Name: Strawberry Dole Whip
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 4 cups frozen strawberries; 0.5 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk of choice); 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon sweetener (optional, to taste (e.g., maple syrup, agave))

I am so excited to share this with you today! What’s so magical about a perfectly creamy, intensely fruity frozen treat, isn’t there? For years, I’ve chased that elusive flavor and texture that you get from those famous soft-serves. I haven’t cracked it yet, but I think I’ve finally gotten it. Is this Strawberry Dole Whip the closest thing I’ve ever made to the real deal? Is it ridiculously My kids are obsessed, my husband asks for it whenever we have a heatwave, and honestly, it’s my kids. I need a little sunshine on Tuesday afternoon. go-to when I want to get some sunshine. Why wait in line? How do you make frozen delights in your own kitchen? What’s better than just blending frozen strawberries with ice, which often turns out icy? Why is it more creamy than creamy? What makes this recipe so special is that it has a smooth, almost cloud-like texture.

What is Strawberry Dole Whip?

What is this dreamy dessert? Is this a dairy-free, unbelievably smooth soft-serve that’s bursting with vibrant strawberry flavor? The name “Dole Whip” comes from the famous pineapple version made popular by a certain number of people. I love strawberry amusement parks, but this strawberry take is just as delightful, if not more so for strawberry lovers. We are strawberry lovers! What is a frozen dessert made from frozen fruit? What are some of the best examples of creamy Ice Cream without all the dairy and fuss of traditional cream? Is this a summer treat? What is the magic in having that airy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that’s hard to replicate? Is it possible to replicate a recipe at home?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Honestly, there are so many reasons this Strawberry Dole Whip has become a staple in my house. First off, the flavorIs it out of this world? What’s like eating a perfectly ripe, sweet strawberry, but in frozen form? I like strawberry, but it’s not overly sweet, which I really appreciate, letting the natural strawberry goodness shine. Is there a second category?simplicityI mean, we’re talking about just a few ingredients and blender. No fancy ice cream maker needed, no complicated steps. What is a lifesaver when you don’t have oodles of time to cook.? Plus, it’s incrediblycost-effectiveIs it expensive to buy a tub of premium ice cream? What are staples?versatility! While it’s incredible on its own, you can easily customize it. Want a little tang? Add a squeeze of lime. Craving a richer flavor? A splash of coconut milk works wonders. It’s also a fantastic base for other treats. I’ve swirled it into yogurt, used it as a topping for waffles, and even blended it into smoothies for an extra creamy kick. What I love most about this recipe, though, is how it transports me back to happy summer days, instantly lifting my mood. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always feels a little bit special, even though it’s so easy to make.

How to Make Strawberry Dole Whip

Quick Overview

Making this Strawberry Dole Whip is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll basically be blending frozen strawberries with a few other key ingredients until it’s smooth and creamy. The secret to that perfect soft-serve texture lies in using fully frozen fruit and not over-blending. It comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for a quick craving or a last-minute dessert. The result is a delightfully light, refreshing, and intensely flavorful frozen treat that’s way better than you’d expect from something so simple.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
4 cups frozen strawberries, hulled.
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk for extra creaminess)
1/4 cup powdered sugar (or to taste; you can adjust this based on your strawberry’s sweetness)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (this really brightens the strawberry flavor!)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Filling:
This is where you can get creative! I often add a little swirl of sweetened condensed milk or a dollop of thick, plain Greek yogurt for an extra layer of creaminess, but it’s totally optional. For a vegan version, a tablespoon of melted coconut oil can add a lovely richness.

