Tropical Sunrise Layered Frappuccino

Category: Drinks for Every Season

These stunning Mango Strawberry Sunrise Frappuccinos feature three distinct layers that create a beautiful sunrise effect in your glass. The bottom layer blends frozen mango for a tropical base, followed by a vibrant strawberry middle layer, and topped with a creamy vanilla finish. Each component is separately blended and carefully layered for visual impact. Garnished with whipped cream, fresh fruit slices, and a drizzle of syrup, this impressive beverage is perfect for summer entertaining or a special breakfast treat.

Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Sat, 11 Oct 2025 23:01:57 GMT
A cup of Mango Strawberry Sunrise Frappuccinos. Pin
A cup of Mango Strawberry Sunrise Frappuccinos. | zestplate.com

This vibrant three-layer Mango Strawberry Sunrise Frappuccino transforms your kitchen into a tropical café escape. The stunning gradient of sunrise colors isn't just Instagram-worthy but delivers an explosion of fresh fruity flavors that will transport you to a beachside paradise with every sip.

I first created this recipe during a particularly scorching summer weekend when my nieces were visiting. What began as a fun kitchen experiment has become our most requested treat for family gatherings and special brunches.

  • Frozen mango chunks provide natural sweetness and tropical flavor without watering down the drink
  • Mango juice intensifies the fruit flavor better than using just water or milk
  • Frozen strawberries create the perfect thick consistency and vibrant red layer
  • Strawberry juice enhances the berry flavor profile but water works in a pinch
  • Vanilla ice cream gives the top layer its luxurious creamy texture and helps support the toppings
  • Milk thins the cream layer just enough while maintaining richness
  • Vanilla syrup ties all three layers together with subtle sweetness
  • Ice cubes ensure the perfect frosty consistency that defines a true frappuccino
  • Whipped cream creates a cloud-like topping that slowly melts into the drink
  • Fresh fruit garnishes signal what flavors await inside

How To Make Mango Strawberry Sunrise Frappuccinos

Prepare the mango layer
Combine all mango layer ingredients in your blender until perfectly smooth with no fruit chunks remaining. The consistency should be thick enough to hold weight but still pourable. Transfer to a pitcher and place in the freezer while you work on the next layer to prevent melting.
Create the strawberry layer
Clean your blender thoroughly to avoid color mixing then add all strawberry layer ingredients. Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth, pourable consistency similar to the mango layer. The natural pectin in strawberries creates a slightly thicker texture which helps maintain distinct layers. Place in the freezer while preparing the final layer.
Blend the cream layer
Rinse your blender again and add vanilla ice cream, milk, vanilla syrup, and ice. Blend until perfectly smooth and creamy. This layer should be slightly thinner than the fruit layers to create a beautiful gradient effect when poured.
Assemble with precision
Pour the mango layer first, filling each glass approximately one-third full. The key is working quickly but carefully. Allow it to settle for 30 seconds before adding the strawberry layer. Pour the strawberry mixture over the back of a spoon held just above the mango layer to prevent excessive mixing. Repeat this technique with the cream layer.
Add finishing touches
Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream using either a piping bag or spoon. Arrange fresh fruit slices artfully on top and drizzle with complementary syrup for that professional cafe look.

This recipe takes me back to a family vacation in Hawaii where we discovered a roadside fruit stand making similar sunrise drinks. The owner shared that the key to perfect layers was working quickly but carefully just as the sun rises gradually over the horizon creating distinct color bands in the morning sky.

Make-Ahead Options

While these frappuccinos are best enjoyed immediately after preparation you can blend each layer separately and store them in the freezer for up to one hour before assembling. If the mixtures become too frozen simply allow them to thaw slightly or pulse briefly in the blender with a splash of liquid to restore the proper consistency. This approach works wonderfully when entertaining as you can prepare components ahead and quickly assemble drinks when guests arrive.

A cup of Mango Strawberry Sunrise Frappuccinos.
A cup of Mango Strawberry Sunrise Frappuccinos. | zestplate.com

Dietary Adaptations

This versatile recipe accommodates nearly any dietary preference with simple substitutions. For dairy-free versions replace regular milk with coconut milk oat milk or almond milk. The vanilla ice cream can be substituted with coconut milk ice cream or other nondairy frozen desserts. Those monitoring sugar intake can omit added sweeteners entirely as the natural fruit sugars provide sufficient sweetness. For a lighter version replace the ice cream layer with Greek yogurt blended with ice and a touch of honey for a protein-packed alternative that still maintains the beautiful layered effect.

