Besides the cooler weather and falling leaves, I absolutely love fall flavors in foods. We switch over to apple, pumpkin and cinnamon-y goodness. It seems to be all food groups too! From breakfasts – caramel apple danishes – to savory lunches, dinners and even desserts – like my pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting. But what I have found is that fall drinks are my favorite. I love cozying up with a fall inspired drink during the cooler months. I made this apple margarita slush and I have been obsessed ever since.

What is an apple margarita slush?

This recipe is everything you could want in a fall cocktail: refreshing, flavorful, and visually stunning. It combines the warmth of apple pie spice with the zing of tequila and triple sec, while crushed ice turns the whole mixture into a smooth, slushy treat. The light blue agave sweetener adds just enough smoothness to tie everything together without overpowering the natural apple flavor.

Unlike a traditional margarita, which leans heavily on lime juice, this version uses apple cider as the main mixer. That gives it a subtle sweetness and deep, spiced undertone. Top it with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a picture-perfect presentation — the kind that looks right at home on your fall entertaining table or social media feed.

Margarita slush ingredients

To make this drink, you will need to get:

• sugar
• apple pie spice
• tequila
• triple sec
• light blue agave
• apple cider
• Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish

• 1/4 cup sugar – helps enhance the natural sweetness of the apples and balances the tequila’s sharpness.
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice – a cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that brings those unmistakable fall vibes.
• 1 cup tequila – use a quality blanco or reposado tequila for the best flavor.
• 1/2 cup triple sec – adds a bright orange note that complements the apple and spice.
• 2 tablespoons light blue agave syrup – a smooth, natural sweetener that keeps the cocktail from being too sugary.
• 2 cups apple cider – the heart of this recipe! Fresh, unfiltered cider gives the richest flavor.
• 3–4 cups ice – adjust depending on how thick or slushy you want your drink.
• Apple slices and cinnamon sticks – for garnish and extra aroma.

Optional: add a pinch of sea salt or a sugar-cinnamon rim on the glass for a fun twist.

How to make an apple margarita slush

1. Prepare Your Glasses -Start by prepping your serving glasses — margarita or stemless wine glasses work great. For a sweet touch, rim the edges with cinnamon sugar. Just rub a lime wedge (or apple slice) around the rim, then dip it into a mix of sugar + apple pie spice. Set aside while you make the slushy.

2. Blend the Base -In a blender, combine:

• apple cider
• tequila
• triple sec
• agave syrup
• sugar
• apple pie spice

Add the ice and blend on high until the texture is thick and frosty. If it’s too thin, add more ice; if too thick, add a splash more cider or a drizzle of agave.

3. Taste and Adjust – Give your slushy a quick taste test. Like it stronger? Add a bit more tequila or triple sec. Prefer it sweeter? Drizzle in more agave or a touch more sugar. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility — you can tailor it to your preference easily.

4. Pour and Garnish – Pour the frozen margarita mixture into your prepared glasses.
Top each one with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick for garnish. The cinnamon adds aroma as you sip, and the apple slice doubles as an edible treat.

Serving Ideas

This Apple Margarita Slushy isn’t just for fall! Its refreshing texture and spiced sweetness make it a hit year-round.

Here are a few fun serving ideas:

• Holiday Cocktails: Serve this as a signature drink at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Pair it with cinnamon-sugar donuts or apple pie.
• Summer BBQs: Swap hot cider for chilled apple juice and make a batch for your backyard party.
• Mocktail Version: Skip the tequila and triple sec, use extra apple cider and a splash of orange juice instead — just as delicious and family-friendly!

If you’re hosting a crowd, you can double (or even triple) the recipe and serve it in a large glass pitcher or punch bowl. Keep extra ice on hand to refresh the slushy texture if it starts to melt.

Apple Margarita Slushy Tips

• Chill everything first. Pop your apple cider, tequila, and triple sec in the fridge before blending. Cold ingredients make a smoother, frostier slush.
• Use real apple cider. Avoid overly filtered or sweetened juice — you want the depth and tartness of authentic cider.
• Blend in bursts. Pulse the blender rather than running it continuously to avoid over-melting the ice.
• Make it spicy. Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of spiced rum if you like a little heat.
• Serve immediately. Like most frozen drinks, this one’s best enjoyed fresh from the blender.

Other Fall Drinks to Try

Love a good fall drink? Me too! Here are some of my other favorites you should try:

• Fall Moscow Mule
• Caramel Apple Sangria
• Caramel Apple Jello Shots
• Instant Pot Apple Cider
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Shots

Apple Margarita Slushy

Yield: 1 drink

Make the ultimate fall drink with this apple margarita slushy!

Print

Ingredients

• ½ tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp apple pie spice + a pinch
• 1 cup of ice
• 2 oz tequila (anejo)
• 1 oz triple sec
• 2 tsp light blue agave
• 6 oz. apple cider
• Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

1.    On a small plate, combine the sugar and apple pie spice and mix until combined.

2.    Use a little of the apple cider (or tequila) to rim the glass and dip into the sugar mixture. Set aside.

3.    In a blender combine the ice, tequila, triple sec, agave, apple cider, and a pinch more of apple pie spice.

4.    Blend until smooth and pour into rimmed glass.

5.    Add apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish.

Notes

You can use your tequila of choice. Also can swap the agave for another sweetener such as maple syrup. You can swap apple pie spice for cinnamon.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 374Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 4gSugar: 43gProtein: 1g

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I remember many, many years ago I made friends with one of the baristas at ‘bucks that worked in the Target. I told her I wanted a drink that would get me going and tasted good – I trusted her opinion. She made me a double Americano over ice with a little sweetener. When I tell you I buzzed around that store SO fast! Not only did it give me the jump I needed – it was delicious too! The shaken espresso is the same drink, just better!

