Strawberry Dole Whip is a refreshing, dairy-free frozen treat inspired by the famous Dole Whip dessert from Disney parks. This homemade version combines the sweetness of strawberries with tropical pineapple juice for a vibrant, creamy dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. The beautiful pink color and smooth texture make this a delightful dessert that both kids and adults will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s quick and easy to make with just 5 simple ingredients
• Dairy-free and easily adaptable for various dietary needs
• No ice cream maker required — just a blender or food processor
• Customizable sweetness level to suit your preferences
• Perfect cooling treat for summer that kids and adults both love
• Recreates a theme park favorite at a fraction of the cost

Ingredients

• Frozen Strawberries: The star ingredient that provides the vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor. Make sure they’re completely frozen for the best texture.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical flavor and natural sweetness while helping to create the signature Dole Whip taste. Fresh or canned both work well.
• Unsweetened Coconut Milk: Creates creamy texture without dairy. Can be substituted with almond milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk if you prefer.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness. Fresh lemon juice works best, but bottled will do in a pinch.
• Powdered Sugar: Dissolves easily for smooth sweetness. Can be replaced with honey, agave nectar, or monk fruit sweetener for different dietary needs.

Variations

Berry Blast Version

Transform this treat by using a mix of frozen berries instead of just strawberries. Combine raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a mixed berry Dole Whip with enhanced antioxidant benefits and a beautiful purple-red hue.

Tropical Paradise

Add 1/2 cup of frozen mango chunks and a splash of coconut extract to the original recipe for a tropical twist that will transport you straight to the islands. The mango adds natural sweetness and a sunshine-yellow swirl.

Creamy Indulgence

For a more decadent version, replace the coconut milk with coconut cream or add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a protein-packed treat. This variation is perfect for those who want something more substantial or as a post-workout treat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Ingredients

Place all ingredients in your blender or food processor – frozen strawberries, pineapple juice, coconut milk, lemon juice, and powdered sugar. Start blending on low speed, then gradually increase to high. The key is to blend until everything is completely smooth but still thick like soft-serve ice cream. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes in a high-powered blender.

Step 2: Adjust Consistency and Taste

Stop the blender and check the consistency of your mixture. If it’s too thick to blend properly, add a splash more pineapple juice or coconut milk. If it’s too thin, add a few more frozen strawberries. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if needed, then blend again briefly to incorporate.

Step 3: Serve or Freeze

For soft-serve consistency, serve immediately after blending. For a more authentic Dole Whip experience, transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe swirls into serving dishes. If you prefer a firmer texture, place the mixture in a freezer-safe container and freeze for 20-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For the best texture, make sure your strawberries are completely frozen. Fresh strawberries won’t create the same soft-serve consistency.
• If you don’t have a high-powered blender, let the frozen strawberries thaw for about 5 minutes before blending to prevent straining your appliance.
• Chill your serving bowls in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving to keep your Dole Whip from melting too quickly.
• If your Dole Whip becomes too soft during blending, transfer the mixture to a container and freeze for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• The quality of your strawberries matters – use berries that were frozen at peak ripeness for the best flavor.
• For a smoother texture, blend in intervals and scrape down the sides of your blender between pulses.

How to Serve

Strawberry Dole Whip is best enjoyed immediately after preparation while it maintains its perfect soft-serve texture. Serve in chilled bowls or cups for the best experience. For an Instagram-worthy presentation, pipe the Dole Whip using a star tip into a clear glass or bowl.

Enhance your Dole Whip by topping it with fresh strawberry slices, a sprig of mint, or a light drizzle of honey. For a dessert parfait, layer the Dole Whip with granola and fresh fruit. Pair it with shortbread cookies or graham crackers for dipping, or serve it alongside a tropical fruit salad for a refreshing summer dessert spread.

Make Ahead

While Strawberry Dole Whip is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline the process:

Freeze fresh strawberries in advance, laying them flat on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for easy portioning. Measure out other ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator up to a day ahead.

If you’ve already made the Dole Whip, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. When ready to serve, let it thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then re-blend with a splash of pineapple juice to refresh the texture. Note that the consistency may change slightly after freezing, becoming more like traditional ice cream rather than soft serve.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

No, frozen strawberries are essential for creating the right texture. If you only have fresh strawberries, freeze them for at least 4 hours before making the recipe.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, when made with coconut milk or another plant-based milk as specified in the recipe, this Strawberry Dole Whip is completely dairy-free, making it perfect for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.

How can I make this without a high-powered blender?

If you don’t have a high-powered blender, a food processor works well. Alternatively, let the frozen strawberries thaw slightly before blending, and process the mixture in smaller batches, combining them at the end.

Why is my Dole Whip too runny?

This usually happens if the strawberries weren’t completely frozen or if too much liquid was added. Fix it by adding more frozen strawberries or freezing the mixture for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

This homemade Strawberry Dole Whip brings the magic of a beloved theme park treat right to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Perfect for cooling down on hot days or satisfying a sweet craving without excessive calories, this bright and refreshing dessert is sure to become a family favorite. The simple ingredients and quick preparation make it an ideal treat to whip up whenever the mood strikes. Give this Strawberry Dole Whip a try – it’s like summer in a bowl!

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