For the Glaze:
This is really more of a topping, and I rarely use it for this recipe because the whip is so flavorful on its own. However, if you wanted a little extra something, a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder would be lovely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

You don’t need a pan for this recipe, but you will need a good blender or food processor. Make sure your frozen strawberries are truly frozen solid. If they’ve thawed and refrozen, they might clump together, making them harder to blend smoothly. I usually buy a big bag of frozen strawberries from Costco, and they work perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In this recipe, there aren’t separate dry ingredients to mix first. Everything gets blended together!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

What are the “wet” ingredients for almond milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar? I add the powdered sugar towards the end to make sure it doesn’t leave a sticky residue. I use sour cream instead of sugar. What is gritty texture

Step 4: Combine

Add the frozen strawberries, almond milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to your blender or food processor. Start by pulsing a few times to break up the strawberries. Then, blend on low speed, gradually increasing to high. You’ll likely need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times. If it’s too thick to blend, add another tablespoon of almond milk, but do so sparingly – you don’t want it to become too liquidy. Keep blending until it’s smooth and creamy, like soft-serve ice cream. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes in my high-powered blender.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

If you’re adding any extra elements for creaminess or flavor in the filling, like sweetened or sourdened, you can add a little bit of flavor to it. Condensed milk or coconut oil, you can gently swirl them in now. At this stage, be careful not to overmix if you want distinct swirls. Just a few gentle stirs with spout or spatula should do the trick.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

For this particular recipe, you’re not really layering or swirling in the traditional sense. It’s more about blending everything to a uniform creaminess. However, if you were making a swirl-style frozen treat, this is where you’d alternate layers of different flavors in your serving dish and then use a skewer or knife to create swirls.

Step 7: Bake

What is the best way to make strawberry dole whip?

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Once it’s blended to perfection, serve it immediately for the best soft-serve consistency. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can transfer it to ice-cold storage and freeze it for up to 3 days. Approximately 30-60 minutes. If you decide to add a glaze, now is the time to drizzle it over the top just before serving.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Scoop the Strawberry Dole Whip into chilled bowls or cones. For an extra special touch, garnish with a fresh strawberry or a sprig of mint. It’s best enjoyed right away while it’s at its creamiest!

What should I serve it with?

While this Strawberry Dole Whip is a fantastic treat all on its own, it can also be part of a larger delicious spread. For BreakfastI love serving a small scoop alongside some fluffy pancakes or French Toast. Is it like a little bit of dessert in the morning? What’s better, iced tea or coffee?Brunch, it feels a bit more elegant served in a pretty parfait glass, maybe layered with some fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream (if you’re not worried about dairy). A mimosa or a sparkling rosé would be a lovely beverage pairing for a special occasion. As a Dessert, it’s a lighter option after a heavy meal. I sometimes serve it with a shortbread cookie on the side for a delightful crunch. It’s also amazing scooped into a glass and topped with a splash of bubbly prosecco for a festive adult treat. And for Cozy Snacks, this is my absolute go-to. When that 3 pm or 10 pm craving hits, a bowl of this is so satisfying and guilt-free. I often pair it with a handful of almonds or a small piece of dark chocolate. My kids particularly love it served in a cone, and it’s always a guaranteed hit at backyard barbecues or picnics – it’s so portable!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Dole Whip