What is a salted caramel shaken espresso?

A shaken espresso is just that – fresh brewed espresso poured over ice and shaken. You can add sweeteners to it while shaking and easily change up the flavor. (Like my original shaken espresso that uses brown sugar syrup!) The cold espresso is then poured over ice and topped with milk to make one of the best coffee based drinks you have ever tasted! Some other reasons I love this shaken espresso is-

• simple to make
• easy to customize
• save money making it at home

Caramel shaken espresso ingredients

The best part of this drink is that you don’t need a whole list of complicated ingredients to make it at home. In fact, you may have most of them already! Once you have everything, you can easily make this drink over and over! To make a salted caramel iced espresso at home you will need:

• espresso
• salted caramel syrup
• milk
• ice

Espresso – Don’t have an espresso machine? That’s ok! Use a high quality instant espresso and hot water. I love this King Arthur instant espresso! It has a great flavor and is high quality.

Salted caramel syrup – Torani is my go to for pre-made syrups! I love their salted caramel syrup for this espresso drink. (Here are some of my homemade syrups too!)

Milk – Use your favorite milk for this drink. I love adding heavy cream in place on milk to make a decadent copycat coffee drink. Feel free to use your favorite milk or milk alternative here.

How to make a salted caramel shaken espresso

Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, you will also need to grab a mason jar or cock tail shaker, glass and spoon.

Step 1 – Make the espresso. Either brew your espresso with an espresso machine or make hot instant espresso. You want a fresh hot espresso base for this drink.

Step 2 – Shake. Add ice to a mason jar or cocktail shaker. Pour the syrup and hot espresso in. Shake for 1-2 minutes until the outside of the jar is cold and most of the ice has melted. The espresso will be frothy too.

Step 3 – Enjoy! Pour the shaken espresso into another glass that is full of ice. Add your milk on top and stir to combine. Sip and enjoy!

Other caramel drinks to try

Looking for other caramel drinks to try? Some other favorites are:

• Caramel frappuccino – Starbucks copycat!
• Salted caramel latte
• Iced caramel macchiato
• Caramel brulee latte
• Caramel apple sangria

Recipe Tips and FAQs

I love that a drink that is so popular right now is actually super simple to make at home. Here are some quick tips and frequently asked questions about this salted caramel shaken espresso.

Why is it called a shaken espresso? It’s called a shaken espresso because you literally shake the fresh brewed espresso over ice. It helps to cool down the hot espresso and gives it a nice airy texture.

What’s the difference between a latte and a shaken espresso? A shaken espresso is more concentrated than a traditional latte. A latte uses steamed milk and foam which dilutes the caffeine in the drink. A shaken espresso only uses milk on top.

Can I use caramel sauce instead? Yes, you can use caramel sauce instead of caramel syrup. I love using my homemade caramel sauce in coffee drinks! I suggest adding it right away to the hot espresso so it has time to blend into the coffee.

How can I make this dairy free? You sure can! Instead of the milk that is listed, feel free to use your favorite milk alternative. Almond, coconut and oat milk would be great options for this shaken espresso.

How do I order a shaken espresso at Starbucks? The great thing is Starbucks has shaken espressos on their menu full time! You can either order one that they offer, like the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, or order a different one. If you wanted to order a salted caramel shaken espresso you would say “Can I have a grande salted caramel shaken espresso?” Easy peasy!

Other Starbucks copycat drinks to try

If you are anything like me, you are always on the hunt for new coffee ideas! Some of my other favorite copycat Starbucks drinks are:

• Pumpkin spice latte – classic fall drink!
• Iced mocha latte
• Passion tea lemonade – fun summer drink!
• Iced white chocolate mocha

Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso

Yield: 1 drink

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Make a sweet and caffeine packed salted caramel shaken espresso.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 shots of espresso
• 1 tablespoon salted caramel syrup
• 1 cup milk
• ice

Instructions

1. Brew the espresso.
2. Place it in a mason jar or cocktail shaker with ice and the salted caramel syrup. Shake until the outside of the container is cold and most of the ice is melted.
3. Pour the chilled espresso into another cup of ice.
4. Add your milk of choice.
5. Stir and enjoy!

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I love the flavors of fall. I love fall in general but when add the cozy flavors of caramel and apple and pumpkin and chai – it’s just the best. Two of my favorites together are caramel and apple though! Taking a bite of this caramel apple dip just makes me think of falling leaves and roaring fireplaces.

What is caramel apple dip?

This is a cream cheese based dip that is made with homemade caramel sauce, sauteed apples and apple pie spices. It’s deliciousness in dip form! It’s great with apples (of course) but my kids like it smeared on graham crackers too. They also like to eat it right off the spoon but we try and encourage the apples. Everyone will love this caramel apple dip because:

• it’s easy to make
• full of fall flavors
• great to bring to parties

I can guarantee that everyone will love this insanely delicious dessert!

Caramel apple dip ingredients

Another reason this dip is so wonderful is that you only need a handful of ingredients. To make homemade caramel apple dip you will need:

• cream cheese
• brown sugar
• caramel
• heavy cream
• butter
• apples

Cream cheese – You can use any variety of plain cream cheese that you prefer – light, or regular, etc. Just make sure that it is softened before you start to make this dip.

