Peanut Butter Frappe – Cold, Creamy & Naturally Satisfying.

Every time warm weather rolls in, I find myself craving something cold, caffeinated, and just a little indulgent—but not so sweet that it feels like dessert. This peanut butter frappe was a happy accident from one of those afternoons. I had leftover cold brew, a spoonful of peanut butter sitting on the counter, and the sudden thought: What if I blend the two?

The result was surprisingly balanced—creamy, frothy, lightly nutty, and just sweet enough. It has the refreshing lift of an iced coffee but with a smoothie-like twist that keeps you full longer. The peanut butter adds warmth and richness, the coffee brings depth, and a touch of vanilla pulls it all together. If you love cold coffee drinks and also love peanut butter, this recipe lands right in that perfect overlap.

Whether you need a quick morning drink, a satisfying afternoon boost, or something cool to sip after a workout, this frappe hits all the right notes. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and far better (and cheaper) than anything you’d grab from a café.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

1 cup cold brew or strongly brewed chilled coffee
½ cup milk of your choice (dairy, oat, almond, soy, etc.)
2 tbsp creamy peanut butter (or powdered peanut butter for lighter texture)
1–2 tbsp maple syrup, honey, or sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–1½ cups ice cubes

Optional Add-Ins

1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 frozen banana (for a thicker, smoothie-like drink)
¼ tsp cinnamon
A small pinch of salt (enhances flavor)
1–2 tbsp oats for more body

For Topping (Optional)

Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
A drizzle of peanut butter
Crushed peanuts
Cocoa powder dusting

Instructions

Prepare the Blender

Add the cold brew, milk, peanut butter, sweetener, and vanilla to your blender first. Starting with liquids prevents the peanut butter from sticking to the sides and ensures a smoother blend.

Add Ice

Pour in 1 to 1½ cups of ice. If you like a thicker, milkshake-style texture, go toward the higher end or add a handful more.

Blend

Blend on high until the mixture is creamy, frothy, and smooth. Depending on your blender, this may take 20–30 seconds. If the frappe seems too loose, add a little more ice. If it’s too thick, splash in extra milk.

Taste & Adjust

Give it a quick taste—add more sweetener if you want it sweeter or more peanut butter if you want a stronger nutty flavor.

Serve

Pour into a cold glass. Add toppings if you’re feeling fancy, or enjoy it just as it is.

Flavor & Texture Notes

This frappe has a cool, smooth texture that lands somewhere between an iced latte and a milkshake. The peanut butter adds natural creaminess and a subtle roasted flavor that complements the boldness of the coffee surprisingly well.

You’ll notice a gentle sweetness from the maple syrup or honey that never overwhelms the drink. The vanilla softens the edges, while the ice makes it refreshing and light. If you add protein powder or a frozen banana, you’ll get a much thicker, more filling drink—almost like a breakfast smoothie with a caffeine kick.

Cocoa powder turns it into a chocolate-peanut-butter blend reminiscent of a classic mocha but with more depth. A pinch of salt goes a long way here; it brings out the nuttiness and makes the coffee feel rounder.

Tips & Variations

Choose the Right Coffee

Cold brew gives the smoothest flavor, but chilled leftover drip coffee is perfectly fine. For stronger coffee flavor, use espresso topped off with milk.

Adjust the Texture

For a frothier frappe, add a little more milk and ice.
For a thicker, creamier drink, add oats, banana, or protein powder.
For a low-ice version, use frozen coffee cubes.

Swap the Nut Butter

Peanut butter is the star, but you can experiment with:

Almond butter
Cashew butter
Hazelnut butter (more dessert-like)
Just make sure the nut butter is smooth for easy blending.

Make It Dairy-Free

Use oat, almond, or soy milk and skip the whipped cream—or choose a dairy-free version.

Turn It Into a Breakfast Smoothie

Add:

Frozen banana
Scoop of protein
Spoonful of oats
This gives you a more substantial drink that still tastes like a treat.

Add Chocolate

For a mocha-style twist, blend in:

Cocoa powder
Chocolate syrup
A few dark chocolate chunks

Storage & Make-Ahead

Coffee Base

Prepare cold brew ahead of time and chill it for up to a week. That way you can make this frappe quickly whenever the craving hits.

Frappe Packs

Freeze small spoonfuls of peanut butter on a parchment-lined tray. Store in a freezer bag and toss directly into the blender for a cold, extra-creamy texture.

Leftovers

Frappe leftovers don’t store well once blended. They melt quickly, so it’s best enjoyed immediately. If you do need to store it briefly, keep it in the fridge and re-blend with fresh ice.

Serving Suggestions

This frappe is versatile—you can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a light snack. Some good options include:

A slice of banana bread
Greek yogurt and granola
Peanut butter toast
A simple oat cookie
Fresh berries
A small breakfast sandwich

If you’re serving this as an afternoon pick-me-up, it pairs nicely with chocolate-based treats, especially those with sea salt or nuts.

FAQ

Can I make this without coffee?

Yes! Substitute cold milk or a mix of milk and cocoa powder for a caffeine-free peanut butter shake.

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

You can, but it may leave small pieces in the drink. If you like added texture, go for it; otherwise, stick to smooth.

Is powdered peanut butter okay?

Absolutely. It blends easily and produces a slightly lighter drink. Start with 2–3 tablespoons and adjust to taste.

How do I make it sweeter?

Increase the maple syrup, add a splash of vanilla coffee creamer, or blend in a date for a natural sweetness boost.

Can I make this without a blender?

A blender gives the best texture, but you can shake everything vigorously in a jar with crushed ice for a lighter iced-coffee-style drink.

Conclusion

This peanut butter frappe is a simple but memorable blend of cold coffee, creamy nut butter, and smooth vanilla—refreshing yet comforting in its own way. It’s the kind of drink you can adjust endlessly depending on your mood, whether you want something light and frothy or thick and filling.