramel. Colombian, Brazilian, or French roast varieties are excellent choices.
Final Words
This frozen caramel coffee recipe is perfect for entertaining, weekend treats, or whenever you need that special coffee shop experience at home. The combination of rich coffee, creamy caramel, and icy refreshment creates a drink that’s both indulgent and refreshing – exactly what summer afternoons were made for!
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