Strawberry Dole Whip — A Bright, Creamy Treat

Imagine the first spoonful: a cold, cloudlike swirl of sun-warmed strawberry sweetness, bright-tart lemon notes that wake your palate, and a whisper of tropical pineapple that carries you straight to a summer fair. The aroma is pure berry — fresh and slightly floral — while the texture is luxuriously smooth with a satisfyingly soft, frosty bite. Every mouthful is an instant mood lift.

This Strawberry Dole Whip is perfect any time you want dessert without fuss: a cheerful, no-cook treat for hot afternoons, a light finish after dinner, a healthy-ish snack for kids, or a fun, nostalgic addition to gatherings and backyard parties. It’s fast enough for a weekday pick-me-up and festive enough to bring to celebrations — all with a bright, carefree flavor that sparks smiles.

Dish Snapshot

Prep time: 5 minutes (active)
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes (add 30 minutes if you freeze for a firmer texture)
Servings: 2 generous servings
Difficulty level: Easy — blender required

Nutrition Highlights

Nutrition estimates are calculated using USDA FoodData Central values and rounded for clarity. Values are per serving (recipe makes ~2 servings). If you need precise numbers for medical reasons, please consult a registered dietitian or the USDA database directly.

Per serving (approximate)

Calories: 120 kcal
Protein: 1.6 g
Total Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Dietary fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: ~22–24 g (from fruit and powdered sugar)
Total Fat: 1.7 g
Sodium: <10 mg

Notes:

This treat is relatively low in fat and protein, with most calories coming from natural sugars in the fruit and added powdered sugar. Using a zero-calorie sweetener or omitting powdered sugar will lower total carbohydrates and calories.
For context on general nutrition guidance and safe food practices, trusted sources include USDA FoodData Central and CDC nutrition recommendations.

Why You’ll Love It

Instant nostalgia: It channels classic pineapple soft-serve vibes with a strawberry twist that feels both retro and modern.
Effortless joy: No cooking, no special equipment beyond a blender — assemble, blend, and serve.
Bright, balanced flavor: The pairing of sweet strawberries, tangy pineapple juice, and a splash of lemon creates lively, refreshing layers instead of cloying sweetness.
Versatile and diet-friendly: The base is naturally vegan and can be adjusted for lower sugar, creamier richness, or an adult cocktail version.

Preparation Guide

Ingredients

2 cups frozen strawberries
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or any milk of your choice)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

Optional ingredients and substitutions

Use 1/2 ripe frozen banana for extra creaminess (adds natural sweetness).
Swap powdered sugar for 1–2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener (erythritol or stevia) to taste.
For a richer texture, substitute coconut milk with canned coconut cream (use less pineapple juice to avoid thinning).
Add a splash (1 tsp) of vanilla extract for warmth.
For a boozy adult version, stir in 1 tablespoon rum after blending.

Step-by-step instructions

Gather ingredients and let the frozen strawberries sit at room temperature for 1–2 minutes if they’re rock-solid — this helps protect your blender.
Add the frozen strawberries to the blender first, then pour in pineapple juice, unsweetened coconut milk, and lemon juice. This layering helps the blade engage the frozen fruit.
Pulse 6–8 times to break up the strawberries, then blend on medium-high until the mixture is smooth and soft-serve in texture (about 30–45 seconds). Pause and scrape down the sides as needed.
Taste and add powdered sugar a little at a time to reach your desired sweetness, then blend briefly to combine.
Serve immediately for soft-serve texture. For a firmer, scoopable consistency, transfer to a shallow container and freeze 20–30 minutes, then scoop or re-blend briefly before serving.

Practical tips

Don’t add too much liquid at once; you want a thick, spoonable texture. Start with the listed amounts and add more by tablespoon only if needed.
Use a high-speed blender for the creamiest result; if using a regular blender, pulse more and be patient.
If the mixture gets runny, pop it into the freezer for 10–20 minutes and stir or re-blend.

Serving Suggestions

Classic swirl in a chilled bowl or cone for a nostalgic soft-serve experience.
Top with toasted coconut flakes, chopped fresh strawberries, or a sprinkle of granola for crunch.
Make a float: spoon into a glass and add sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a fizzy, grown-up treat.
Serve alongside iced coffee or green tea for a sweet contrast.
Use as a healthy-ish topping for waffles, pancakes, or yogurt parfaits.

Shelf Life & Storage

Room temperature: Not recommended for storage. Serve immediately; per general food safety guidelines, avoid leaving perishable items at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. Texture will soften and separate; re-blend briefly to restore creaminess.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes and stir or re-blend before serving.

Chef’s Advice

Balance is everything: The lemon juice brightens the strawberries and prevents the flavor from becoming flat — don’t skip it.
Control sweetness by tasting before adding powdered sugar — frozen strawberries vary in sweetness through the seasons.
For the silkiest texture, use fruit that was flash-frozen (commercial frozen berries are better than home-frozen chunks).
If you plan to serve a crowd, double the recipe but blend in batches to maintain texture.

Creative Twists

Mango-Strawberry Fusion: Replace half the strawberries with frozen mango for a tropical, sweeter profile.
Creamy Greek Yogurt Version: Stir in 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt for more protein and a tangy richness (not vegan).
Low-Sugar Option: Omit powdered sugar and add 1/2 cup frozen banana for natural sweetness or use 1–2 teaspoons of a non-caloric sweetener.
Boozy Berry: After blending, fold in 1 tablespoon light rum or vodka for an adult dessert.
Green Add-In: Add a small handful of baby spinach for color and nutrients — the flavor stays strawberry-forward.

Recipe Q&A

Q: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
A: For best texture, use frozen strawberries. If using fresh, freeze them for at least 2–3 hours or add ice to achieve a soft-serve consistency.

Q: My whip is too thin — how do I fix it?
A: Freeze the mixture for 15–30 minutes and then re-blend briefly. Next time, reduce the liquid slightly.

Q: Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
A: Yes — as written it’s vegan and naturally gluten-free. Swap any dairy-based milk if you choose a different option.

Q: How can I make it lower in sugar?
A: Reduce or omit the powdered sugar and use a ripe banana or a non-caloric sweetener to maintain sweetness without added sugar.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: You can freeze the blended mixture in a shallow container up to 1 month. Thaw briefly and re-blend or scoop to serve.

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Conclusion

I hope this Strawberry Dole Whip inspires you to blend something joyful and bright today — it’s quick, versatile, and perfect for sharing. For more inspiration and variations on this strawberry soft-serve, try this Strawberry Dole Whip Recipe – {Disney In Your Kitchen} and this playful take from a fellow home cook: Strawberry Dole Whip – I Heart Naptime. Share your photos and tips — I’d love to hear how you make it your own!