🍹 Sweet Salted Caramel Pretzel Frappe

Kristine
4 May, 2025


Creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly indulgent – a dessert drink made for caramel lovers!

Hello, Kristine here again!
Let’s talk about one of my personal obsessions—frozen coffee drinks. Specifically, the ones that bring together the sweet, the salty, the crunchy, and the smooth in one sip. Today, I’m sharing a recipe I absolutely adore and whip up on special weekends: the Sweet Salted Caramel Pretzel Frappe.

This frappe is the perfect treat when you're craving something decadent but want to make it at home without a coffee shop trip. It’s a delightful combo of creamy blended coffee, buttery caramel, and a hint of sea salt—all topped off with crushed pretzels for that unexpected (yet heavenly) crunch. Whether you’re making it for a solo sip or serving it at a brunch gathering, this frappe will steal the spotlight.

📝 Why You'll Love This Frappe

  • Sweet & salty perfection: It hits all the right taste notes—smooth coffee, caramel sweetness, and a salty bite.

  • Texture heaven: Blended smooth but topped with crunchy pretzel bits—it's a dessert and drink in one.

  • Customizable: Make it decaf, dairy-free, or even without coffee if serving to kids.

  • Café-style experience at home: With simple ingredients and a blender, you’re just five minutes away from sipping magic.

🧾 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for a single tall serving (about 16 oz):

Frappe Base:

  • ¾ cup strong brewed coffee, chilled (or 1 espresso shot + ½ cup milk)

  • ¾ cup milk (whole, almond, oat, or any of your choice)

  • 1½ tbsp salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

  • 1–2 tsp brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, adjust for sweetness)

  • 1½ cups ice

  • ¼ tsp sea salt (just a pinch to enhance flavor)

Toppings:

  • Whipped cream (about ¼ cup)

  • Crushed pretzels (1 tbsp for garnish)

  • Caramel drizzle

  • Whole mini pretzel (optional for garnish)

🔧 Equipment Needed:

  • Blender (preferably high-speed)

  • Measuring spoons and cups

  • Tall glass or mason jar

  • Straw and long spoon

👩‍🍳 How to Make Sweet Salted Caramel Pretzel Frappe



• Step 1: Brew & Chill the Coffee
If using fresh coffee, brew a strong cup and let it chill in the refrigerator. You can use espresso shots or cold brew if you prefer a richer coffee base.

• Step 2: Prepare Your Frappe Base
In a blender, combine the chilled coffee, milk, caramel sauce, ice, a pinch of sea salt, and brown sugar or maple syrup (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy. The texture should be thick like a milkshake but pourable.

• Step 3: Taste & Adjust
Give it a quick taste. Add more caramel or a splash of milk depending on how sweet or strong you want it.

• Step 4: Garnish Like a Pro
Pour the frappe into a tall glass. Top generously with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, and a sprinkle of crushed pretzels. Finish with a whole mini pretzel for presentation.

• Step 5: Sip & Savor
Enjoy immediately with a thick straw or long spoon—don’t forget to scoop up that crunchy topping with every sip!

🔥 Pro Tips from Kristine’s Kitchen

✨ Chill Everything: Cold ingredients = a frosty frappe. Chill your glass too for an extra café-style feel.
✨ Make It Extra Creamy: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert version.
✨ Homemade Caramel Sauce: If you're feeling fancy, make your own caramel sauce with butter, brown sugar, and cream—it’s worth it!
✨ Use Flavored Pretzels: Try chocolate-drizzled pretzels or cinnamon sugar-coated ones for a twist.

⚖️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~360

  • Protein: 5g

  • Fat: 15g

  • Carbohydrates: 50g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 35g

Note: Nutritional values vary depending on milk type and caramel sauce brand used.

🥄 Variations You’ll Love

  • Kid-Friendly Version: Swap coffee for chocolate milk and skip the salt.

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond or coconut milk and coconut whipped topping.

  • Mocha Pretzel Frappe: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder and a few dark chocolate chips to the blend.

  • Extra Crunchy: Stir crushed pretzels right into the blend for texture throughout.

  • Frozen Yogurt Boost: Add 2 tbsp of vanilla Greek yogurt for protein and tang.

💬 FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: The frappe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can brew and chill the coffee in advance. Blend everything just before serving for the best texture.

Q: What caramel sauce should I use?
A: Store-bought salted caramel works fine. For a gourmet touch, use homemade caramel. Try adding a tiny splash of vanilla extract for a richer flavor.

Q: Can I use decaf coffee?
A: Absolutely! This frappe works wonderfully with decaf, especially if you want to enjoy it in the evening or serve it to teens.

Q: How do I crush pretzels perfectly?
A: Place a handful in a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass. Don’t overdo it—you want a mix of fine crumbs and small chunks.

Q: Is there a way to make it lower in sugar?
A: Yes! Use unsweetened milk, reduce the caramel sauce, and skip the extra sweetener. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the natural sugars in the caramel.

🧡 Kristine’s Kitchen Note

I created this Sweet Salted Caramel Pretzel Frappe on a whim one weekend when I was craving something fun, frosty, and indulgent without stepping out of the house. It’s now a staple whenever I want a pick-me-up that doubles as a dessert.

There’s something so satisfying about the creamy caramel meeting the salty crunch of pretzels—it feels like a coffeehouse treat you made with love. Perfect for a cozy afternoon, a sunny day treat, or just because you deserve something delicious.

Thanks for sipping along with me! If you try this recipe, tag me or leave a comment—I’d love to see your frappes and how you make them your own.

—

With love and caramel sprinkles,
Kristine 💛

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