I'm pretty sure I just made your weekend. Skip Starbucks. I've got you covered.
I'm also sure I'm about to embarrass myself by admitting that I just don't get the Starbucks craze. Maybe it's my age or the fact that I don't drink coffee non-stop all day or that I lead a sheltered life. I have nothing against Starbucks. I can appreciate the allure. But seriously, when I walk in there I feel so out of place. Everyone seems to know exactly what they want as soon as they walk in! But there are so many choices! I can feel the hyped-up energy. How can people possibly make up their minds that quickly?! Maybe it's from all the caffeine they drink? As the cappuccino machines are frothing loudly and baristas are frantically rushing to get out the orders, I take my timid step toward the counter, still unsure if I want almond milk or soy, tea, coffee or maybe a smoothie. I can't remember if "small" is a "tall" or if "tall" is a "large"? I begin to sweat as people on line are looking at me agitated because I hesitate. It's usually about then that I realize I was perfectly happy with my water bottle and the french press coffee I already drank this morning.
So, now that my teen and tween are asking to go to Starbucks more often, I thought I'd start making a good old-fashioned vanilla bean frappuccino at home. In general, I'm not a fan of all the caffeine, sugar and calories that often accompany these types of drinks. It's the last thing teens of this generation need! At least at home I can control the portion sizes and adjust the ingredients as I see fit.
I use coconut ice cream (making it vegan-friendly and extra delicious). I happen to love So Delicious brand coconut milk ice cream. It really tastes like regular ice cream but with a creamy coconut taste. I also add some left over coffee from the morning (I personally use decaf coffee so I don't mind giving to the kids). Interestingly enough, the Starbucks version is sans coffee, but to me the coffee flavor is the best part!
To make it a bit more satisfying and rich, I add in half of a banana, some ice and top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon! So simple and so yummy!
Such a delicious treat! Pour yourself a tall glass...or is it a small? 😉
Either way, I hope you give it a try!
*This post was not sponsored. All opinions are my own.
Banana Vanilla Bean Frappuccino {with Coconut Ice Cream}
Ingredients
- 3 scoops of vanilla bean coconut milk ice cream recommend So Delicious brand
- ½ banana
- ⅓ cup leftover coffee if not using coffee, sub in almond or coconut milk
- handful of ice
- whipped cream dairy free if vegan
- cinnamon
Instructions
- Put ice cream, banana, coffee and ice into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Top with whipped cream
- Sprinkle with cinnamon.
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