Brown sugar – Instead of plain white sugar, I used brown sugar for this dip. It gives such a great depth of flavor and adds to the overall goodness of this fall inspired dessert.

Caramel – You want a thick, gooey caramel here. I suggest my homemade caramel sauce or even dulce de leche. If you are going to use store bought – I suggest dulce de leche due to it’s sweetness and how thick it is. You can find it in the baking aisle near the sweetened condensed milk.

Heavy cream – This helps keep the dip thick but pliable. It aids in mixing everything together. I found that regular milk is too thin for this dip. You can use half ‘n half if you don’t have heavy cream on hand.

Butter – Salted butter works great in this easy dip recipe. Feel free to use unsalted as well. This is for sauteing the apple to add to the dip.

Apple – Use your favorite apple variety. The apple is sauteed in butter and then folded into the dip. It’s what makes this dip a true caramel apple treat! You will also want some apples for dipping.

How to make caramel apple dip

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, you are going to also want to grab mixing bowls, spoons, cutting board, knife and a skillet. You will also need either a handheld mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese.

Step 1: Saute the apple. Place the butter and diced apple in a skillet over medium high heat. Saute, stirring occasionally, until the apple is softened. This should take about 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Mix. While the apple is softening, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, heavy cream and caramel in a bowl or stand mixer. Reserve some of the caramel for drizzling on top of the finished dip.

Step 3: Fold in apples. Once the apples are softened, let them cool on the counter or in the fridge. You don’t want them to be hot before adding them to the cream cheese mixture. Fold them in with a silicone spatula into the cream cheese mixture.

Step 4: Serve. Scoop the caramel apple dip into a serving bowl. Drizzle caramel sauce on top and add a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. Use sliced apples to eat the dip.

Recipe FAQs and Tips

This dip is simple to make and great for getting the kids involved in the kitchen. Here are some tips and tricks to make this caramel apple dip recipe even easier.

How do I soften cream cheese quickly? If you need to get your cream cheese soft quick, the easiest way to do this is by cutting it into cubes and then placing it in the microwave or a water bath. Microwave it in 15 second intervals so you don’t burn the cream cheese.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer? You can use a large mixing bowl and a handheld mixer to whip the cream cheese. Don’t have either? No problem! You just need to use a fork to whisk together all the ingredients.

Are there apples in the dip? Yes! There are sauteed apples inside this caramel apple dip!

What kind of apples do I need? You can use your favorite apple for this dip! Courtland, Granny Smith, Cosmic crisp. They are all fabulous!

Keep reading for storage instructions and the full recipe.

How to store leftovers

If you have any left dip, place it in an airtight container such as a Tupperware, and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and good to eat for up to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again. Freezing is not recommended for this dip.

Other caramel apple recipes

I am a firm believer that caramel and apple are one of the greatest flavor combos ever. If you agree, be sure to check out my other caramel apple recipes:

• Caramel apple cake
• Caramel apple sangria – my most popular fall drink recipe!
• Caramel apple danish
• Apple chai latte – no caramel in this one but it’s pretty delicious!

Caramel apple dip

Yield: 12 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Everyone will love this creamy caramel apple dip!

Print

Ingredients

• 1 block of cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 cup caramel or dulce de leche, separated
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 apple, diced
• cinnamon, for topping, optional

Instructions

1. Place the butter and the diced apple in a skillet over medium high heat. Saute for 5-10 minutes or until apples are soft. Allow to cool completely.
2. Mix together the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, caramel sauce and heavy cream in a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer. Mix until smooth.
3. Fold in the sauteed apples with a spatula once they are cooled.
4. Spoon the dip into a serving dish.
5. Top with a drizzle of reserved caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
6. Serve with sliced apples and graham crackers.
7. Enjoy!

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I love when Starbucks comes out with new seasonal drinks – especially when they are chai ones! I feel like chai drinks are making a comeback so I was super excited to hear about the new pumpkin cream chai latte. It combines some of my favorite things all into one drink!

You will love this fusion drink because:

• It’s easy to make
• Uses simple ingredients
• Saves money by making it at home

What is a pumpkin cream chai latte?

One of my first ever chai drinks was this pumpkin chai latte – almost 13 years ago! I loved the combination of classic pumpkin this the flavors of chai.

This pumpkin cream chai latte combines those two things together, just in a different way. The iced chai latte is sweetened with a basic vanilla syrup, has milk added and then is topped with a pumpkin cream cold foam. Starbucks had become popular for their deliciously addicting cold foam and this fall version is no exception.

Pumpkin cream chai ingredients

The great thing about this drink is that you don’t need a laundry list of ingredients. In fact, the ingredients are pretty basic and you probably already have some in your kitchen. To make a pumpkin cream chai at home you will need:

• chai tea
• vanilla syrup
• milk
• pumpkin puree
• heavy cream
• pumpkin pie spice

Chai tea – There are a couple different options for chai tea when it comes to making lattes at home. You can make it completely from scratch with homemade chai spice mix, you can use pre-made chai tea, or you can even use a chai concentrate. I like using chai tea bags so that I can control the strength of my chai.

Vanilla syrup – You will need a sweetener for the chai tea. If you use the concentrate, double check that it’s not sweetened before adding something else in. I love using my homemade vanilla syrup here, but store bought is great too.

