This Strawberry Merry Cream Blended Cream Frappuccino is honestly one of those drinks I didn't know I needed until I had it. The first time I came across this limited holiday drink from Starbucks Japan, I was scrolling through pictures late one winter night, and I kept going back to look at it. That fluffy mascarpone merry cream sitting right on top of those glossy macerated strawberries, over a silky vanilla blended base, it looked like something from a holiday dream. The best part? You can make it at home with simple ingredients, no barista skills needed.
If you love festive, creamy drinks, you'll want to bookmark this one alongside our Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte, Homemade Peach Juice, Pina Colada Punch, Matcha Bubble Tea, and Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Shake for your next cozy drink lineup.
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino
This drink hits all the right notes for a holiday treat or a special weekend indulgence. The strawberry merry cream layer alone is worth making, it's that good. Here's why this recipe keeps getting made in our house:
- The mascarpone merry cream is thick, fluffy, and so much better than regular whipped cream
- Macerated strawberries bring a deep, natural sweetness you can't get from syrup
- The blended cream base is smooth, cold, and perfectly vanilla-forward
- It serves two, so it's great for sharing
- No espresso, no coffee, totally caffeine-free and kid-approved
- It's a beautiful drink that looks impressive with minimal effort
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino
- Ingredients for Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino
- How to Make This Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino
- Substitutions and Swaps
- Equipment You'll Need
- Storage Tips
- Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Strawberry Merry Cream Blended Cream Frappuccino
Ingredients for Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino
Here's everything that goes into this Strawberry Merry Cream Blended Cream Frappuccino, with a quick note on each one.
For the Strawberry Layer
Strawberries : Fresh strawberries are the heart of this recipe. Pulsing them keeps some texture, so you get little bursts of fruit in every sip rather than a smooth puree.
Sugar: This draws out the natural juices from the strawberries during macerating, creating a thick, glossy strawberry syrup right in the bowl. Don't skip this step, it makes a real difference.
For the Merry Cream
Mascarpone cheese : This is what makes the merry cream different from plain whipped cream. It adds a rich, slightly tangy creaminess that feels indulgent without being too heavy.
Cold heavy whipping cream: Keeps the merry cream light and fluffy once whipped. It needs to be cold so it whips up properly.
Granulated sugar : Just enough sweetness to balance the mascarpone without overpowering it.
Vanilla extract : Rounds out the flavor of the merry cream with a warm, familiar note.
For the Blended Cream
Whole milk : Adds body and creaminess to the blended base. Whole milk gives the best texture here.
Vanilla extract : Enhances the sweetness of the blended base and pairs perfectly with the ice cream.
Vanilla ice cream : This is what makes the blended cream rich, thick, and scoopable-smooth. It's the secret to getting that frappuccino consistency at home.
Ice : Blends everything into a cold, frosty drink.
Optional
Red sanding sugar: A little festive sparkle on top of the merry cream. It catches the light beautifully and makes the drink look like it came straight from a holiday menu.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make This Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino
Short note before you start: the strawberries need 30 minutes to macerate, so start those first, then prep everything else while you wait.
Prepare the strawberries: Add the strawberries to a food processor. Pulse until chopped into small pieces, keeping some texture. You're not looking for a puree here, just rough, chunky pieces.
Macerate the strawberries: Transfer the chopped strawberries to a bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let the mixture rest for about 30 minutes until the strawberries become soft and surrounded by a sweet, ruby-colored liquid. The longer they sit, the deeper the flavor gets.
Make the merry cream: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine mascarpone cheese, cold heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk by hand or with a stand mixer until soft peaks form. The Strawberry Merry Cream topping should look thick and cloud-like. Set aside.
Make the blended cream base: In a blender, combine 1 cup of ice, whole milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and vanilla ice cream. Blend until smooth, about 35 seconds. It should look creamy and pale, like a soft-serve milkshake.
Assemble the frappuccino: Divide the blended cream evenly between two glasses. Spoon the macerated strawberries on top, making sure to include all that beautiful strawberry liquid from the bowl.
Finish with merry cream and sprinkles: Add a generous dollop of Merry Cream on top of the strawberry layer. If you're using red sanding sugar, sprinkle it over the top right before serving for that festive holiday finish.
Substitutions and Swaps
No mascarpone? Cream cheese works in a pinch, though the merry cream will have a slightly sharper flavor. Soften it first so it blends smoothly with the cream.
