Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat) — a drink that wraps cozy chai spices, creamy textures, and apple pie sweetness together in one ice-cold glass! This delightfully layered drink reinvents chai lattes with a fluffy apple-brown sugar cream, plenty of ice, and just the right hint of autumn no matter the season. Whether you’re craving that familiar coffeehouse magic at home or introducing friends to something new, this recipe is pure comfort and so worth a sip (or several).

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat) is in how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each element has a starring role: bold chai lays the foundation, apple brown sugar syrup brings that signature sweetness, and the homemade cream topping makes it unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chai concentrate: Rich in black tea and warming spices, this is the base that carries all the cozy flavors.
• Milk: Choose whole or 2% for maximum creaminess, or swap in your favorite dairy-free alternative for a custom twist.
• Ice: Fills out the glass and chills everything into a super-refreshing treat.
• Apple brown sugar syrup: This sweet syrup is the secret behind that irresistible, pie-inspired flavor. Use store-bought or homemade!
• Heavy cream: Whips up into a luxurious topping that floats beautifully over the chai.
• Extra milk for the cream: Just a splash helps your apple crisp cream whip up extra smooth.
• Optional: ground cinnamon: For sprinkling on top and adding a little visual flair (plus spice!)

How to Make Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat)

Step 1: Chill the Bowl and Whisk

Start by popping a small mixing bowl and your whisk (or electric mixer beaters) into the freezer for about 10 to 15 minutes. This quick chilling trick helps your apple crisp cream whip up thick and dreamy instead of flat and runny!

Step 2: Whip Up Apple Crisp Cream

Pour the heavy cream, a tablespoon of milk, and 2 teaspoons of apple brown sugar syrup into your cold bowl. Whisk until the mixture is thick and fluffy, just shy of soft peaks. Do your best to keep your hands off the outside of the bowl—you want everything to stay as cold as possible for max volume and creaminess!

Step 3: Quick Chill for Cream

Slide the bowl of partially whipped apple crisp cream back into the freezer while you put together the chai base. This extra chill makes it even easier to get that perfect, melt-on-your-tongue texture.

Step 4: Build Your Chai Base

Grab a large glass (16 ounces or bigger). Pour in 1/2 cup of chai concentrate and 1/2 cup of milk. Like it extra sweet and apple-y? Add another tablespoon or two of apple brown sugar syrup to the chai for next-level autumn flavor.

Step 5: Add Ice

Fill the glass with ice, making sure to leave a bit of space at the top for your dreamy apple crisp cream. Don’t skip this—an icy base makes every sip crazy refreshing!

Step 6: Re-Whisk and Top With Cream

Pull your cream from the freezer and give it one last quick whisk. It should thicken up to the consistency of soft, melted ice cream. Slowly pour or spoon that fluffy apple crisp cream over the iced chai. Just look at those layers!

Step 7: Finishing Touches

If you want the true Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat) experience, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon over the top for color and spice. Sip immediately—and soak in that coffeehouse-level bliss!

How to Serve Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat)

Garnishes

Sprinkle each glass of Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat) with a generous pinch of ground cinnamon or apple pie spice for both vivid color and a boost of aroma. For a little café flair, try a cinnamon stick or paper straw as a stirrer, or top with a swirl of extra apple brown sugar syrup.

Side Dishes

Pair your drink with soft-baked snickerdoodles, pumpkin bread, or a slice of apple crumb cake on the side—these cozy, autumnal treats echo the spices and make every sip and bite more nostalgic. You might also love a light cheese plate or crisp apple slices for a little contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat) in mason jars or tall glass mugs to show off those gorgeous layers. Add fun straws, tie on a mini cinnamon stick with twine, or serve on a wooden tray with fresh apple slices for an Instagram-worthy moment. If you’re hosting, set up a DIY chai bar with toppings and custom add-ins!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra apple crisp cream, keep it in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a quick whisk before serving to bring back its fluff, but avoid storing assembled drinks—ice melts and waters things down.

Freezing

You can actually freeze leftover apple crisp cream in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight, then whip again to restore the texture. Don’t freeze the chai base or a fully assembled Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat), as the milk and tea can separate.

Reheating

Since this copycat recipe is all about those icy, chilled layers, reheating isn’t recommended. If your cream has firmed up in the fridge, just let it stand at room temp for a few minutes and whisk again to soften before using.

FAQs

Can I make this drink dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap in oat milk or almond milk for both the chai base and the cream topping. For the cream, use a non-dairy whipping cream or coconut cream for that same rich, floaty texture.

What’s the best chai concentrate to use?

You can use any store-bought chai tea concentrate, like Tazo or Oregon Chai, or brew your own extra-spicy chai. Homemade versions give you more control over spice and sweetness, but either choice delivers signature Starbucks flavor.

Can I prepare the apple brown sugar syrup at home?

Absolutely—it’s easy! Simmer equal parts apple juice and brown sugar with a cinnamon stick until slightly thickened. Cool and strain before using. Store for up to a week in the fridge.

Is this drink good hot or only iced?

While the Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat) is crafted for chilly, frothy goodness over ice, you can definitely serve it hot! Just warm the chai and milk, omit the ice, and top with warm apple crisp cream for a comforting winter treat.

How can I make this less sweet?

Simply reduce the amount of apple brown sugar syrup in both the cream and chai base. Taste as you go and add more if you need it—a little goes a long way!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about recreating your favorite coffee shop indulgence at home, and the Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat) makes every day feel a little cozier and more delicious. Give this recipe a try and share it with your chai-loving friends—you’ll be the star barista of your own kitchen!

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