Strawberry Dole Whip Recipe

If you’re looking for a refreshing treat that practically sings with fruity flavor, look no further than Strawberry Dole Whip. Inspired by the beloved theme park classic, this creamy, vibrant dessert is bursting with sweet strawberries, tangy pineapple juice, and a hint of coconut. It’s unbelievably easy, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven. Whether you’re chasing summer vibes or just need a cheerful pick-me-up, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the true joys of making Strawberry Dole Whip is just how simple—and powerful—the ingredient list is. Every component here pulls its weight by contributing a unique flavor, the ideal texture, or a touch of natural color that makes each spoonful shine.

• Frozen strawberries: The star of the show, these provide intense, icy fruit flavor and create that signature blush-pink hue.
• Pineapple juice: Adds a tropical zing that brightens every bite and balances the rich sweetness of the berries.
• Unsweetened coconut milk (or any milk): This makes the whip super creamy and gives a subtle, vacation-worthy note; feel free to swap in your favorite milk.
• Lemon juice: A splash of fresh tartness makes all the flavors pop and keeps the dessert vibrant.
• Powdered sugar: Lets you tweak the sweetness to your taste and keeps the texture smooth—just a little goes a long way.

How to Make Strawberry Dole Whip

Step 1: Blend the Base

Add your frozen strawberries, pineapple juice, coconut milk, and lemon juice to a powerful blender or food processor. Don’t be shy—pulse until everything is mostly combined, then blend on high until the mixture looks creamy and beautifully smooth. If your blender struggles at first, let the strawberries sit for a couple minutes to soften slightly.

Step 2: Sweeten to Perfection

Pause to taste the mixture. Depending on your strawberries and your preference, you may want more or less sweetness. Add powdered sugar a little at a time and blend again, testing as you go. The result should be lush and almost sherbet-like, with a perfect balance of fruity bite and creamy sweetness.

Step 3: Freeze for a Firmer Scoop (Optional)

If you want a thicker, more scoopable texture, transfer the Strawberry Dole Whip to a freezer-safe container and pop it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This quick chill firms up the mixture, giving it a texture that holds its shape—but don’t forget it, or it’ll get too hard to scoop!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Right Away

Spoon the Strawberry Dole Whip into bowls, cups, or cones—whatever suits your fancy. You can use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for that classic swirl. Serve immediately for the ultimate creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

How to Serve Strawberry Dole Whip

Garnishes

Make your Strawberry Dole Whip extra special with fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of coconut flakes, or even a mint leaf. A drizzle of extra pineapple juice or a grating of lemon zest also adds an energizing pop of flavor. Kids (and, honestly, adults) love a little rainbow sprinkles action, too.

Side Dishes

This sweet-tart treat pairs beautifully with crunchy vanilla wafers, a simple sugar cookie, or wedges of fresh pineapple on the side. You could also serve alongside a platter of mixed tropical fruits for a party-perfect vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring some fun to your table by swirling the Strawberry Dole Whip into parfait glasses and layering with granola or coconut yogurt. For a cookout, pile it into waffle cones or freeze into popsicle molds. A float version with sparkling water is a fizzy take that’s always a hit with guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, scoop them into an airtight container and store them in the freezer. The Strawberry Dole Whip will stay good for up to a week, though it’s best enjoyed within a couple of days for optimal taste and creaminess.

Freezing

For firmer scoops, let your Dole Whip freeze for 30 to 60 minutes before serving. If freezing longer, be sure to let it sit on the counter for a few minutes so it softens enough to serve. Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing, which can make it icy.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t quite the word here, but to return your Strawberry Dole Whip to its dreamy texture, just let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. Give it a quick stir, and you’ll be ready to serve up a chilled treat that tastes fresh-made.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Frozen strawberries give the creamy, thick consistency you expect from classic Strawberry Dole Whip. If you only have fresh strawberries, freeze them first for at least four hours, or add extra ice while blending, though you may sacrifice some flavor intensity.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Absolutely! The recipe is already dairy-free when using coconut milk, but you can swap in almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy option you love. Just be sure it’s unsweetened, so you can control the level of sweetness.

How can I make it sweeter or less sweet?

The beauty of Strawberry Dole Whip is that it’s totally customizable. If you find the mixture a little tart, add more powdered sugar to taste. For a less sweet version, skip or reduce the sugar entirely, especially if your fruit is super ripe.

Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?

Yes! Both appliances will do the trick, as long as they’re strong enough to cut through frozen fruit. Just scrape down the sides as needed to make sure everything blends evenly, and give it a little extra time if necessary.

What other flavors can I mix in?

Get creative! Mango, banana, or even a handful of raspberries blend beautifully into the base. Just make sure the fruit is frozen, so you maintain the signature texture that makes Strawberry Dole Whip stand out.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about whipping up a batch of Strawberry Dole Whip at home—you get all the nostalgia and joy, with flavors tuned exactly as you like them. It’s so easy, delightfully fresh, and endlessly fun to customize. Give it a try and share the flavor-packed, strawberry sunshine with someone you love!

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