Once you see how easy it is to make a rich and creamy Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino at home you’ll never miss the fat and calories you’re saving.
Coffee and chocolate are a flavor match made in heaven which is why it is no surprise that the Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino is so popular. Cool, creamy, rich and chocolately – what’s not to love?
Confession: I’ve never actually ordered a Frappuccino at Starbucks before. While there are many unhealthy foods I can’t resist, Frappuccinos fall into my “off limits” category which means I never order them. The same can be said for a McDonald’s Big Mac, General Tso’s Chicken at a mall food court or a donut from Dunkin’ Donuts.
It all goes back to my 80’s childhood during the fat-free craze followed by my overweight adolescence in the 90’s/00’s. I didn’t grow up eating these heavy foods so to eat them now would pretty much be a guaranteed stomach ache. Psychologically, consuming them would immediately bring me to a dark place so for these reasons, I avoid them.
The fact is, I’ve worked too hard to achieve weight loss success and I’ve also learned a lot about making smarter food choices over the years. By using ingredients I can pronounce such as cocoa powder, half and half and strong coffee plus a few drops of my favorite chocolate stevia, I end up with a frothy, decadent frozen drink that is sheer perfection. If you don’t have liquid stevia, honey or pure maple syrup work just as well.
Your straw is waiting.
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee chilled
- 1/4 cup half and half or almond milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 14 drops chocolate stevia or sweetener of choice (ie honey,maple syrup, etc.)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- ice
- whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings optional garnish
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Combine coffee, half and half, cocoa powder, vanilla, stevia and salt in a blender. Puree until smooth about 30-60 seconds.
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Add a scoop or two of ice and puree for additional 45-60 seconds on high.
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Pour into a glass and garnish with whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings.
For a thicker consistency, add more ice.
Stevia has no calories so if you swap with honey or another sweetener please note that the calorie total will increase a bit.
Maggie W.
Hi! Great recipe. Any idea on how many shots of espresso to use in place of the cooled coffee?
Liz DellaCroce
I would do one shot per serving!
Gypsy Rhodes
I am always looking for new ways to make this, love the stevia idea, too bad it makes me sick…I’ve been making these for 10+ years and one thing I do differently is instead of ice cubes, I make coffee ice cubes, just pour coffee in a cube tray (that you might get a the $ store because sometimes they do stain the plastic). It makes the drink last longer, no watered down last few sips. Also recently, and rarely because of the calories, I’ve used a little sweetened condensed milk, it makes the drink a little more creamier, and is also the sweetener. Great job with this. Now I wanna look into the chocolate stevia for friends…lol
Liz DellaCroce
The coffee ice cubes idea is brilliant!! I want to try that!
Kelsey
Best ever!!
Liz DellaCroce
YAY!!
Farzana
What does Stevia taste like?? Is it bitter?
Liz DellaCroce
It depends on the brand but the one I link to (that I use and love) is NOT bitter at all!
Shannon Rogers
Hi Liz!
This looks yummy!! I notice that on the recipe that the whipped cream and chocolate shavings are optional. Are the whipped cream and chocolate shavings included in the 72 calories, or should I add the calories for the whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top of the 72 calories? I’d love it if you would answer my question.
Thanks :)
Liz DellaCroce
Hi Shannon – No it does not include the optional whipped cream and chocolate shavings! To be fair, I didn’t include whipped cream in the Starbucks calorie count either. :)
patti
This looks fabby! If I use honey-how much would you reccommend? Thanks, p
Liz DellaCroce
Hi Patti – I would start out with one or two tablespoons then add more to taste. I don’t like my drinks overly sweet so it certainly varies to taste. :) Let me know what you think!!
Nutmeg Nanny
Oh yes! I definitely needed this recipe :) coffee addict over here!
Liz DellaCroce
Same here sista!! And chocolate… :)
Megan {Country Cleaver}
Liz I love this a million times over. I always get light frapps at Starbucks, but I still feel guilty – I have to give yours a try!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes!! You will love this and you will also love not feeling guilty for spending $5 on a drink – lol. xoxo
Elizabeth
This was delicious! I’ve been making an iced mocha version for a while, but I loved this blended version (the vanilla was a superb addition). I used whole milk instead of half and half and 1/2 tbsp of sugar. I think the key is using good cocoa powder – I use extra dark cocoa powder from Amazon. My only problem was that the drink kept separating (the drink and the ice) – any tips on having that not happen? Thanks for the recipe!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad you loved it!! The vanilla really is a great complement to the cocoa and I agree with you on high quality cocoa. If you’re looking for the drink to keep from separating, one tip is to add a pinch of xanthan gum. It’s a bit pricey so I rarely have it on hand but if you’re looking for the drink to keep from separating I’ve read it works well! I’ve also heard of people using powdered pectin – the stuff used when making jams or jellies. I hope that’s helpful!
Carolyn M
Glad you made this over as I had a number of the ones at Starbucks and they are to die for! Literally…. too many of those in life and I would die from a fat attack!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you enjoy my version!
marlene
Have you tried this with fat-free half-and-half, Liz? That would make it even healthier–but would the texture and taste be the same?
Marlene
Thanks for the prompt reply, Liz, and education! I will read my labels carefully before buying fat-free in the future! And 1/4 cup of half and half, for 2 servings, is not much fat. Besides, we all need a little fat in our diets.
