McDonald’s Dulce De Leche Frappe Recipe

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I’m thrilled to share this recipe so you won’t need to run to McDonald’s every time that craving hits. With some detective work and a sprinkle of culinary creativity, I’ve put together a recipe that will bring the rich and smooth flavors of McDonald’s Dulce De Leche Frappe right into your kitchen.

How to make McDonald’s Dulce De Leche Frappe

McDonald’s Dulce de Leche Frappe is a sweet, creamy blended beverage offered at select McDonald’s locations, typically as part of their seasonal or specialty drink menu. The drink combines ice, coffee, milk, and a rich dulce de leche (caramelized milk) flavoring, topped with whipped cream and sometimes a drizzle of additional caramel or dulce de leche syrup.

Ingredients:

• Ice Cubes: You’ll need about 1.5 to 2 cups of ice, depending on your texture preference.
• Milk: 1 cup of whole milk or any milk alternative based on your dietary needs (almond, soy, oat, etc.).
• Coffee: ½ cup of strong brewed coffee, cooled. Using quality coffee is key for that authentic rich flavor.
• Dulce de Leche: 3 tablespoons. This creamy caramel sauce is the star of the recipe and can be found in most grocery stores near other spreads or in the Hispanic food aisle.
• Whipped Cream: For the topping, you can use light whipped cream like McDonald’s or any other that you prefer.
• Caramel Sauce: Additional caramel or dulce de leche for drizzling on top.
• Optional: Caramel Crunch Topping: For that extra crunch, you can add caramel chips or any crunchy caramel candy crushed into small pieces.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Coffee: Brew your coffee strong as it will be diluted slightly with the other ingredients. Allow it to cool completely before using.
2. Blend the Frappe: In a blender, combine the ice, cooled coffee, milk, and dulce de leche. Blend on high until smooth. The texture should be thick and creamy without large chunks of ice. You can adjust the thickness by adding more ice or milk, depending on your preference.
3. Serve: Pour the blended mixture into a serving glass. Aim for a chill glass to keep the frappe colder longer.
4. Top it Off: Generously top your frappe with whipped cream. Drizzle with caramel or dulce de leche sauce, and if you opted for an extra crunch, sprinkle the caramel crunch topping over the whipped cream.
5. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, creamy delight of your homemade Dulce De Leche Frappe.

Tips for Perfecting Your Frappe:

• Chilled Ingredients: For the best results, ensure your coffee is completely cooled and consider chilling your glass in the freezer before serving. This helps keep the frappe cool and thick.
• Blender Performance: Use a high-performance blender to ensure the ice is finely crushed and the mixture becomes smooth.
• Customization: Adjust the amount of dulce de leche based on your sweetness preference. Similarly, you can make it decaf by using decaffeinated coffee or even richer with an extra dollop of dulce de leche.
• Dairy-Free Version: Easily make this frappe dairy-free by using plant-based milk and whipped cream.

What to serve with

Serving the perfect accompaniment to your McDonald’s Dulce De Leche Frappe can turn a simple indulgence into an exquisite treat, elevating the whole experience.

For a Relaxing Breakfast or Brunch:

• Buttery Croissants: The light, flaky texture and rich buttery flavor of croissants complement the creamy sweetness of the Dulce De Leche Frappe. Add some jam or preserve on the side for a fruity touch.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with berries, oranges, and melons can balance the sweetness of the frappe with its natural sugars and zest.
• Avocado Toast: For a savory counterpoint, serve your frappe with avocado toast on a quality, crusty bread. Top with poached eggs, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a satisfying meal.

For a Cozy Afternoon Treat:

• Chocolate Chip Cookies: Is there anything more classic than cookies with your coffee? Freshly baked, gooey chocolate chip cookies alongside your Dulce De Leche Frappe create a comforting and indulgent pairing.
• Cheese Platter: A small cheese board featuring a variety of cheeses, nuts, and some dried fruits can offer a savory contrast to the sweet frappe. Opt for milder cheeses that won’t overpower the delicate dulce de leche flavors.

For an Elegant Dessert:

• Mini Cheesecakes: Serve your frappe with mini cheesecakes topped with a dollop of dulce de leche or caramel sauce. The creaminess of the cheesecake pairs perfectly with the flavors of the frappe.
• Chocolate Fondue: A chocolate fondue with an assortment of dippers like strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, and pound cake can turn your coffee treat into a delightful dessert feast.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of McDonald’s Dulce De Leche Frappe offers a wonderful opportunity for personalization and adaptation.

Dulce de Leche:

Substitute: If you can’t find dulce de leche in your local store, a good substitute is caramel sauce, though it’s slightly thinner and may not offer the same depth of flavor. For a more authentic substitute, you can make your own by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk until it reaches a deep caramel color.

Coffee:

Substitute: Any strongly brewed coffee works well. If you’re avoiding caffeine, you can opt for decaffeinated coffee or even a chicory coffee alternative. Consider using cold brew concentrate for a more intense coffee flavor without bitterness.

Milk:

Substitute: For those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk can be excellent substitutes. Each will bring a unique flavor profile to the frappe, with coconut milk adding a tropical twist and oat milk providing a creamy texture similar to whole dairy milk.

Ice:

No direct substitute required. If you aim for a less icy texture, partially freeze your coffee into ice cubes instead of plain ice cubes. This results in a frappe that is less diluted and more coffee-flavored.

Whipped Cream:

Substitute: Vegan whipped cream options, such as those made from coconut cream, can be used. For a healthier alternative, chilled coconut cream whipped with a bit of vanilla extract and sweetener can work as well.

Chocolate Syrup or Chocolate Sprinkles (for topping):

Substitute: For those avoiding refined sugars, consider using a homemade chocolate sauce made with cocoa powder, a preferred sweetener, and water. Natural cacao nibs can also add a crunchy, chocolatey topping without added sugars.

Final Thoughts

Creating this McDonald’s Dulce De Leche Frappe at home not only satisfies your cravings but also adds a personal touch to your enjoyment. Experiment with the ingredients and proportions to tailor it to your taste and create the perfect indulgence for any time of the day!

More McDonald’s Recipes:

• Mcdonald’s Peppermint Mocha Recipe