If you’re craving a frosty, fruity treat that tastes like a vacation in a bowl, you have to try this Strawberry Dole Whip! The blend of juicy frozen strawberries, tangy pineapple juice, and vanilla ice cream makes every spoonful instantly refreshing—like the best summer day, no matter what the calendar says.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in Minutes: You can whip up a refreshing Strawberry Dole Whip in less than 5 minutes—no fancy equipment or special skills required!
- Dreamy, Creamy Texture: The combo of frozen strawberries and velvety vanilla ice cream delivers a perfectly smooth, soft-serve-like scoop.
- Familiar, Nostalgic Vibes: This treat brings a bit of theme park magic to your kitchen, but with a tart strawberry twist that everyone will love.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you need it dairy-free, extra sweet, or with a tropical coconut flair, it’s so simple to make this recipe your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What sets Strawberry Dole Whip apart is how it transforms just a handful of wholesome ingredients into pure delight! Each component is essential to nailing that bright color, uplifting tang, and signature creamy finish. Here’s how the magic happens:
- Pineapple juice (4–6 ounces): Adds a sunny tropical zing and helps everything blend to a soft, spoonable texture. I love Dole 100% juice for that classic flavor!
- Frozen strawberries (2 cups / 9 ounces): The real star! These bring intense berry flavor and the vibrant pink color that makes this treat so eye-catching.
- Vanilla ice cream (½ cup): Provides that dreamy, creamy consistency and just the right whisper of vanilla to balance the fruitiness. Use your favorite brand or swap for dairy-free if needed.
Variations
The beauty of Strawberry Dole Whip is how effortlessly you can tweak it to suit your mood, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Here are a few irresistible ways to put your own spin on this frozen treat:
- Dairy-Free Delight: Swap the vanilla ice cream for coconut milk, vegan yogurt, or a dairy-free ice cream for a luscious, naturally plant-based version.
- Berry Blast: Mix in a handful of frozen raspberries or blueberries to create a medley of bright berry flavors (and even deeper color!).
- Extra Sweet Tooth: Prefer it sweeter? Just add 1–2 tablespoons of sugar, honey, or your favorite sweetener before blending.
- Tropical Fusion: For something extra fun, toss in a bit of frozen mango or banana to create a creamy tropical twist.
How to Make Strawberry Dole Whip
Step 1: Add Your Ingredients to the Blender
Start by measuring out the pineapple juice, frozen strawberries, and vanilla ice cream. Add them directly into your blender (a high-speed blender works best for that ultra-smooth finish). I like to pour in the juice first so it forms a liquid base for easy blending.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth and Creamy
Blend the mixture on high until everything is completely combined, thick, and velvety—scraping down the sides as needed. You’re aiming for a consistency that’s thicker than a smoothie, but still scoopable or pipeable. If your blender struggles, add a splash more juice; if it’s too thin, pop in a few extra frozen strawberries.
Step 3: Pipe or Scoop and Serve
For that theme park-style swirl, transfer your Strawberry Dole Whip to a large zip-top bag and freeze for 5 minutes. Snip off a corner and pipe into glasses or bowls! Or simply scoop and serve immediately—either way, it’s irresistibly refreshing.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Dole Whip
- Strawberry Sweetness: If your frozen strawberries aren’t super sweet, add a bit of sugar or honey to bring out their natural flavor.
- Frozen Fruit Matters: Make sure your strawberries are completely frozen for the creamiest, thickest whip—fresh berries just don’t create the same magical texture.
- Blender Magic: Use a high-powered blender and pulse at first to break up fruit, then blend continuously for that dreamy, soft-serve smoothness.
- Swirl Like a Pro: For a classic theme park look, don’t skip the piping step and freeze in a zip-top bag for 5 minutes—your Strawberry Dole Whip will hold the prettiest swirl!
How to Serve Strawberry Dole Whip
Garnishes
Adding fun garnishes takes your Strawberry Dole Whip from delicious to truly show-stopping! Top with fresh sliced strawberries, a wedge of pineapple, a sprig of mint, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a treat that looks as sweet as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This frozen treat pairs beautifully with light, fresh nibbles—think tropical fruit skewers, crispy coconut cookies, or even a delicate shortbread for dipping. Serve alongside a platter of chilled watermelon or citrus slices for a cooling summer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a DIY Strawberry Dole Whip sundae bar with toppings like toasted coconut, mini chocolate chips, and chopped nuts. Or, go whimsical and serve in hollowed-out pineapple halves, mason jars, or mini dessert cups for parties—you’ll earn all the smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra Strawberry Dole Whip, simply scoop it into an airtight, freezer-safe container and pop it in the freezer. It’ll firm up a bit but keep all that fantastic flavor and color until you’re ready for more.
Freezing
This recipe absolutely loves the freezer! It will become firmer the longer it sits, so when you want to serve, just let it rest on the counter for 10 minutes—the perfect texture returns, and it’s just as tasty as fresh-blended.
Reheating
If your Strawberry Dole Whip is solid from the freezer, there’s no need to reheat—just give it a gentle stir or a short blitz in the blender to revive that soft, luscious scoop. Avoid using the microwave so you don’t melt the texture.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
For that signature creamy consistency, frozen strawberries really are essential. Fresh berries will make your Dole Whip more like a smoothie and less like soft-serve. If you only have fresh, freeze them first for a few hours before blending.
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How do I make my Strawberry Dole Whip dairy-free?
Just swap out the vanilla ice cream for coconut milk, almond milk ice cream, or any vegan ice cream you love. The result is still ultra-creamy and delicious—no dairy required!
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Can I prepare Strawberry Dole Whip in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Make a big batch, freeze it in a container, then let it soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. You can even re-blend for an extra-smooth texture just before piping or scooping.
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What’s the best way to get that swirl like at theme parks?
It’s easier than you think! Transfer the blended whip into a large zip-top bag, freeze for 5 minutes, then snip off a corner (or use a piping tip) and pipe into your cup. You’ll get that classic soft-serve swirl every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something extra-special about homemade Strawberry Dole Whip—each spoonful is a little burst of summer, sunshine, and nostalgia. If you’re ready for a fun, fast, and incredibly tasty escape, this dreamy recipe is waiting for you. I can’t wait for you to try it and share all the smiles it brings!
Print
Strawberry Dole Whip Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a refreshing and creamy Strawberry Dole Whip, a delightful tropical treat that’s perfect for any time of year. This easy-to-make dessert is a fruity twist on the classic Dole Whip, combining the sweetness of strawberries with the tropical flavor of pineapple.
Ingredients
Pineapple Juice:
- 4–6 ounces pineapple juice, such as Dole 100% juice
Frozen Strawberries:
- 2 cups (9 ounces) frozen strawberries
Vanilla Ice Cream:
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: Pour the pineapple juice, frozen strawberries, and vanilla ice cream into a blender.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into glasses and serve immediately.
Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by adding more pineapple juice or frozen strawberries if needed.
Notes
- Tip: For a soft-serve presentation, freeze the mixture in a zip-top bag for 5 minutes, then pipe it into serving cups.
- Variations: Experiment with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or vegan yogurt, and consider adding raspberries or extra sugar for different flavors.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in a covered container in the freezer, allowing them to soften at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 200 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