Alyssa (Everyday Maven)
Love this Liz!!! I am with you on having certain “off limits” foods. It’s shocking how many (empty!) calories the Starbucks version has!
Liz DellaCroce
I know…it’s a little scary, especially how much we pay for it!
Bonnie Esterow
thanks ! This sounds yummy!!
I have to confess that I go to Starbucks regularly. Im actually sitting in one right now !! My fav is Grande light coffee frappuccino w sugar free hazelnut (or vanilla or caramel syrup. Its under 200 cals and artificial sweetener be damned. lol! I love this, tastes great & lets me think im having a high calorie ice cream treat !!!
It does get a bit pricey so will have to make your version for a lot less money !!!
Liz DellaCroce
Trust me – I totally get it Bonnie!! Enjoy!
DessertForTwo
I remember the fat-free food my parents ate in the 80s. Remember Snackwells? Disgusting!
This drink, on the other hand, looks fantastic! Thanks :)
Liz DellaCroce
YES! I always joke about Snackwells!!!! So creepy. :) Thank you!
Carolyn
YUMMY! This is so similar to how I make my iced coffee in the summer. I do recommend using full cream, it makes it taste like ice cream! I suppose that adds calories but it’s low carb and sugar-free still! :)
Amy Murnan
One word – THANK YOU.
I could spend a fortune on these things.
Liz DellaCroce
You’re welcome!!! :)
Angela Pelc
Oh YUM! I have everything to make this, including a chocolate honey. Liz, you never cease to amaze me with your better versions of decadent recipes!
Liz DellaCroce
Wow chocolate honey sounds PERFECT Angela!! Enjoy!!
Cookin Canuck
My go-to summer coffee drink is an iced nonfat latte, but this healthy frap would be fantastic for a change-up.
Liz DellaCroce
Oooo I love a good iced latte!!! I also love the passion fruit iced tea unsweetened…ok you have me craving Starbucks! :)
Kathy
Do you happen to know the calorie / sugar / carb count in a Venti low fat, sugar free mocha frappacino from Starbucks? I just put another $25 on my Starbucks app and drink at least one if these a day. Dying to try your recipe.
Liz DellaCroce
Hi Kathy – I’m afraid I don’t but I bet you could out at Starbucks.com!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
mm mm mm When I was in college I drank Starbucks every single day and then I got a job there and probably drank it 2-3 times a day. I will admit that I LOVE Starbucks, but making them at home (and ones that are better for me) would be 100% better!
Liz DellaCroce
I always secretly wanted to work at Starbucks – that’s so cool!!!
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen
I absolutely love this, Liz! Such a great guilt-free treat. In high school and college I had no problem throwing back fraps on a regular basis. I probably haven’t had one in 10 years….it just feels like a lot of empty calories that I can’t justify. If I’m gonna splurge, pass me an ice cream cone :)
Liz DellaCroce
“Throwing back fraps” – I LOVE THAT PHRASE!! I work remotely from my Starbucks a lot and I always see skinny kids sucking them back like candy. Oh to be young. :)
Allyson
How are you SO BRILLIANT? :-) this is a great idea. You rock, Liz!
Liz DellaCroce
LOL!! I love you and miss you!! xoxo
Tieghan
Whoa! amazing!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks sista!
steph@stephsbitebybite
Come to mama!!
Liz DellaCroce
Sending one your way!
Maegan @ The BakerMama
You made my morning! I love Mocha Frappuccinos in the summer, but they are way too expensive and unhealthy to drink everyday. I can’t wait to try your healthy homemade version!
Liz DellaCroce
I know – they are so pricey and I love the idea of being able to make them at home!
Julia
I love this lighter version!! I honestly never get these fancy drinks because of the calories. I must try this!!
Erin | The Law Student's WIfe
Liz, I love this. Every time I walk into a starbucks (which is rare, but still) I stand there at look longingly at the Frap board, then remind myself I’d rather have a milkshake…and that $6 the frap would set me back. So excited to see this recipe–my wallet (and my waistline) thank you!
taylor @ taylormade
this is awesome! I occasionally order the “light” mocha frap from starbucks, but I love the idea of making your own and knowing exactly what goes into it. so many calories, fat grams, and sugar grams saved — not to mention $$! Mmm can’t wait to try :)
Liz DellaCroce
I know – the light drinks are tempting but often that means they are made with even more chemicals/artificial sweeteners. I hope you enjoy this version!!
Aggie
Funny, I don’t go for donuts either – not worth the calories in my opinion! I don’t order the fancy drinks at Starbucks anymore for the same reason (I used to be a sucker for pumpkin spice latte & I always have a dilemma with the artificial sugar free options). The calories in those drinks are a killer!! I can’t wait to try this, I’ve been wondering about those flavored stevia drops, I saw them at my health food store, will pick up chocolate next time! :)
Liz DellaCroce
I feel the same way!! I remember in college I would get caramel macchiatos all the time. Now that I’ve lost the weight I just can’t go there mentally. The stevia drops are a life saver!! You can buy them all on amazon (link in the recipe) if you don’t have a store near you that sells them. That’s usually what I do since I hate shopping with the little one – hahah.