Milk – Any type of milk will work in the chai latte portion of the drink. I like to use heavy cream in mine, but regular milk or your favorite milk alternative works too.

Pumpkin puree – A small amount of pumpkin puree will be needed to make the pumpkin cream. Save the rest for another yummy pumpkin recipe.

Heavy cream – This makes the best cold foam! Half and half can be used but won’t be as creamy.

Pumpkin pie spice – Pumpkin pie spice is used in the cold foam. Homemade pumpkin pie spice is always great to have on hand.

If you want to make an iced version like I did, you will also need ice.

How to make a Starbucks pumpkin cream chai at home

There are a few easy steps to make the perfect pumpkin cream chai at home. Start by gathering all your ingredients as well as a glass, measuring spoons and a milk frother.

Step 1: Brew your chai. If you are using tea bags, brew and steep your chai. Mix in your vanilla syrup while it’s hot. Allow to cool if you want to make an iced version.

Step 2: Add your milk. Pour your chai mixture over ice and then add your milk. Take a minute to enjoy the chai swirls and then mix it all together.

Step 3: Make the pumpkin cream. In a small glass, add the heavy cream, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla syrup. Use your milk frother to whip it together. You want it to be thinner than whipped cream. You can also use a high powdered blender. Sprinkle the top with additional pumpkin pie spice.

FAQS about pumpkin cream chai latte

How do you order a pumpkin chai latte from Starbucks? The great thing about Starbucks adding these drinks to their menu is that they are easy to order! You can ask your barista for a pumpkin cream chai and they will know what you want. Ask for it hot or iced.

What does pumpkin cream chai latte taste like? It’s a combo of a pumpkin spice latte and a chai latte. The chai doesn’t have pumpkin in it so the chai flavor shines through. The pumpkin is in the cold foam on top.

Does pumpkin cream chai latte have coffee? No, there is no coffee in this drink but there is a good amount of caffeine. Chai has about 60mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.

How do I make pumpkin cream? Pumpkin cream is a almost whipped cream but a little thinner. You can use a milk frother, handheld mixer or even a blender to thicken up the heavy cream mixture.

Can I double the recipe? Sure can! You can double or triple the recipe to make more than 1 drink at a time. I suggest making a pitcher of the chai drink portion and making the pumpkin cream as needed to top the drinks.

Can I make a coffee version? Already got you covered! Try my pumpkin cream cold brew version if you are not a fan of chai or if you want to switch it up.

Other Starbucks pumpkin copycat recipes to try

I love fall and I love making fall copycat drinks and eats! Here are some others to try this fall:

• Classic pumpkin spice latte
• Pumpkin spice frappuccino
• Pumpkin cream cold brew
• Pumpkin scones

Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte

Yield: 1 drink

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Make a creamy and delicious pumpkin cream chai latte.

Print

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of chilled chai
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 3 tablespoons vanilla syrup, divided
• 3 tablespoons of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

1. Brew your chai tea and allow to cool (if doing the iced version). Chai concentrate can also be used here.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of the vanilla syrup to the warm chai and stir to combine.
3. Add ice to your glass and pour the chai mixture in.
4. Add your milk and stir.
5. Make the pumpkin cream by combining the pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup, heavy cream and the pumpkin pie spice to a blender or milk frother. Froth until thickened.
6. Pour over the top of the chai and top with pumpkin pie spice.
7. Enjoy!

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You know when you go to parties or family events and there is a dip next to the fruit tray? The one that you keep coming back to for seconds and thirds? That you don’t even care about the fruit.. yea. This is THAT dip!

Caramel fruit dip is a creamy addition to any dessert or snack spread. You are going to love this easy caramel dip because:

• Super easy to make – you only need 3 ingredients!
• Sweet addition to any dessert table.
• Everyone will love it!

Caramel dip ingredients

The best part of this dip? You only need three common ingredients. Heck, you may even have them in your house right now! Go check and see if you have:

• cream cheese
• brown sugar
• caramel sauce

Cream cheese – Any variety of cream cheese will work for this recipe.

Brown sugar – You can use light or dark brown sugar here. I do not recommend using plain white sugar.

Caramel sauce – Any brand caramel is perfect. No caramel sauce? You can make your own homemade caramel! It’s easy and so much better than store bought.

You will also need a hand or stand mixer, medium size mixing bowl and a spatula to make this dip.

How to make caramel fruit dip

I know I said the best part was that you only need 3 ingredients, but honestly, the best part is that it’s so easy to make! Mix, mix and mix to make this perfect fruit dip.

Step 1 Mix together the cream cheese and brown sugar. Place your softened cream cheese in the medium mixing bowl along with the brown sugar. Using your handheld mixer, mix until the sugar is combined into the cream cheese and not gritty.

Pro tip: Leave the cream cheese out for about 30 minutes before you make this dip. Don’t have time? Use the soften function on your microwave to quick soften the cream cheese.

Step 2 Combine the caramel After you have a smooth cream cheese and brown sugar mixture, add in the caramel sauce. I like to use a spatula and fold it into the cream cheese mix. Scoop into a serving dish and enjoy!

FAQs about homemade caramel dip

What do you use to dip in the caramel dip? The most common use for this dip is fruit. Strawberries, cantaloupe, apples, bananas. Any fruit! Graham crackers are another great option. We like to make cinnamon sugar tortilla chips and dip them into the caramel dip too!

