Starbucks Dark Cherry Cheesecake Crumble Frappuccino is a decadent, dessert-style blended drink inspired by bakery-style cheesecake and rich dark cherries. This homemade version combines sweet cherries, a creamy cheesecake base, coffee (optional), and crunchy graham crumble, all blended with ice into a thick, frosty drink and topped with whipped cream and extra crumble.

It’s smooth, rich, and full of cherry flavor, with little cheesecake notes and a bit of crunch from the crumble topping—basically a slice of cherry cheesecake in Frappuccino form. You can keep it caffeine-free or add coffee for a true coffeehouse vibe.

Perfect for hot days, at-home “Starbucks” moments, or when you want a drink that doubles as dessert, this Dark Cherry Cheesecake Crumble Frappuccino is a fun, indulgent treat you can customize exactly how you like it.

Note: This is a homemade, copycat-style recipe inspired by Starbucks, not an official Starbucks recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Indulgent – Cheesecake-style base + milk + ice = ultra-smooth texture.
Big Cherry Flavor – Dark cherries add rich color and fruity sweetness.
Dessert in a Cup – Crumble, whipped cream, and drizzle take it over the top.
Customizable – Make it with or without coffee, adjust sweetness, and use dairy or nondairy options.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Cheesecake Base:

½ cup dark sweet cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen)
2–3 tbsp cream cheese, softened
½ cup milk (whole, 2%, or any milk you like)
¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for extra creaminess)
2–3 tbsp granulated sugar, brown sugar, or simple syrup (to taste)
½ tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tsp lemon juice (optional, for a tangy cheesecake note)

For the Frappuccino:

1 cup ice cubes (add more for a thicker drink)
¼–½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled, or 1–2 tsp instant coffee/espresso + ¼ cup water (optional for a coffee version; skip for caffeine-free)

For the Crumble Topping:

2–3 tbsp graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
1 tsp melted butter
1 tsp sugar (optional)

For Serving:

Whipped cream
Extra cherry sauce or a few chopped cherries (optional for drizzling on top)

Instructions

Make the Crumble
In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar (if using).
Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened and clumpy. Set aside.

Blend the Cherry Cheesecake Base
In a blender, add cherries, cream cheese, milk, heavy cream (if using), sugar or syrup, vanilla, and lemon juice.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

Add Ice (and Coffee, if Using)
Add ice cubes to the blender.
If you’re making a coffee version, add cooled coffee or the instant coffee mixture now.
Blend until thick, creamy, and frosty. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes; if too thick, splash in a bit more milk.

Taste and Adjust
Taste the Frappuccino mixture and adjust sweetness or cherry flavor as needed—add a bit more sugar/syrup or a few extra cherries and blend again.

Assemble the Drink
Spoon or sprinkle a little of the graham crumble into the bottom of a tall glass.
Pour the blended Dark Cherry Cheesecake Frappuccino into the glass.
Top with whipped cream.
Sprinkle more graham crumble on top and finish with a few chopped cherries or a drizzle of cherry sauce if you like.

Serve
Serve immediately with a straw and spoon (for those cheesecake-y bits and crumble). Enjoy cold.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving, 1 large drink with whipped cream & crumble)

Calories: ~420
Protein: 7g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Sugar: 40g
Fiber: 2g

(Will vary based on milk type, sugar amount, and whether you use coffee or extra cream.)

Tips for Success

Use Frozen Cherries for Extra Frostiness – They help thicken the drink and boost cherry flavor.
Adjust the Cheesecake Tang – More cream cheese + a touch more lemon juice gives a stronger cheesecake vibe.
Go Caffeine-Free or Extra Strong – Skip the coffee for a pure dessert drink, or use espresso for a bold coffee base.
Serve Right Away – Frappuccinos are best fresh; they lose their thick texture if they sit too long.

Why This Recipe Works

Cream cheese and milk create a rich, cheesecake-like base that blends smoothly with cherries and ice. The cherries bring deep flavor and color without needing artificial syrups, while vanilla and lemon give those classic cheesecake notes. Coffee is optional but adds that familiar Frappuccino depth if you use it.

The graham crumble and whipped cream make the whole drink feel like a deconstructed cherry cheesecake in a cup, with crunchy, creamy, and icy elements in each sip. It’s a playful, indulgent treat that feels like a coffeehouse specialty—without leaving your kitchen.