Vanilla Hazelnut Iced Frappé
Highlighted under: Sugar & Spice Kitchen
I absolutely love whipping up a refreshing Vanilla Hazelnut Iced Frappé during warm days. The combination of smooth vanilla and rich hazelnut creates a delightful drink that’s both satisfying and energizing. With just a few ingredients and a quick blend, I can enjoy café-quality indulgence at home in under 10 minutes. It’s the perfect treat to cool down and satisfy my coffee cravings with a twist that feels luxurious yet approachable.
During a recent hot afternoon, I decided to experiment with a classic iced coffee like never before, and the result was this Vanilla Hazelnut Iced Frappé. Using freshly ground hazelnuts adds a depth that elevates the common frappé, providing a nutty richness that complements the sweet vanilla perfectly!
I was thrilled to discover that blending the hazelnuts with the ice not only gives a delightful crunch but also enhances the creaminess of the frappé itself, resulting in a smooth, frosty delight that makes it hard to resist. It's become one of my favorite ways to cool down!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and frosty texture that is irresistibly refreshing
- Nutty flavor of hazelnuts paired with smooth vanilla
- Easy to customize with your favorite milk or sweetener
The Perfect Brew
When preparing your coffee, the choice of brewing method can significantly impact the flavor of your Vanilla Hazelnut Iced Frappé. I recommend using a medium roast, as the nutty notes of the coffee pair beautifully with the hazelnuts. If you're using a French press, steep the coffee for about four minutes for a rich, full-bodied flavor. Allow the coffee to cool thoroughly, as warm coffee can melt your ice cream and dilute the texture of the frappé.
If you're short on time, instant coffee can serve as a quick alternative, but choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor. A good ratio to start with is 2 tablespoons of instant coffee for every cup of water. Just remember to let it cool before blending, as hot liquids can create steam and cause your blender lid to pop off during mixing.
Customizing Your Frappé
One of the joys of making this frappé at home is the ease of customization. If you prefer a dairy-free option, oat milk or almond milk can be substituted for regular milk. Both alternatives will add their unique flavor profiles while keeping the drink creamy. For a lower sweetness level, adjust the vanilla syrup to taste or use a sugar-free option to suit your dietary needs.
Additionally, you can experiment with different toppings. While whipped cream adds a lovely touch, consider drizzling some caramel or hazelnut syrup for an extra layer of flavor. For a more indulgent twist, try adding a layer of finely crushed hazelnuts on top of the whipped cream—this extra crunch pairs well with the creamy texture.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients before you begin:
Ingredients
- 2 cups brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish, optional)
Make sure everything is prepped and ready!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own Vanilla Hazelnut Iced Frappé:
Blend the Ingredients
In a blender, combine the cooled brewed coffee, milk, vanilla ice cream, toasted hazelnuts, and vanilla syrup. Blend until smooth and frothy.
Serve and Garnish
Pour the frappé into tall glasses, topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings if desired.
Enjoy your homemade frappé!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, you can add a shot of espresso or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before serving.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you're making multiple servings of the Vanilla Hazelnut Iced Frappé for a gathering, blend your coffee and hazelnut mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to give it a good stir and re-blend with ice before serving to achieve that frosty texture. This way, guests can enjoy their own frappés without waiting for the blending process.
For best results, avoid freezing the frappé mixture, as ice crystals may form and affect the smoothness. However, you can freeze the brewed coffee in ice cube trays if you want to maintain a strong coffee flavor while keeping your frappé icy cold.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you find that your frappé is too thin or watery, consider adding more ice to thicken it up. Blend the ice separately before mixing it back with the other ingredients to achieve a better consistency. Conversely, if it's too thick, a splash of milk can help loosen it without losing the delicious flavor.
Another common issue is overly sweetened frappés. If you've accidentally added too much syrup, balancing it with a bit of additional brewed coffee can help mellow out the sweetness. Just be careful not to add so much that it turns milky; aim for maintaining that perfect creamy texture while achieving the right flavor balance.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this frappé dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy alternative.
→ How can I make it sweeter?
Feel free to adjust the amount of vanilla syrup you use or add a bit of sugar or honey to taste.
→ What if I don’t have hazelnuts?
You can substitute hazelnuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans, or even use a nut-free alternative.
→ Can this be made in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare the coffee and hazelnuts in advance and blend them when you're ready to serve.
Vanilla Hazelnut Iced Frappé
I absolutely love whipping up a refreshing Vanilla Hazelnut Iced Frappé during warm days. The combination of smooth vanilla and rich hazelnut creates a delightful drink that’s both satisfying and energizing. With just a few ingredients and a quick blend, I can enjoy café-quality indulgence at home in under 10 minutes. It’s the perfect treat to cool down and satisfy my coffee cravings with a twist that feels luxurious yet approachable.
Created by: Felicity Grant
Recipe Type: Sugar & Spice Kitchen
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish, optional)
How-To Steps
In a blender, combine the cooled brewed coffee, milk, vanilla ice cream, toasted hazelnuts, and vanilla syrup. Blend until smooth and frothy.
Pour the frappé into tall glasses, topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings if desired.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, you can add a shot of espresso or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 6g