How much does this dip make? You will get a little bit more than 8 ounces of this dip after mixing. If you need more, feel free to double the recipe! It’s easy to double or even triple!

How do I store it? Since there is dairy in this dip, you do want to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. We put ours in a tupperware in the fridge. Thaw slightly before serving.

Other caramel treats to try

Love a good caramel treat? Try some of our other favorites:

• Caramel apple bundt cake
• Caramel apple danish
• Salted caramel cake
• Caramel apple sangria

Caramel fruit dip

Print

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons caramel sauce

Instructions

In a mixer, whip together the cream cheese and brown sugar until combined.

Add the caramel sauce and mix well.

Spoon into a bowl and enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Other dips to try

Like this recipe?  Be sure to check out: 

Pumpkin cheesecake dip

Margherita pizza dip

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the comments below or the recipe card above. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite board. Either way, thank you so much for the support!

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Growing up in South Texas, I was accustomed to a different type of desserts. I love all kinds of Tex-Mex inspired treats – such as arroz con leche, bunulos, and churros!

These churro bars are loaded with the same familiar and comforting flavors of traditional deep fried churros and their buttery dough with cinnamon sugar. Once the dough is pressed into a baking dish and baked, it’s sliced into squares and enjoyed as is or with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or chocolate sauce! 

What Are Churro Bars?

Churro bars are a delicious twist to traditional churros in dessert bar form. Like traditional churros, these churro bars are loaded with sweet cinnamon flavor, a soft center, and a slightly crispy exterior. 

The churro bars dough is pressed into a baking dish and baked – a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried churros. They’re cut into bars or squares and served with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or vanilla ice cream.  

Churro Bars Ingredients

• butter
• brown sugar
• egg
• flour
• baking powder
• cinnamon
• granulated sugar

Ingredient Notes

Butter – You will want to use unsalted butter for these bars. If you happen to use salted, be sure to omit the salt. You can always add salt but can’t take it away.

Sugar – Regular granulated sugar and brown sugar are needed for these churro bars.

Flour – You can use regular white flour for these bars. You can also use a gluten-free substitute flour such as King Arthur’s measure for measure gluten free flour blend.

How To Make Churro Bars

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat the oven and grease the baking pan. 

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, first combine the butter and sugar, followed by the egg, and then the dry ingredients until well combined. 

Step 3: Assemble the Churro Bars

Press the dough into the baking dish and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Bake the churro bars for 25 minutes. Remove and slice into bars or squares and serve!

Other Cinnamon Desserts To Try

• Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake
• Cinnamon Roll Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls
• Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Recipe FAQs

What Does Churro Mean?

“Churro” originates from Spanish cuisine and refers to fried pastry dough. While the exact origin of this term is unclear, some believe it’s derived from the shape of the pastry, which resembles the horns of the Churra sheep commonly bred in Spain.  

Churros have become a very popular sweet snack and dessert, not only in Spanish-speaking regions but also throughout the world, including the United States. 

Do These Have Cream Cheese In Them? 

No, these churro bars don’t have cream cheese, although there is a cheesecake version.

Can I Double The Recipe? 

Absolutely! You can double this recipe and use one 9×13 baking dish or two 9×9 baking pans and rotate the two baking pans between the oven racks to ensure that the churro bars are baked evenly. 

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftover churro bars should be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. 

These leftover churro bars can be served chilled, at room temperature, or reheated in the oven at 350F for 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for 10-20 seconds. 

Can I Freeze Them?

Yes! Wrap individual churro bars with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store these churro bars in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature and serve as is or heated slightly.

Easy Churro Bars

Yield: 12 bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 42 minutes

You will leave these flaky cinnamon sugar coated churro bars!

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Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x9 baking pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together butter and brown sugar until well incorporated.
3. Add egg to sugar mixture and mix until well incorporated.
4. Add flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon to the sugar mixture and mix until combined.
5. Press the dough into an even layer into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
6. In a small bowl whisk together sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
7. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping across the bars.
8. Bake for 25 minutes or until no longer gooey in the middle.
9. Enjoy and store leftovers in an airtight container.

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More Dessert Bars To Try

• Caramel Macchiato Blondie Bars
• Sugar Cookie Bars
• Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting
• Banana Cheesecake Bars
• Lemon Lime Macaroon Bars

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My kids love when I go on a Starbucks run because they seem to always talk me into getting a drink too. They have two favorite drinks – the caramel ribbon crunch frappuccnio and this mocha cookie crumble frappuccino.

We love this cookie crumble frapp because each sip is creamy and sweet with an irresistible crunchy cookie crumb texture. It is topped with whipped cream, extra chocolate chips, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Enjoy this cookie crumble frappuccino as dessert or for a quick pick me up in the afternoon.  

What is Cookie Crumble Frappuccino?

Cookie Crumble Frappuccino is a delicious Starbucks beverage consisting of coffee, milk, ice, and cookie crumbles. It’s sweet and creamy with a crunchy texture, thanks to the crumbles. This frappuccino goes by a few different names including mocha cookie crumble, chocolate cookie crumble, or even just cookie crumble frappuccino.

Today, I bring you my own version of this Starbucks drink, using crushed cookies, chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, ice, whipped cream, milk, and chilled espresso! You don’t want to miss out!

Starbucks Mocha Cookie Crumble Ingredients

• Chocolate cream-filled sandwich cookies, divided  
• Espresso, chilled 
• Milk 
• Chocolate syrup, divided  
• Chocolate, chopped or chips 
• Ice 
• Whipped cream, garnish 

Cookies – You can use Oreos or you can grab the generic version. Both work the same.

