Menu
Author:
Franco Salzillo
The pearly Vanilla Bean Frappuccino is white as snow, smooth as silk, and more heartwarming delicious than any other coffee shop drinks; it’s incredibly easy to make too.
Starbucks states the creamy blend “takes va-va-vanilla flavor to another level.” And whatever that means, it sounds promising, so if you haven’t tried the vanilla bean Frappuccino, please do so. It’s a charmer!
If you’re feeling crafty and what to save some money, then you’re in the right place because today we’re making a copycat version of the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino, and it’s awesome.
There are two ways of getting this right. You can either use vanilla ice cream, preferably one flavored with authentic vanilla bean, or use actual vanilla beans. The first one is all about blending ice cream with milk and ice. The second one is much more interesting.
Vanilla beans are expensive, yes, but they’re worth every cent. Each rugged, thin, chocolate-colored pod, which you can buy at a bakery specialty store or online, is filled with just about a teaspoon of vanilla pulp, which is literally worth its weight in gold.
When you blend vanilla pulp into a Frappuccino, you get the real deal, all-natural vanilla bean flavor that blows you away every time. How does Starbucks do it? They use vanilla bean powder, which comprises vanilla bean and sugar, so we’re not that far off.
In a nutshell, get yourself a few vanilla beans for your vanilla bean Frappuccino, it’s an excellent investment. You can use them in all kinds of baking treats too.
Then we have the milk, and we want to bring out the big guns for the creamiest drink possible. For me, that means using half & half because it’s thicker and more luxurious than whole milk. Of course, use any milk you like.
The last ingredient is the sweetener. And although Starbucks uses its signature Frappuccino syrup, which is nothing more than water, sugar and preservatives, we’ll just use sugar. Now we’re ready. Let’s make a creamy all-natural va-va-vanilla bean Frappuccino!
Slice your vanilla bean lengthwise, open, and gently scrape the pulp into a glass or jar. Reserve the pod for garnish.
Combine the half & half, the vanilla pulp and the sugar thoroughly with a spoon until combined, it will be a bit grainy. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes in the fridge.
Remove the chilled milk mixture from the fridge, stir to combine the solids.
In a blender, add the ice, the milk mixture and blend until smooth.
Pour your Frappuccino in a glass.
Top with whipped cream.
Decorate with the hollowed vanilla bean.
