Spiced Caramel Pumpkin Frappuccino

Last week, I shared my recipe for spiced caramel sauce… And, I also promised you that it is fabulous for coffee drinks. So, today I am making good on that promise.

Sure, you could simply add some of the caramel sauce to a latte, and you’d have a very tasty drink.  But, I am one of those people who tends not to drink hot coffee drinks when the weather is warm. So, as much as I know I’d love the flavor of a spiced caramel latte, the weather hasn’t cooperated yet.  Instead, I turned to a frozen drink… It’s the best of both worlds. I got the fabulous fall flavors I was craving and cooled off from the warmer-than-I’d-like weather.

So, if you are craving fall flavors and still waiting for crisp fall air to arrive, you have to give this homemade spiced caramel pumpkin frappuccino a try.  It’s basically a blend between a caramel frappuccino (which happens to be one of my favorites) and a pumpkin spice latte.  Once you have the caramel sauce made (and you have already made that, right?), it is fast and easy to make at home, and you have complete control over the ingredients (for me, decaf with organic milk and no whipped cream, please!).  Plus, you won’t have to shell out $5… Win!

My version of the recipe yields a slightly sweet drink that’s not too over the top.  I like flavors in my coffee, but I don’t like it too sweet. I recommend using this as a starting point, and adjusting the flavors to your tastes.  You can easily add a bit of sugar or more caramel sauce to sweeten it up a bit more!

Spiced Caramel Pumpkin Frappuccino
Makes one large drink (about 16 ounces)

• 1 1/2 cups ice cubes
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) strongly brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons spiced caramel sauce, plus additional for drizzling
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
• Whipped cream (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth, pulsing to break up any ice, if necessary.  Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream (if you like) and an additional drizzle of caramel sauce.