Espresso – The better the espresso, the better the frappuccino will turn out. Check out my coffee guide here.

Chocolate syrup – Have you tried making your own with cocoa powder? It’s really easy and produces a superior chocolate sauce! We love our homemade chocolate syrup recipe.

How to Make a Copycat Starbucks Mocha Cookie Crumble

Step 1: Remove the cream center of the cookies and set aside. 

Step 2: Crush the cookies into crumbs using a blender or food processor. Keep a few as garnish.

Step 3: Add coffee, milk, a tablespoon of chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips to the blender and blend until smooth.

Step 4: Add the ice and blend. Once the ice is completely incorporated, place the mixture in the freezer for 1 hour so that it starts to solidify. 

Step 5: In a serving glass, drizzle a tablespoon of the chocolate syrup along the glass walls and let it drip to the bottom.

Step 6: Add the remaining chocolate chips to the glass, followed by the frappe mixture.

Step 7: Garnish with syrup, whipped cream, and cookie crumbs.

Other Copycat Frappuccinos To Try

• Cherry Mocha Frappuccino-Starbucks Copycat
• Starbucks Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino
• Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino
• Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino
• Starbucks Classic Frappuccino Copycat

FAQS about the cookie crumble frappuccino

Does The Cookie Crumble Frappuccino Have Coffee?

This cookie crumble frappuccino does contain coffee. I’ve added chilled espresso to this frappuccino recipe, but you could omit it or use decaf instant coffee granules instead as a caffeine-free alternative. 

What Is The Difference Between The Java Chip And The Cookie Crumble?

These two drinks are very similar, although the Java Chip Frappuccino uses java chips made with coffee while the cookie crumble uses crumble bits. 

The java chip frappuccino also has a smoother texture, while you may find yourself chewing on some crumbled cookies when enjoying the cookie crumble – but it’s totally worth it!

How Do I Order A Cookie Crumble Frappuccino At Starbucks? 

Order a Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino at Starbucks and ask them to add chocolate or caramel drizzle to the inside of the cup with whipped cream and extra cookie crumbles to the top. If you want to order it without coffee for your kiddos, ask for a mocha cookie crumble cream freeze. This version does not contain coffee.

Can I Store Cookie Crumble Frappuccino?

This cookie crumble frappuccino is best served and enjoyed immediately after it’s made. While you technically could store this homemade drink for a short time in the fridge, I don’t recommend it as the texture and consistency of the drink is likely to be altered. 

Freezing this cookie crumble frappuccino is also not recommended since the ice crystals can affect the taste and texture of the drink once thawed. 

Starbucks Bakery Items To Pair With Your Drink

• Starbucks Apple Fritters
• Starbucks Chocolate Chunk Cookies
• Starbucks Chocolate Croissants
• Starbucks copycat Cheese danish

Cookie Crumble Frappuccino

Yield: 20 oz

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Make a copycat cookie crumble frappuccino at home!

Print

Ingredients

• 4 chocolate cream-filled sandwich cookies, divided
• 6 oz espresso, chilled
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup, divided
• 2 tablespoons chocolate, chopped or chips
• 2 cups ice
• Whipped cream, garnish

Instructions

1. Remove the cream from the cookies and set aside.  

1. In a blender or food processor, crush the cookies into crumbs. Set aside some for garnish. 

1. Add the coffee, milk, 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup, and 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips. Blend until smooth.  

1. Add the ice and blend until the ice is completely chopped and incorporated. Set the mixture in the freezer for 1 hour to chill and solidify slightly.  

1. In a glass, drizzle 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup along the side wall of the glass, letting it drip to the bottom.  

1. Add the remaining chocolate chips then pour in the frappe.  

1. Add some more syrup to the top, then garnish with with whipped cream, and cookie crumbs and drizzle with more syrup.  

1. Enjoy! 

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We love a good seasonal inspired drink in our house. It’s always nice incorporate the flavors from the current season into our routine. This fall Moscow Mule is one of those drinks that once the weather starts to get cooler, becomes a staple in our rotation.

What is a fall Moscow Mule?

A classic Moscow Mule is one that combines vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. It is typically served in a copper mug. There are many different versions of a classic mule, my fall inspired drink being one of them. The fall Moscow mule combines the classic ingredients of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice with apple cider! It’s super refreshing and perfect for any fall day.

Fall inspired Moscow Mule ingredients

To make your own fall Moscow mule you will need the following ingredients:

• Vodka
• Lime juice
• Apple cider
• Ginger beer
• Optional garnishes – lime wedges and apple slices

Vodka – You can use your favorite vodka in this recipe. Any vodka will work!

Lime juice – Juice from a fresh lime works best here. You can then slice the lime and use it for garnish!

Apple cider – Any apple cider will work. I do suggest cider and not apple juice in this recipe. We love using local apple cider whenever possible.

Ginger beer – You can find ginger beer in the beer aisle of most grocery stores. Feel free to use your favorite ginger beer for this mule!

How to make an autumn Moscow Mule

This recipe makes ONE drink, but you can easily double or even make a pitcher to share. After you have gathered all your ingredients you will also need some ice and a copper mug.

Add ice to your mug – Place your ice in your mug. If you want to get fancy, you can use frozen apple cider in place of ice cubes.

Add liquids – Pour in the vodka, apple cider and ginger beer. Squeeze in the lime juice.

