Wendy's Caramel Apple Frosty Recipe

If you're a fan of Wendy's classic Frosty, you'll love this new copycat Caramel Apple Frosty recipe. This recipe combines the creamy goodness of a classic Frosty with the crisp and comforting taste of caramel apples, with a touch of caramel sauce added for the ultimate fall treat. 

Last year I had heard the Wendy's locations in Canada had created a new frosty flavor: The Caramel Apple Frosty. And as delicious as it sounds, and despite rumors that it would be coming to the US late summer this year, sadly, it seems that most Wendy's locations (at least around me) are now serving the Pumpkin Spice Frosty instead. Luckily, after a few attempts, I developed a recipe for a Caramel Apple Frosty that you'll be able to enjoy any time - even if Wendy's never decides to bring this delicious sounding dessert state-side.

In This Post

• Why This Recipe Works
• Ingredients
• How To Make A Homemade Caramel Apple Frosty
• Helpful Tips
• Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More delicious fall desserts!
• Recipe
• Comments

Why This Recipe Works

The blend of creamy vanilla frosty with the apple-flavored ice cream base and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce creates a delicious milkshake that's hard to beat. Here are a few things that make it great:

• Apple pie seasoning. This unique spice blend elevates the Frosty's flavor, infusing it with the comforting warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. If you're not already feeling fall vibes, this will get you there.
• Uses real ice cream.  I know that many frosty recipes out there on the internet are made of some concoction of whipped cream and condensed milk. I have to say, I've tried those recipes, and they just didn't work for me. They tasted way too sweet to me and, while this frosty may not be the epitome of nutrition, at least it uses real ice cream and milk, which is a step up from sweetened condensed milk if you ask me.
• Uses real apples. No fake apple flavoring here. Again, not saying this is totally healthy, but if I'm going to drink a frosty, I feel a little bit better knowing that there's some real fruit in there. 

Ingredients

To create your very own Caramel Apple Frosty, you'll need:

• Vanilla ice cream. I used a creamy variety of vanilla ice cream, which made it a bit softer than your typical ice cream. This meant that I needed to keep it very cold until ready to add it to the blender, so that it didn't melt too quickly, making the frosty too thin. If you use a thicker, less creamy variety, you may find that you need to let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes so that it's easier to mix in your blender. Just be aware of the consistency of the ice cream you're using, and adjust accordingly.
• Whole milk. Again, you'll want this to be cold. You only need a small amount of milk here since the apple will liquify once you blend it, adding even more liquid to the drink.
• Caramel sauce. You'll want some for the frosty and then more for drizzling on top.
• Apple. The type of apple you choose to use here will change the taste of this Frosty slightly. Something like a Granny Smith apple or green apple slices will yield a slightly tarter taste, whereas a Honey crisp or Jazz variety will be a bit sweeter. 
• Vanilla extract. For some added warmth and sweetness.
• Apple pie seasoning. This brings that delicious fall, apple pie taste to this frosty and adds some nice depth, with cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. 
• Whipped cream. For a fun topping.

Helpful Tips

• Don't over-blend! This frosty can go from milkshake consistency to milk consistency fast if you're not carefully watching it. Blend on low, and check it after about just 10 seconds to see what the consistency is like.  
• Take note of the type of ice cream you're using for this recipe. Using something a bit creamier or that melts quickly, keep it cold right until you're ready to blend it. Using a more traditional ice cream that's rock-hard right out of the fridge? Allow it to sit out for a few minutes to soften before blending. 
  The type of ice cream you use can make the consistency of the frosty vary a lot, so keep this in mind when doing your grocery shopping. 

Variations

While this recipe stays true to the taste of Wendy's classic Caramel Apple Frosty, there are a few ways you can change it up if you're in the mood for experimenting. 

• Add some chunky cookies to the frosty. The taste of this frosty goes great with simple vanilla cookies, or graham crackers mixed in. This will make it more like a blizzard, but equally delicious.
• Add a crumbly topping. Create a brown sugar granola topping by mixing a couple tablespoon of melted butter with 2 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 cup of oats. Toast the oats in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool before using as your frosty topping. 
• Apple butter. Add a little bit of apple butter for an even stronger apple taste.
• Apple syrup drizzle. If you don't have caramel sauce on hand, try using apple syrup for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're savoring the end of summer or welcoming the early days of fall, the new Caramel Apple Frosty is a must-try treat. And while I truly hope that Wendy's does eventually bring this limited time treat to the states at some point, at least now we can all enjoy this feel-good treat at home any time the craving strikes! 

If you make this Wendy's Caramel Apple Frosty Recipe, let me know what you think in the comments below. And don't forget to tag me with a pic @frontrangefed on Instagram so I can see your masterpiece!

Recipe