Vietnamese Coffee Vanilla Frappe

Name: Vietnamese Coffee Vanilla Frappe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup strong brewed Vietnamese coffee, cooled; 2 cups vanilla ice cream; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk; Ice cubes

Highlighted under: World Taste Recipe Collection

When I first tried Vietnamese Coffee, the vibrant flavors and creamy texture captivated my taste buds. I decided to transform that experience into a refreshing Vanilla Frappe, combining robust coffee with sweet vanilla. This recipe is my go-to for hot days, where a chilled beverage can offer a sweet escape. Trust me, this drink strikes the perfect balance between energizing and indulgent, making it a fantastic afternoon treat or dessert. You'll be amazed at how simple yet rewarding it is to create this at home!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-09T16:57:27.773Z

I was inspired to create this Vietnamese Coffee Vanilla Frappe after savoring the incredible flavors of traditional Vietnamese iced coffee on a summer trip. The unique combination of robust coffee and creamy sweetness sparked my creativity, leading to this deliciously icy drink. I discovered that blending together the coffee with vanilla ice cream creates a perfect texture that's irresistible!

As I experimented, I found that adding a hint of sweetened condensed milk really elevates the flavor, making it richer and more authentic. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; you can whip it up in just a few minutes. Plus, it’s the ideal pick-me-up for coffee lovers or a refreshing treat on a warm day!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich coffee flavor balanced with creamy vanilla goodness
Ice-cold refreshment perfect for any occasion
Quick and easy to make, allowing you to enjoy cafe-quality drinks at home

Perfecting the Coffee Base

The foundation of this Vietnamese Coffee Vanilla Frappe is the coffee itself. Using authentic Vietnamese coffee, which is often a robusta variety, brings out intensive flavors and caffeine potency. If you're in a pinch, a dark-roasted arabica can serve as a substitute, but it may lack the characteristic boldness. Ensure the coffee is brewed strong; I recommend using a ratio of one tablespoon of coffee grounds for every couple of ounces of water to achieve a rich taste.

Cooling the coffee properly is essential for preventing the ice in your frappe from melting too quickly. Ideally, let the brewed coffee cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge or freezer for rapid chilling. You can also use leftover coffee if you have some on hand—the stronger, the better!

Achieving the Ideal Texture

For the best texture, it’s crucial to balance the amount of ice used in the blend. Too much ice can lead to a watery frappe, while too little may result in a thick, semi-liquid mixture. My tip? Start with a handful of ice cubes and blend until the mixture is creamy and smooth, but still thick enough to hold its shape when poured into a glass. This way, you’ll achieve that irresistible frosty texture that screams summer refreshment.

Remember that blending time impacts the final product as well. Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until you see a glossy, homogeneous mixture. If you find your frappe is too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, incorporate extra ice cubes and blend again.

Customization and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! While a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk is classic, I love adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for an extra layer of flavor. Dusting with crushed nuts or even a dash of cinnamon can elevate the drink and provide a unique twist. If you're a fan of whipped cream, pile some on top for added indulgence.

This frappe also makes for an excellent base for other flavors. For a mocha twist, consider adding a couple of tablespoons of chocolate syrup to the blender. Alternatively, if you want a dairy-free version, swap the vanilla ice cream for coconut or almond milk ice cream, and use almond milk in place of regular milk. Enjoy experimenting to find your ideal balance!

Ingredients

For the Frappe

1 cup strong brewed Vietnamese coffee, cooled
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
Ice cubes

Blend all ingredients together until smooth, then pour into tall glasses and enjoy!

Instructions

Brew the Coffee

Start by brewing a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee. Once brewed, let it cool to room temperature or chill it in the fridge for faster cooling.

Blend the Frappe

In a blender, add the cooled coffee, vanilla ice cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, and a handful of ice cubes. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Serve and Enjoy

Pour the frappe into tall glasses. Feel free to garnish with a drizzle of condensed milk or chocolate syrup for an extra touch before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Vietnamese Coffee Vanilla Frappe immediately!

Pro Tips

For an extra boost, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the blender. If you prefer a less sweet version, adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to your taste.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can brew and chill the Vietnamese coffee a day ahead, making this recipe even easier on busy days. Just store the cooled coffee in an airtight container in the fridge. Keeping the coffee cold will aid in maintaining the frappe’s desired consistency when you blend it later.

If you want to prep the frappe itself, you can blend the coffee, milk, and sweetened condensed milk together and keep that mixture in the fridge for up to a day. When you're ready to enjoy, simply add the vanilla ice cream and ice, and blend for a quick and refreshing treat.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover frappe, which is likely with this rich recipe, store it in a sealed container in the freezer. The sweetened condensed milk helps prevent excessive ice crystal formation, so it should maintain a pleasurable texture. Just remember to give it a quick blend before serving to restore its icy consistency after thawing.

However, be mindful that refrigeration may alter the texture a bit. It’s best consumed fresh on the same day or within a day or two for optimal flavor and consistency. If you notice it becomes a bit thick, simply add a little milk and blend until smooth again.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter a frappe that feels too bitter, it may be due to over-brewing the coffee or using an excessively dark roast. To counteract this, balancing the flavor with more vanilla ice cream or sweetened condensed milk can help enhance the sweetness and creaminess, bringing harmony back to your drink.

On the other hand, if your frappe turns out too sweet, consider adding more milk or even a splash of cold brew coffee to cut the sweetness. It's all about finding the right balance that suits your personal taste preferences while still honoring the rich Vietnamese coffee base!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this frappe without coffee?

Absolutely! You can substitute the coffee with cold brew or even omit it entirely for a vanilla milkshake version.

→ What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?

You can use a combination of regular milk and sugar or dairy-free alternatives to achieve a similar sweetness.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week, but it's best enjoyed fresh!

→ Can I add other flavors?

Yes, you can experiment with other flavorings like caramel, chocolate, or even matcha for a unique twist!