Garnish – Add your apple slice and lime wedge to your mug and enjoy!

How to make a pitcher

This recipe is for one mule, but it’s perfect for sharing! If you want to make a pitcher, simply multiple the amounts times 4. This will give you enough drinks to share!

What makes this a fall drink?

This drink combines a traditional Moscow mule drink with apple cider – which gives it it’s fall inspired flavor! The apple cider is a great addition to the vodka, ginger beer and lime of the classic. If you want to take this drink up a notch, freeze apple cider in an ice cube tray before making it. Then use the frozen apple cider cubes in place of regular ice!

What kind of vodka do I need?

You can use any type of vodka that you’d like! We like using Grey Goose, but any vodka will work. Grab your favorite vodka from the grocery store and whip up this fall Moscow mule recipe today!

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

For this recipe, I do not suggest using apple juice in place of apple cider. The apple cider gives this drink a great depth of flavor and isn’t as watered down as traditional apple juice. In a pinch, apple juice will work, but for the best quality drink – cider is recommended.

Other fall drinks to try

Looking for other great drinks to try? I suggest:

• Caramel apple sangria
• Pumpkin spice latte shots
• Pumpkin spice shake (non-alcoholic)
• Caramel apple Jell-O shots

Fall Mosow Mule

Yield: 1 drink

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Make a fall inspired Moscow mule for one or to share!

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Ingredients

• 2oz Vodka
• 1oz Lime Juice (1/2 lime)
• 2oz Apple Cider
• 2oz Ginger Beer
• 1 Lime Wedge (garnish)
• Apple Slice (garnish)
• Apple Cubes (garnish)
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Add ice to a copper mug.
2. Pour in Vodka, ginger beer, and apple cider.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice.
4. Add lime wedge, apple cubes and an apple slice for garnish. 
5. Cheers! 

Notes

To make a pitcher add -

1 cup Vodka
1/2 cup Lime Juice
1 cup Apple Cider
1 cup Ginger Beer

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Ever since I discovered salted maple lattes, I can’t go back to drinking plain coffee. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a kick of maple flavor that makes my mornings feel a little bit more special. If you’re looking for a new morning coffee routine, or just want to try something different, I highly recommend giving this Salted Maple Latte a shot!

What is a Salted Maple Latte

A salted maple latte is a type of coffee drink that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the savory flavor of salt. It is typically made with espresso, milk, and maple syrup, and the salt is added to taste. 

The drink originated in Canada, and its popularity has since spread to the United States and other countries. Salted maple lattes are often served with a slice of bacon or a piece of pancake for extra sweetness. Some coffee shops also offer variations on the drink, such as adding cinnamon or nutmeg. 

No matter how it is prepared, a salted maple latte is a delicious way to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Ingredients Needed for a Salted Maple Latte

• Coffee– You can use coffee or espresso. If using brewed coffee rather than espresso, consider using a strong blend or dark roast such as 100% Colombian.
• Heavy cream– If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half & half or make your own heavy cream. To make 1 cup of heavy cream, mix 2/3 cup of whole milk with 1/3 cup melted butter.
• Maple syrup– You will want to use real maple syrup, not the imitation flavor. 
• Vanilla extract– I use pure vanilla extract. It brings out the sweetness of the maple flavors. 
• Salt– You can’t have a salted latte without a little bit of salt. Any salt will work, but I prefer to use sea salt. 

How to Make a Maple Latte at Home 

This coffee drink is quick and easy to whip up. Follow the steps below!

Step 1: Heat the Cream

First, heat the cream over medium heat In a saucepan.

Step 2: Add the Sweetness

Next, stir in the maple syrup, vanilla, and salt, and continue heating until the cream is hot, thickened and somewhat syrupy, and small bubbles form around the edge of the pan.

Step 3: Brew the Coffee

Remove the cream mixture from the heat and brew your coffee or espresso in a 12 ounce coffee mug. 

Step 4: Pour the Maple Cream Into the Coffee

Pour the salted maple cream into the coffee, using a spoon to hold back any froth and reserve it in the pan.

Step 5: Stir

Next, gently stir the cream into the coffee or espresso to combine, and then top it with the reserved frothed cream that was  left in the pan.

Finally, finish your latte  with additional flaky sea salt if desired and serve.

What Salt Should I Use?

For best results, use a flaky sea salt or freshly grind a coarse sea salt into the saucepan. Flaky fleur de sel or pink Himalayan sea salt is excellent for finishing your latte too. 

Do I Have to Use Cream?

You can easily replace the cream with your preferred plant based milk or cream. Be advised that some milks (such as coconut milk) may froth easier than others (such as almond milk).

Do I Need Special Tools to Make This Latte?

No, you do not need any special tools to make this salted maple latte. However, I recommend having a coffee pot or espresso machine, milk frother, and salt grinder for best results. 

Recipe Tips

• Add sweetness: For more sweetness, add a teaspoon or two of brown sugar into the saucepan along with the cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
• Add toppings: Add whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce over top of your finished latte for an extra treat.
• Make it frothy: If you prefer a much more frothy finish, use a milk frother or steamer.
• Give it more flavor: For additional flavor, consider adding a ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon into the salted maple cream or finish with a dusting of cinnamon over the top of the latte before serving.

Salted Maple Latte

Yield: 1 coffee

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Make the perfect fall coffee with this salted maple latte!

