For all the clean, unprocessed food we consume, Kirk and I have one bitter, dark area we had not broken free of. Our frappe mixes we use for morning coffee. Granted we had at least found a version that had no trans-fats or partially hydrogenated oils (most of the dry mixes are scary). But lest face it – no matter what, they are not healthy or good for us. High in processed sugars, cheap oils (hello palm in some brands) and worse? The one mix we had found that was generally OK has corn syrup solids in it. Yuck. I had tried other ways to make “at-home” frappes before. Countless ways. Some were good, some not so. But let’s be honest – the dry mixes give a taste and texture you cannot get without crap ingredients. So…I thought why instead of trying to recreate it, instead make something totally different? After all, I had gotten down the science of making cold-brewed espresso so I had great coffee to start with.
This version isn’t low in calories but at least the calories are coming naturally and the fat is from the bananas. It was around 210 calories a serving with 3 grams fat, 2 grams protein and 4 grams fiber, which is still better than the commercial mix that had 210 calories but 8+ fat grams and no fiber. I am going to work on getting the sweetener down to 2 Tablespoons from 3, that will take time.
I made two versions – first with the frozen bananas and then a second version, made with bananas and ice cubes. The second one is the best I think, the flavors come through more and it has a nice thick texture. Expect more drinks to come soon!
PS: Whenever you have really ripe bananas, peel and slice, then freeze. Once frozen, bag up 2 per bag – then you are ready to go to make drinks.
Cinnamon Bun Frappe – Version 1
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups cold unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup cold-brewed espresso (see above for link)
- 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 bananas, sliced and frozen
Directions:
Add everything but the bananas to a high-speed blender. Process on low till mixed. Add in the bananas, put on the lid and run on high till blended (less than a minute).
Serve immediately with large straws.
Serves 2.
Cinnamon Bun Frappe – Version 2
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups cold unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup cold-brewed espresso (see above for link)
- 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 bananas, sliced and frozen
- 8 ice cubes
Directions:
Add everything but the bananas and ice to a high-speed blender. Process on low till mixed. Add in the bananas and ice, put on the lid and run on high till blended (less than a minute).
Serve immediately with large straws.
Serves 2.
~Sarah
Yum! I’m happy I’m not the only one with a “dark area” hidden away.
This looks delicious by the way. I love drinks like this but mine never turn out at good at the expensive store bought ones.
Thanks for sharing!
That was a big thing for me as well – I have tried so many times to replicate SB’s and it wasn’t till I found cold-brewed espresso that I “got it” taste wise. The other issue is non-dairy milk is thin (well except for luscious coconut milk) and the drinks are too watery. The banana really thickens it up 🙂
It kills me to pay $4-5 for a frappe….ack! And I am guilty of that way too often!
I hadn’t thought of adding a banana but that sounds great. I keep them in my freezer at all times. I’ve been getting up really early lately and SB’s calls my name. I had it once but I’ve resisted the other times. 🙂