No vanilla ice cream? Use plain vanilla frozen yogurt or even a scoop of vanilla soft-serve for a lighter version.
No whole milk? Oat milk or 2% milk both work. Oat milk gives the blended cream base a slightly creamier texture than other plant-based options.
Frozen strawberries? Yes, they work for the macerated layer. Thaw them first and reduce the resting time to about 15 minutes since frozen berries release liquid faster.
Want it sweeter? Add an extra teaspoon of sugar to the blended cream base or drizzle a little strawberry syrup into the glass before adding the blended cream.
Equipment You'll Need
- Food processor
- Stand mixer or hand whisk
- Blender
- Bowls for macerating strawberries
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Glasses for serving
A stand mixer makes the Merry Cream come together faster, but a hand whisk works fine if you have a couple of extra minutes and some arm strength.
Storage Tips
This Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino is best enjoyed immediately after assembling. However, you can prep the components ahead of time:
The blended cream base should always be made fresh, right before serving.
Macerated strawberries can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Merry Cream can be made a few hours ahead and kept covered in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using if it has settled slightly.
Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino
Don't rush the macerating step. The 30 minutes of resting time is what transforms plain chopped strawberries into a glossy, syrupy topping. If you skip it, the strawberry layer will taste flat and dry.
Keep your cream cold. The heavy whipping cream for the Merry Cream must be cold when you whisk it, otherwise it won't whip up properly. If your kitchen is warm, chill the bowl in the freezer for 5 minutes before starting.
Pulse, don't blend. The food processor step for the strawberries should be quick pulses, not a long blend. You want small, juicy chunks, not a smooth puree. That texture is part of what makes the Strawberry Merry Cream layer so satisfying.
Blend just long enough. Over-blending the cream base can make it watery as the ice melts too fast. Stick to around 35 seconds and serve immediately.
Build the layers right before serving. Once assembled, the Strawberry Merry Cream Blended Cream Frappuccino is best enjoyed immediately. The layers start to mix after about 10 minutes, which still tastes great but loses that gorgeous presentation.
FAQ
What is in the Starbucks strawberry cream?
The original Starbucks Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino from Japan features a blended vanilla cream base, macerated strawberries, and a signature mascarpone-based merry cream topping. This copycat version recreates all three layers using easy-to-find ingredients at home.
How do you make Starbucks strawberry and cream?
Start with a blended base of milk, vanilla extract, vanilla ice cream, and ice. Layer macerated strawberries on top, then finish with the Strawberry Merry Cream, which is a whipped combination of mascarpone, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. Our full recipe above walks you through each step.
How do you make strawberry cream at home?
The easiest way is to macerate fresh strawberries with sugar for 30 minutes, then whip mascarpone cheese with cold heavy cream and a touch of vanilla until soft peaks form. Spoon the Merry Cream over the strawberries and a blended vanilla base for a frappuccino-style drink that rivals the original.
What is the drink at Starbucks that tastes like strawberry ice cream?
The Strawberry Crème Frappuccino and the Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino are both popular options at Starbucks that carry that strawberry ice cream vibe. This homemade Strawberry Merry Cream Blended Cream Frappuccino captures that same flavor but adds the richness of mascarpone merry cream, making it feel even more indulgent.
Is the Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino caffeinated?
No, this drink contains no coffee or espresso. It's a blended cream frappuccino, meaning it's completely caffeine-free and perfect for kids or anyone avoiding caffeine.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the Strawberry Merry Cream layer?
Yes! Thaw the frozen strawberries first, drain off some of the excess liquid, then pulse and macerate as directed. The flavor is slightly different from fresh but still delicious.
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Pairing
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Strawberry Merry Cream Blended Cream Frappuccino
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add strawberries to a food processor.
- Pulse strawberries until chopped into small pieces, but not completely blended.
- Transfer to a bowl and stir the 2 tablespoons sugar into the mixture.
- Let rest until macerated, about 30 minutes. Strawberries should be very soft and surrounded by liquid.
- To make the merry cream, add mascarpone, whipping cream, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl or the base of a stand mixer.
- Whisk by hand or with stand mixer until soft peaks form. Set aside.
- To make the blended cream base, add 1 cup ice, milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ice cream to a blender.
- Blend until very smooth, about 35 seconds.
- Divide the blended cream between two glasses.
- Top with macerated strawberries.
- Top with a dollop of merry cream and (if desired) sprinkle with red sanding sugar just before serving.
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