Print

Ingredients

• 4 ounces (½ cup) coffee
• 8 ounces (1 cup) heavy cream or half & half.
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat. 
2. Stir in the maple syrup, vanilla, and salt, and continue heating until the cream is hot, thickened and somewhat syrupy, and small bubbles form around the edge of the pan.
3. Turn off the heat and brew your coffee or espresso into a 12-ounce coffee mug.
4. Pour the salted maple cream into the coffee, using a spoon to hold back any froth and reserve it in the pan..
5. Gently stir the cream into the coffee or espresso to combine, and then top with the reserved frothed cream left in the pan.
6. Finish with additional flaky sea salt if desired and serve.

Notes

• You can easily replace the cream with your preferred plant based milk or cream. Be advised that some milks (such as coconut milk) may froth easier than others (such as almond milk).
• For more sweetness, add a teaspoon or two of brown sugar into the saucepan along with the cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
• For best results, use a flaky sea salt or freshly grind a coarse sea salt into the saucepan. Flaky fleur de sel or pink Himalayan sea salt is excellent for finishing your latte too. 
• Add whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce over top of your finished latte for an extra treat.
• If using brewed coffee rather than espresso, consider using a strong blend or dark roast such as 100% Colombian.
• If you prefer a much more frothy finish, use a milk frother or steamer (optional).
• For additional flavor, consider adding a ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon into the salted maple cream or finish with a dusting of cinnamon over the top of the latte before serving.

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Other Lattes to Try 

Looking for other delicious lattes to try? Some of my favorites are:

• Iced Gingerbread Latte
• Vanilla Iced Chai Latte
• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Starbucks Maple Pecan Latte

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Ah, fall! It’s such a wonderful time of year with the cooler weather and the holidays approaching. The flavors of fall are some of my favorites too. From pumpkin to apple to the warm flavors of chai, everything is just comforting and delicious. My homemade caramel apple sangria uses all the best flavors of fall and the result is an amazing drink perfect for sharing with friends.

What is A Caramel Apple Sangria

Caramel apple sangria is a delicious and easy-to-make fall cocktail. It combines the sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples, and the result is a refreshing and festive drink.

It is a popular drink in the fall and winter months, when apples are in season. The drink can be made with any type of wine, but it is typically made with a sweet wine such as Moscato or Riesling. The apples are peeled and then sliced, before being soaked in the alcohol. For best results, let them soak  overnight.

Caramel Apple Sangria Ingredients 

For this delicious fall drink, you’ll only need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Apples– Make sure to dice your apples. I like to peel them, but you can leave the peels on if you prefer. 
• Caramel syrup– You can use a premade caramel syrup, or you can make your own Instant Pot Dulce de Leche to use. 
• Apple cider– Apple cider adds more apple flavor and is perfect for Fall. You can even make Apple Cider in the Instant Pot for a fresher option. 
• Wine– You will need a whole bottle of wine. You can use Moscato, Riesling, Sangria, or any wine you prefer. 
• Vodka– I used the Caramel Vodka to really bring out the caramel flavors. You could use regular vodka as well, but the flavor won’t be as sweet. 

How to Make A Caramel Apple Sangria 

Follow the simple steps below for a delicious, boozy fall drink!

Step 1: Dice the Apples

Dice up your apples, wash them,  and place them into a large pitcher. 

Step 2: Add the Cider and Syrup

Next, add the caramel syrup and apple cider to the apples. Stir until the caramel is incorporated into the cider. 

Step 3: Add the Booze

Add 1 cup of Vodka and the entire bottle of wine to the mixture. Mix everything well. 

Step 4: Soak the Apples

Place the sangria in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours so the apples absorb the alcohol and the flavors can permeate the mixture. For best results, let it sit overnight. 

Step 5: Mix and Serve

Once it is chilled, mix it one last time, serve, and enjoy!

What Type of Apples Should I Use? 

Any type of apple will work, but firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best so they don’t turn to mush when you add them to the sangria.

Can I Make this Ahead of Time? 

Yes, caramel apple sangria is actually best when made in advance so the flavors have time to mingle. Just be sure to cover your pitcher and put it in the refrigerator. 

Fall Treats To Make

• Apple Cider Scones
• Caramel Apple Danish
• Cinnamon Apple Bites
• Autumn Harvest Sangria
• Apple Walnut Crumb Cake

Is There a Non-alcoholic Version?

If you want to make a kid-friendly version of this drink, simply omit the wine and replace it with an equal amount of sparkling cider or ginger ale. Be sure to increase the amount of caramel syrup since there won’t be any alcohol to balance it out.

How Long Will this Caramel Apple Sangria Keep?

This sangria will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator, after adding the apples and caramel sauce. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Other Fall Drinks to Try

• Pumpkin Spice Latte Shots
• Apple Chai Latte
• Boozy White Hot Chocolate
• Pumpkin Cider Recipe
• Caramel Apple Jell-o Shots

Caramel Apple Sangria

Yield: 10 glasses

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Make the perfect fall drink to share with friends!

Print

Ingredients

• 4-5 Apples- diced
• ¼ cup Caramel syrup
• 8 cups Apple cider- chilled
• 1 cup Caramel vodka
• 1 750mL bottle of White wine

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, add in the diced apples. 
2. Follow with the caramel syrup and apple cider. 
3. Stir until the caramel is well incorporated into the cider.
4. Add in the vodka and bottle of wine.
5. Mix well and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
6. Once chilled, mix one last time and serve.

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