Strawberry Dole Whip

Creamy, bright, and bursting with juicy strawberry flavor, this Strawberry Dole Whip is the kind of frozen treat that makes hot afternoons vanish. It’s a soft-serve-style delight that’s naturally refreshing, easy to whip up, and feels indulgent without the fuss. Fun fact: Dole Whip has cult status at theme parks, but you don’t need tickets or a long line to enjoy it at home. This recipe is perfect for busy families, last-minute desserts, or a simple way to impress guests.

If you enjoy simple, crowd-pleasing sweets made with minimal ingredients, you might also like my take on lighter summertime treats like Cool Whip Cookies. This Strawberry Dole Whip is quick to prepare, family-friendly, and a delightful alternative to heavy ice creams—so let’s get blending!

What is Strawberry Dole Whip?

Ever wonder why something called Dole Whip tastes like a creamy, fruity dream? Is it a whip? Is it from an island? It’s a playful name for a frozen, soft-serve dessert inspired by the famous pineapple Dole Whip. Imagine asking for something sweet and getting a cloud of strawberry cream instead—who could resist? And remember, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Maybe that’s why weekends disappear when this bowl appears. Give this recipe a try and you’ll understand the friendly mystery behind the name.

Why You’ll Love This:

There are so many reasons this Strawberry Dole Whip becomes a fast favorite. First, the main highlight is its silky, naturally sweet strawberry flavor that tastes fresh and vibrant—no artificial nonsense. Second, making it at home saves money compared to store-bought soft serve or specialty shop versions, and you control the ingredients. Third, the toppings and add-ins—fresh strawberries, a squeeze of lemon, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of honey—turn it into a sensory treat with texture and bright contrasts. If you enjoy other creamy fruity desserts, try pairing this with a bar-style dessert like Golden Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake Bars for a full-on berry-themed spread. Ready to make it? Let’s blend.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This Strawberry Dole Whip is incredibly simple: just frozen strawberries, a splash of coconut milk for creaminess, a little sweetener if you like, and a touch of lemon and vanilla to brighten the flavor. The texture is smooth and soft-serve like when served immediately, or firmer if you freeze it a bit longer. Prep takes about 5 minutes with 10 minutes of thawing, and total time ranges from 5 to 90 minutes depending on texture preference.

Ingredients

1 lb frozen strawberries — slightly thawed for 10 minutes before blending
1/2 cup coconut milk — use full-fat for creamier texture, or your favorite milk for a lighter version
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional) — add if your strawberries are tart or you prefer sweeter treats
1 tsp lemon juice — fresh is best to brighten flavor
1/2 tsp vanilla extract — for depth and warmth

Directions

Allow the frozen strawberries to thaw for about 10 minutes so they’re slightly softened but still cold. This makes blending easier and keeps the texture creamy.
In a blender or food processor, combine the thawed strawberries, coconut milk, honey or maple syrup (if using), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Start with the smaller amount of milk and add more only if needed.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed. If the mixture is too stiff, add 1 tablespoon of coconut milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture or transfer to a shallow container and freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer, scoopable consistency. Stir once after 30–45 minutes for an even set.
Garnish with fresh strawberries, a sprig of mint, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of honey and enjoy!

Strawberry Dole Whip

What to Serve With:

Fresh fruit salad or sliced mangoes for a tropical pairing.
Crunchy granola or toasted coconut for texture contrast.
Shortbread cookies or graham crackers for scooping and a buttery balance.
Iced tea or a sparkling lemon soda to keep the palate refreshed.
A light green salad with citrus vinaigrette if you serve desserts after a savory summer meal.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Use ripe strawberries before freezing if possible—the riper they are, the sweeter your Dole Whip will be.
For extra creaminess, freeze a banana in chunks and add 1/2 banana to the blender. Bananas can also help create a thicker, ice-cream-like mouthfeel.
If you prefer dairy, swap coconut milk for full-fat cream or evaporated milk; for a lighter option, use oat or almond milk.
Don’t over-blend—aim for smooth but still chilled. Overheating the motor can melt the mixture too much.
If flavors are flat, a pinch of salt and an extra squeeze of lemon can enhance brightness.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer (not fridge) to maintain texture. Soft-serve won’t hold in the fridge.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 weeks in a shallow container. For best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping.
Reheating: No reheating needed—thaw frozen Dole Whip in the fridge for 20–30 minutes or at room temperature for 5–10 minutes, then stir or pulse in a blender to restore creaminess.

FAQs

What if I don’t have coconut milk?
You can substitute any milk you prefer: full-fat dairy for richness, or unsweetened almond or oat milk for a lighter result. Thicker milks yield creamier texture.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, but for the soft-serve texture, freeze fresh strawberries in a single layer first. Blend frozen for the best consistency.

Is this recipe vegan?
Use maple syrup instead of honey and a plant-based milk like coconut or oat to keep it vegan-friendly.

Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes—make it a couple hours ahead and keep it in the freezer. Stir or re-blend briefly before serving to refresh the texture.

How can I make it less sweet?
Omit the honey or maple syrup and rely on ripe strawberries; add a touch more lemon to brighten flavors if needed.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Dole Whip is a foolproof, budget-friendly frozen dessert that feels special without the effort. It’s quick to blend, perfect for families, and endlessly customizable with toppings and mix-ins. For more inspiration and a twist on the classic, check out this flavorful Strawberry Dole Whip Recipe – {Disney In Your Kitchen} to compare techniques and ideas. Give it a whirl, share with friends, and enjoy the bright, creamy goodness!