I’ve tinkered with this recipe quite a bit to get it just right, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that I think will help you achieve Dole Whip perfection at home. When it comes to the strawberries, using good quality, fully frozen ones is key. If your strawberries are already a bit soft or clumped together, your final whip might not be as smooth. I’ve learned that freezing fresh strawberries spread out on a baking sheet before transferring them to a bag can prevent clumping. For mixing advice, don’t be afraid to use the tamper on your blender if it has one, or to stop and scrape down the sides. The mixture will look like it’s not going to come together at first, but trust the process! Over-blending can sometimes make it too melty, so blend just until smooth. If you want to get fancy with What are swirl customization options, you could make a separate batch of plain frozen banana “nice cream” and swirl that in with the strawberry mixture. Or, blend in a few raspberries for a mixed berry swirl! For ingredient swaps, I’ve tested this with full-fat canned coconut milk, and it makes it incredibly rich and creamy, almost like a piña colada vibe. If you find your strawberries aren’t very sweet, you can absolutely add more powdered sugar, or try a touch of agave nectar or maple syrup, but I’d add it a tablespoon at a time and taste as you go. For baking tips, well, no baking here! But for freezing, if you want a firmer texture, make sure your freezer is set to a good cold temperature. And for glaze variations, a simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate would be amazing, or you could even make a simple strawberry syrup to drizzle over. The most important thing is to have fun and experiment!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Strawberry Dole Whip is best enjoyed fresh, right after blending, when it has that perfect soft-serve consistency. However, if you happen to have leftovers or want to make it ahead, here’s what I’ve learned. For room temperature storage, it really won’t hold up for more than a few minutes as it will start to melt quickly. It’s definitely a ‘eat it now’ kind of treat! For refrigerator storage, you can put it in an airtight container, but it will firm up considerably. It’s not really meant to be stored in the fridge; it will just become a solid block of frozen strawberry goodness. If you do this, you’ll definitely need to let it thaw for a good 30-60 minutes before you can even think about scooping it. The best way to store it is in the freezer. Transfer the blended mixture to a freezer-safe container, press some plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals, and then seal the container tightly. It should last for about 2-3 weeks in the freezer, though the texture will be a bit firmer than when it’s freshly made. When you want to eat it, take it out about 30-45 minutes before serving to let it soften up to a scoopable consistency. I haven’t had much success reheating it in the traditional sense, as it’s meant to be cold. If it melts too much, you might be able to re-blend it, but the texture won’t be quite the same. For glaze timing, always add any glazes or toppings just before serving, especially if you’ve frozen it. Adding them too early can make them soggy or cause issues when refreezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Strawberry Dole Whip is naturally gluten-free, as all the main ingredients (strawberries, almond milk, powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract) are typically gluten-free. Just double-check your specific brands to be sure, especially for any powdered sugar or extracts you might be using, to avoid any cross-contamination if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity. It’s a wonderful option for everyone to enjoy!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

You know, I think there might be a mix-up here! This recipe is for Strawberry Dole Whip, which doesn’t use zucchini at all. Perhaps you’re thinking of a different recipe, like a zucchini bread or muffin? Zucchini is great in baked goods, but for a light, refreshing frozen treat like this, we stick to delicious strawberries. So, no peeling required for this recipe!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

This specific recipe is designed to be a frozen, soft-serve style dessert and doesn’t translate well into muffins. Muffins require a different batter with ingredients like flour, eggs, and leavening agents to achieve their baked texture. While you could certainly make strawberry muffins, this Strawberry Dole Whip recipe is intended for a blender and a freezer, aiming for that unique creamy, icy texture. For muffins, you’d need a completely different set of ingredients and instructions!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

Adjusting sweetness is super easy! The amount of sugar you need can depend a lot on how ripe and sweet your strawberries are. I always start with the 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and then I taste the mixture before it fully freezes. If it’s not sweet enough for my liking, I’ll add another tablespoon or two of powdered sugar, or even a bit of agave nectar or maple syrup for a liquid sweetener. For a natural sweetener, ripe banana or a touch of date paste also works well, though they can subtly change the flavor profile. Start low and add more until it’s just right for you!

What can I use instead of the glaze?

You don’t need a glaze at all for this to be delicious – the Strawberry Dole Whip is fantastic on its own! But if you’re looking for extra flair, a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder offers intense flavor and a pretty pink dust. A small drizzle of melted white chocolate, coconut butter, or even a swirl of thick Greek yogurt or a spoonful of sweetened condensed milk right before serving can add a lovely richness. Fresh berries, a mint sprig, or even a tiny umbrella can also make it feel extra special.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! My absolute favorite way to get that incredible Strawberry Dole Whip fix right at home. It’s a recipe that truly delivers on flavor, ease, and that pure, unadulterated joy of a perfectly creamy frozen treat. It’s become a go-to for me when I need a little something sweet, refreshing, and utterly delicious without a ton of effort. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Easy Mango Sorbet or my Creamy Coconut Lime Popsicles – they’re all about that vibrant, fruity flavor! I really hope you give this Strawberry Dole Whip a try. It’s genuinely one of those recipes that makes me so happy to share because I know how much joy it brings. I can’t wait to hear what you think and how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it, or if you have any special variations you love. Happy blending, everyone!