Easy Strawberry Dole Whip Recipe for the Perfect Summer

Name: Easy Strawberry Dole Whip
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (450g) frozen strawberries; 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk; 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon (5ml) lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract; Optional: 1 tablespoon strawberry jam or puree

Posted on July 30, 2025

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Imagine this: a hot summer day, the sun shining bright, and a creamy, fruity treat that cools you down in the most delicious way possible. That’s exactly what this Easy Strawberry Dole Whip delivers! Whether you’ve tried the iconic pineapple version or this is your first whip adventure, this recipe is guaranteed to become your go-to summer dessert. The best part? You can whip it up with just a few simple ingredients and a blender. Let’s dive into this refreshing treat that tastes like summer in a bowl!

Strawberry Dole Whip is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, offering a luscious texture that’s almost too good to be true. Plus, it’s naturally dairy-free, making it a great option for everyone. Keep reading to learn how to make this dreamy dessert, along with tips, tricks, and variations to suit your taste buds!

What’s the Story Behind Strawberry Dole Whip?

The original Dole Whip, a pineapple-flavored soft-serve, rose to fame at Disney parks, where it quickly became a must-have treat for visitors. But like any great recipe, creative spins started popping up, and the Strawberry Dole Whip was born. While it’s not as widely known as the pineapple version, those who’ve tried it know it’s equally magical.

For me, the first time I had a strawberry version was at a summer fair, and I was hooked instantly. It had the same creamy, soft-serve vibe but with the bright, fruity flavor of strawberries. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and that’s when I decided to recreate it at home. After a few attempts (and some delicious trial runs), I landed on this recipe that’s both easy and incredibly satisfying.

Strawberry Dole Whip is also a celebration of summer produce. When strawberries are in season, their natural sweetness and vibrant color make this dessert a showstopper. It’s a treat that feels indulgent but is actually packed with real fruit, so you can enjoy it without any guilt.

Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Dole Whip

This recipe is all about keeping things simple and letting the ingredients shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

Frozen Strawberries: These are the star of the show. Look for sweet, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If you’re using fresh strawberries, freeze them beforehand for that perfect texture.
Coconut Milk: This gives the Dole Whip its creamy consistency. Full-fat coconut milk works best, but you can use light coconut milk if you prefer a lighter version.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of natural sweetener balances the tartness of the strawberries. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Lemon Juice: Just a splash enhances the fruity flavor and adds a subtle tanginess.
Vanilla Extract: A small amount adds depth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Optional: If you want an extra boost of strawberry flavor, you can add a tablespoon of strawberry jam or puree!

Ingredient Notes and Alternatives

If you’re making this for someone with dietary restrictions or looking to switch things up, here are some handy substitutions:

Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
Low-Calorie Version: Swap coconut milk for unsweetened almond milk, but the texture will be slightly less creamy.
Sugar-Free: Use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.

Keep in mind that fresh strawberries will work, but freezing them is essential for achieving that soft-serve consistency.

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make Strawberry Dole Whip, but a few kitchen tools will make the process smooth:

High-Powered Blender: A good blender is key to achieving that silky texture. If you don’t have one, a food processor works too, though you may need to scrape the sides more often.
Spatula: For scraping down the sides of your blender or food processor.
Ice Cream Scoop: To serve the Dole Whip in picture-perfect swirls.
Piping Bag: Optional, but great for creating those iconic soft-serve swirls!

Pro Tip: If your blender struggles with frozen fruit, let the strawberries sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Dole Whip

Prep Your Ingredients: If your strawberries aren’t already frozen, wash, hull, and freeze them for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Blend: In a blender or food processor, combine 3 cups (450g) of frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup (120ml) of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon (5ml) of lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of vanilla extract.
Process: Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times. If the mixture is too thick to blend, add a splash of coconut milk.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and add more sweetener or lemon juice if needed. Blend again to combine.
Serve Immediately: Transfer the Dole Whip to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for that classic swirl, or simply scoop it into bowls or cones.

Quick Tip: If you prefer a firmer texture, freeze the blended mixture for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are a few tricks to ensure your Strawberry Dole Whip turns out perfect every time:

Use Frozen Fruit: This is non-negotiable. Frozen strawberries are what give the whip its signature texture.
Don’t Overdo the Liquid: Adding too much coconut milk can make the mixture runny. Start with less and add more as needed.
Blend in Batches: If your blender is small, work in batches to avoid overloading it.
Go Easy on Sweeteners: Strawberries are naturally sweet, so start with a small amount of honey or syrup and adjust to your liking.

And if you accidentally make it too thin? Pop it in the freezer for a bit, then stir and serve!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are some fun ideas:

Mixed Berry Dole Whip: Replace half the strawberries with frozen raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
Tropical Twist: Add a handful of frozen mango or pineapple chunks for a tropical flavor boost.
Chocolate Strawberry: Swirl in some melted dark chocolate or sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
Low-Sugar Option: Skip the sweetener entirely if your strawberries are super ripe.

Feel free to experiment. Who knows? You might just create a new favorite flavor!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Strawberry Dole Whip is best enjoyed fresh, but here are some tips for serving and storing:

Serving: Serve it right after blending for the creamiest texture. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves for an extra pop.
Pairings: It pairs wonderfully with a light summer salad, grilled peaches, or even a glass of sparkling lemonade.
Storage: If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Let it thaw slightly before scooping.

Keep in mind that the texture will firm up in the freezer, so it won’t be quite as fluffy when stored.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This Strawberry Dole Whip is not only delicious but also packed with good-for-you ingredients:

Calories: Approximately 120 per serving
Key Nutrients: Vitamin C from the strawberries and healthy fats from the coconut milk
Dietary Features: Naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly (if using maple syrup)

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which boost your immune system and promote healthy skin. Plus, this recipe is free from artificial flavors and colors, making it a wholesome treat you can feel good about.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a simple, refreshing, and downright delicious Easy Strawberry Dole Whip recipe that’s perfect for summer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, cooling off after a long day, or just treating yourself to something sweet, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

I love how customizable this dessert is, and I hope you’ll have fun making it your own. If you give it a try, let me know in the comments how it turned out or share your favorite variation. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with your friends!

Happy blending, and here’s to enjoying the sweet taste of summer!

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes, but you’ll need to freeze them first to get the right consistency for the whip.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a week. Let it thaw slightly before serving.

What’s the best substitute for coconut milk?

Unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream works, but the texture may be less creamy.

Can I make this without a blender?

A food processor works well, though it may take a bit longer to achieve the smooth texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s naturally sweet and free from artificial additives, making it a great treat for kids.