Starbucks Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino Recipe

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The Starbucks Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino is creamy, fruity, and tastes just like summer wrapped up in a cup. But let’s be honest, as much as I’d love to swing by Starbucks daily for my Frappuccino fix, my wallet (and schedule) doesn’t always allow it. That’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands and recreate this magical drink at home!

How to make Starbucks Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino

The Starbucks Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino is a sweet, caffeine-free blended dessert drink Starbucks introduced as a limited-time offering (not a regular menu item everywhere) — especially around seasonal events like Valentine’s Day in early 2026.

Ingredients

For the Frappuccino Base:

• 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy, like almond or oat milk)
• 1 cup of ice
• 1/3 cup vanilla ice cream ✅ Key for the creamy texture!
• 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (or substitute, depending on how sweet you like it)

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1/4 cup strawberry puree (homemade or store-bought; see Tips below)
• 1 tablespoon strawberry syrup (optional for extra strawberry flavor)

For Toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Crushed shortbread cookies (or graham cracker crumbs as an alternative)
• Strawberry drizzle or extra puree

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberry Layer: If using homemade strawberry puree, blend fresh or frozen strawberries with a teaspoon of sugar (or honey) until smooth. Set aside.
2. Drizzle some strawberry puree or syrup into your glass (for a fun “swirl” effect), then set the glass in the freezer to chill while you prepare the main drink.
3. Blend the Frappuccino Base: In a blender, combine the milk, ice, vanilla ice cream, vanilla syrup, sugar, and a small spoon of strawberry puree for a hint of fruitiness in the base. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Drink: Remove your chilled glass from the freezer. Pour a layer of strawberry puree at the bottom of the glass. Add your blended Frappuccino base over the strawberry puree. Spoon more strawberry puree over the top for a vibrant, fruity finish.
5. Decorate and Garnish: Top with generous swirls of whipped cream. Sprinkle crushed shortbread cookies (or graham cracker crumbs) on top for that authentic strawberry shortcake vibe. Finish with a drizzle of strawberry syrup or more puree.

Tips for the Perfect Starbucks Copycat Drink

• Making Strawberry Puree at Home: Use fresh or frozen strawberries. Blend them with a teaspoon of sugar (or honey) and a dash of water until smooth. For an even silkier puree, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
• Customizing the Sweetness: If you prefer a lighter, less sweet version, skip the sugar and use unsweetened vanilla syrup. You can also play with the proportions of strawberry puree to reduce the sweetness.
• Thick & Creamy Texture: Want a thick, ultra-creamy texture like Starbucks? Add a touch of xanthan gum (1/8 teaspoon) or extra ice cream!
• Make It Caffeine-Free or With a Boost: The classic strawberry shortcake Frappuccino is typically caffeine-free. However, if you’d like a caffeine kick, add a shot of espresso or a spoon of matcha powder for an interesting twist.
• Use Non-Dairy Alternatives: This recipe is easy to make vegan! Use almond, coconut, or oat milk, along with non-dairy vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.

What to serve with

The Starbucks Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino is already a delightful treat on its own, but pairing it with the right snacks or dishes can elevate your experience to a whole new level.

• Shortbread Cookies or Biscuits: Since the Starbucks Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino is inspired by strawberry shortcake, shortbread or buttery biscuits are a natural pairing. Their crumbly texture complements the drink’s smoothness perfectly.
• Scones (with Jam and Cream): A classic British scone paired with a dollop of clotted cream or butter and strawberry jam mirrors the fruity and creamy notes of the frappuccino.
• Vanilla Cupcakes or Muffins: Light, fluffy vanilla cupcakes or muffins are a great option. Top them with whipped cream or a light glaze to mimic the shortcake dessert flavors.
• Cinnamon Rolls: The subtle spice of cinnamon adds warmth to the meal, creating a pleasant contrast with the strawberry sweetness of the frappuccino.

Ingredient Substitutes

One of the best parts about making the Starbucks-inspired Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino at home is the freedom to customize it to your taste or dietary needs.

1. Milk Substitutes

Milk is key to achieving the creamy texture of the frappuccino, but there’s no need to stick to cow’s milk. Here are some common swaps:

• Almond Milk: Ideal for a lighter option with a subtle nutty flavor. It works well if you prefer a lower-calorie drink.
• Oat Milk: Creamy and slightly sweet, oat milk is one of the best non-dairy alternatives for replicating the rich texture of the Frappuccino.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a tropical twist to the drink, combining creaminess with a hint of coconut flavor. Works particularly well if you want unexpected depth.
• Soy Milk: A creamy vegan option with a neutral flavor, making it suitable for replicating the original recipe closely.

2. Ice Cream Substitutes

Ice cream gives the frappuccino its thick, dessert-like texture, but alternatives abound if you’re avoiding dairy or want a healthier option:

• Frozen Yogurt: Low-fat or non-dairy frozen yogurt can be used in place of ice cream. It keeps the drink creamy but adds a tangy flavor.
• Banana: A ripe frozen banana can add thickness and natural sweetness. While it will slightly change the flavor of the drink, it makes for a healthy and dairy-free alternative.
• Coconut Cream or Coconut Milk Ice Cream: Perfect for vegans or those avoiding lactose, coconut-based ice creams maintain a rich, creamy texture.
• Cashew or Almond Milk Ice Cream: Nut-based ice creams are a fantastic plant-based alternative and work well to keep the drink smooth and indulgent.

3. Sugar Substitutes

If you’re looking to cut back on sugar or use a healthier sweetener, here are some great replacements:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Use these natural sweeteners for a touch of added flavor and a healthier alternative to granulated sugar.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit can be used if you prefer a sugar-free option. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
• Coconut Sugar or Agave Syrup: Both are natural sweeteners that can replace regular sugar while adding a slight caramel-like flavor.
• Skip the Sweetener: Depending on your tastes, you may find that the fruit and vanilla syrup already provide enough sweetness for the drink.

Final Thoughts

With this recipe in hand, there’s no need to wait in line at Starbucks to enjoy the legendary Starbucks Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino. The best part? You can control every element and make it exactly how you like—make it extra sweet, more fruity, or even lower in calories.

More Starbucks Recipes:

• Homemade Starbucks Frog Cake Pop Recipe