Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Frappuccino (Vegan)
Today we are making a Vegan Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Frappuccino! This is also known as the Cake Batter Frappuccino, and can be ordered through the secret menu at Starbucks. It’s not actually a menu in-store, but this “secret menu” is something you can find online to customize many different frappuccino flavors to your liking.
The Birthday Cake Frappuccino combines the flavors of vanilla cake batter with a creamy, dreamy texture that’s perfect for any celebration—or just a special treat. To order it at Starbucks, you’d typically request a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with a few key modifications. But today, we’re making it at home, so you can enjoy the same great taste with all vegan ingredients, using frozen milk as the base, with cashew butter, vanilla, sweetener and more milk for a creamy treat.
Our homemade version is not only a delicious nod to the original but also a healthier alternative, crafted to fit a vegan diet and with a lighter touch. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet indulgence, this recipe will bring the magic of the secret menu right into your kitchen. So grab your blender and let’s get started on this fun and festive frappuccino!
Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Birthday Cake Frappuccino Recipe
Healthier and Dietary-Friendly: This version is not only vegan, making it a great option for those following a plant-based diet, but it’s also a lighter alternative to the traditional frappuccino. With no dairy and less sugar, it’s a deliciously healthier treat that fits perfectly into a balanced lifestyle.
Starbucks Copycat: Experience the magic of Starbucks’ secret menu right in your kitchen! This recipe captures the rich, nostalgic flavor of their famous Birthday Cake Frappuccino, allowing you to enjoy that iconic taste without the need to wait in line or navigate the drive-thru.
Substitutions
Oat Milk: For the best texture, use unsweetened oat milk, or another thick and creamy, neutral-flavored plant-based milk. You can experiment with different varieties like almond or cashew milk depending on your taste preference and desired creaminess.
Coconut Milk: Use full-fat, canned coconut milk – the only ingredients should be coconuts and water. This provides the richest, highest-fat base for the recipe. However, if you prefer a coconut or nut-free base, then substitute with unsweetened oat milk.
Cashew Butter: Cashew butter is made from roasted, blended cashews. Do not substitute with another nut butter, as cashews have the buttery underlying flavor that works perfectly in this drink.
Agave Nectar: Substitute with xylitol or another plain sweetener of choice (one that does not have a distinct flavor of its own, like strong maple syrup or brown sugar).
Sprinkles: Not all sprinkles are vegan due to the inclusion of animal-derived ingredients. For instance, many sprinkles contain gelatin, which is made from animal bones, skin, and connective tissues, giving them their texture and stability. Additionally, some sprinkles are coated with confectioner’s glaze, derived from shellac, a substance obtained from insect secretions.
Certain colorings used in sprinkles, especially those with red or pink hues, may come from crushed insects like cochineal or carmine. Additionally, dairy products or butter may be used in some specialty or artisanal sprinkles. To ensure sprinkles are vegan, it’s best to check the ingredient list or look for products specifically labeled as vegan.
Whipped Cream: Find vegan whipped cream from a can at the grocery store, just like dairy whipped cream comes from an aerosol can. There are coconut-based whipped creams (like Gay Lea, the brand that’s in the grocery stores in my area), almond-based, soy-based and more. You can find the one that’s in your area, order it from online or omit this (a festive latte just doesn’t have the same appeal without whip though)!
Birthday Cake Frappuccino Recipe Notes
- Make this into a cake-batter protein shake by adding some vegan protein powder and additional milk to adjust the texture.
More Frappuccino Recipes You’ll Love
Secret Menu Starbucks Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino
Limited Edition Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino
If you make this Vegan Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Frappuccino, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Frappuccino (Vegan)
Equipment
- Ice Cube Trays
- High-speed blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 12 tbsp full-fat coconut milk frozen into ice cubes
- 1 tbsp agave nectar
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cashew butter
- ¾ cup oat milk
- pinch pink salt
- 1 tbsp vegan sprinkles additional reserved for topping
- vegan whipped cream
Instructions
- Freeze the coconut milk into small ice cubes the night before using.
- The next day, blend together all ingredients, except the sprinkles, until smooth.
- Add the 1 tbsp of sprinkles in at the end. Give the blender a few quick pulses, just enough to combine the sprinkles.
- Pour the frappuccino into a tall glass. Top with vegan whipped cream and extra sprinkles. Enjoy!