Perfect Pairings

These frappuccinos make a stunning addition to brunch spreads particularly alongside light fare like croissants fruit platters or breakfast pastries. For a more substantial pairing try serving with coconut chia pudding topped with tropical fruits. The natural acidity in the fruits complements rich savory items like quiche or breakfast sandwiches by cutting through heavier flavors. When serving as a dessert beverage consider small butter cookies or shortbread as accompaniments that won't overwhelm the delicate fruit flavors.

A cup of mango strawberry sunrise frappuccino.
A cup of mango strawberry sunrise frappuccino. | zestplate.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these frappuccinos ahead of time?

These are best served immediately after preparation as the layers will begin to melt and blend together over time. However, you can prepare each individual layer ahead of time and store them separately in the freezer for up to 1 hour before assembling.

→ What can I substitute for the fruit juices?

If you don't have mango or strawberry juice, you can substitute with orange juice, apple juice, or even water with a bit of extra sweetener and more fruit for flavor. Coconut water also works well with the mango layer.

→ Are food colorings necessary?

Food colorings are completely optional. The natural colors from the fruits will still create a beautiful effect, though perhaps more subtle. If using, natural food colorings derived from fruits and vegetables are a great alternative.

→ How can I make this dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, replace the vanilla ice cream with dairy-free ice cream or frozen coconut cream. Use any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk for the cream layer, and substitute regular whipped cream with coconut whipped cream.

→ What's the best technique for creating clean layers?

For distinct layers, make sure each mixture is thick enough and properly chilled. Pour slowly along the inside edge of the tilted glass using the back of a spoon. You can also freeze each layer for 5-10 minutes before adding the next one for more defined separation.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness level?

Absolutely! The sweeteners in each layer are marked as optional for this reason. Taste each layer before layering and adjust according to your preference and the natural sweetness of your fruit. Using riper fruits will require less added sweetener.

Mango Strawberry Sunrise Frappuccino

Tri-layered frozen drink with mango, strawberry and cream topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a spectacular treat.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
5 min
Total Duration
20 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Beverages

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Beverage

Output: 2 Servings (2 large frappuccinos)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Mango Layer

01 240 g frozen mango chunks
02 120 ml mango juice or orange juice
03 15 ml honey or granulated sugar (optional)
04 1 cup ice cubes
05 Few drops orange or yellow food coloring (optional)

→ Strawberry Layer

06 170 g frozen strawberries
07 120 ml strawberry juice or water
08 15 ml granulated sugar (optional)
09 1 cup ice cubes
10 Few drops red food coloring (optional)

→ Cream Layer

11 150 g vanilla ice cream
12 120 ml milk (dairy or non-dairy)
13 15 ml vanilla syrup
14 1 cup ice cubes

→ Toppings

15 Whipped cream
16 Fresh mango slices
17 Fresh strawberry slices
18 Mango syrup or strawberry syrup, for drizzling

Directions

Step 01

Combine frozen mango, mango or orange juice, honey if using, ice, and optional food coloring in a blender. Process until completely smooth. Transfer to a jug and store in the freezer while preparing the other layers.

Step 02

In a clean blender, combine frozen strawberries, strawberry juice or water, sugar if using, ice, and food coloring if desired. Blend until thoroughly smooth. Reserve in the freezer to keep chilled.

Step 03

Rinse the blender and add vanilla ice cream, milk, vanilla syrup, and ice. Blend until the mixture is creamy and well combined.

Step 04

Pour the mango layer into the bottom of each glass. Gently add the strawberry layer over the mango layer, followed by the cream layer on top. Use a spoon if needed to control layering and minimize mixing.

Step 05

Finish with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Garnish with fresh mango and strawberry slices, and drizzle with mango or strawberry syrup before serving immediately.

Notes

  1. For best layering results, keep each mixture very cold before assembly
  2. Use tall clear glasses to showcase the colorful layers

Required Equipment

  • Blender
  • Tall serving glasses
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Storage containers for freezing layers

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Contains dairy (if using regular milk and ice cream)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 12.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 68.5 g
  • Protein: 7.2 g