Name: Strawberry Dole Whip
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Frozen strawberries (Slightly thawed for about 10 minutes); 1/2 cup Coconut milk (Canned or carton, room temperature; substitute any favorite milk if preferred); 2 tbsp Honey or maple syrup (Optional, add for extra sweetness); 1 tsp Lemon juice (Freshly squeezed for brightness); 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract (Optional, for depth of flavor)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, juicy, and impossibly refreshing, this Strawberry Dole Whip takes frozen fruit and turns it into a dreamy soft-serve treat in minutes. If you love simple desserts that feel indulgent without the fuss, this one checks every box: naturally fruity flavor, velvety texture, and a bright pink color that makes it party-ready. Fun fact: Dole Whip originally stars pineapple at theme parks, but swapping in strawberries gives it a home-kitchen twist that’s just as satisfying and a touch healthier.

This recipe is special because it is unbelievably simple, requiring only a blender and five ingredients, and it comes together in less than 10 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight desserts, kid-friendly snack time, or a light finish to a summer meal. If you enjoyed our other frozen treats, you’ll want to compare notes with our strawberry dole whip roundup available here Strawberry Dole Whip on RecipesFiber to see other variations and serving ideas. Ready to blend? Let’s make something delicious.

What is Strawberry Dole Whip?

Ever wondered why it’s called a Dole Whip? Is there a pineapple connection, or did someone just love whipping fruit into a cloud? Think of it as a friendly nickname for a dairy-free soft-serve made from fruit — light, fun, and a little bit nostalgic. The name conjures sunny carnival days and fruity scoops, but it’s really just an easy way to turn frozen strawberries into something decadent. After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Who can argue with science when a spoonful of strawberry bliss does the trick? Give it a try and see why everyone keeps coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This:

Incredible natural flavor: Ripe frozen strawberries deliver bright, concentrated sweetness that tastes like summer in every bite. The subtle tang from lemon juice lifts the profile and keeps things fresh.
Wallet-friendly and simple: No need for fancy machines or expensive ice cream bases. This recipe uses pantry staples — frozen fruit and a splash of milk — so you save money and time versus store-bought soft-serve.
Customizable toppings: Add crunchy granola, toasted coconut, or a drizzle of chocolate for contrast. The possibilities are endless and keep every spoonful interesting.

If you love fruity, creamy desserts, this hits all the right notes and is an easy companion to other recipes like our air-fried apple wedges for a full dessert spread. Try it — I promise it will be a quick family favorite.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This Strawberry Dole Whip is ridiculously easy: thaw the strawberries just slightly, blend with a bit of milk and sweetener, and you’ll have soft-serve texture in minutes. The result is creamy and smooth with a spoonable consistency that feels indulgent but stays light. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and you can freeze it briefly for a firmer scoop if you prefer. The standout element is the naturally intense strawberry flavor — no artificial syrups needed.

Approximate time:

Preparation: 10 minutes
Optional chill/freeze: 1–2 hours for firmer texture

Ingredients

1 lb frozen strawberries — slightly thawed for about 10 minutes so the blender can handle them
1/2 cup coconut milk — canned or carton, room temperature; substitute any favorite milk (almond, oat, dairy) if preferred
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup — optional, add for extra sweetness (use maple for vegan)
1 tsp lemon juice — freshly squeezed for brightness
1/2 tsp vanilla extract — optional, for depth of flavor

Directions

Allow the frozen strawberries to thaw for about 10 minutes so they’re slightly soft but still very cold. This helps the blender process them into a creamy texture without watering down the flavor.
In a blender or food processor, combine the thawed strawberries, coconut milk, honey or maple syrup (if using), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pulse a few times to break up large chunks.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed. If the mixture is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of coconut milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture, or spread into a shallow container and freeze for 1–2 hours for a firmer, scoopable consistency.
Garnish with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, toasted coconut, or a sprinkle of granola and enjoy!

Strawberry Dole Whip

What to Serve With:

Fresh fruit salad — a light companion to keep the meal bright and healthy.
Toasted coconut and chopped nuts — add crunch and contrast to the soft-serve texture.
Shortbread or buttery cookies — for dipping and textural variety.
Cold iced tea or sparkling lemonade — the acidity and bubbles balance the creamy sweetness.
For a fun dessert plate, pair this with our air-fried apple wedges with caramel whipped cream dipping sauce for a warm-and-cold contrast Air-Fried Apple Wedges recipe.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Use fully ripe strawberries before freezing: If you freeze your own berries, pick ripe, sweet fruit for the best flavor.
Thaw just enough: Ten minutes at room temperature keeps the berries cold but accessible to the blender — too long and you’ll end up with a slushy texture.
Adjust sweetness to taste: Strawberries vary in sweetness; taste before adding honey or maple syrup and add gradually.
Texture control: For a thicker soft-serve, use less milk. For a silkier texture, add a bit more. A high-speed blender gives the creamiest result.
Avoid over-blending: Stop as soon as it’s smooth to keep the texture airy rather than overly liquid.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: If you plan to eat within a few hours, store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but note the texture will soften.
Freezing: For longer storage, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 weeks. The texture will harden; let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes and stir before serving.
Re-serving: To refresh a frozen container, let it thaw slightly and pulse in the blender for a few seconds to restore creaminess.
Shelf life details: Best enjoyed fresh; flavor and texture decline after two weeks in the freezer.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
You can, but you’ll need to add ice or pre-freeze fresh strawberries into chunks so the mixture achieves a soft-serve texture. Fresh berries alone will produce a thinner, smoothie-like result.

Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, when you use coconut milk or another plant-based milk, it is dairy-free and vegan-friendly if you choose maple syrup instead of honey.

Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
Yes. Blend it, freeze it in a shallow container, and remove 10–15 minutes before serving to soften. You can also store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

How can I make it sweeter without sugar?
Use very ripe strawberries and a splash of maple syrup or a natural sweetener like monk fruit if you want to avoid processed sugar.

Can I add other fruits or mix-ins?
Absolutely. Try a banana for extra creaminess, a handful of raspberries for a tart twist, or a spoonful of nut butter for richness. Add mix-ins after blending for texture.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Dole Whip is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques to make something impressive — just high-quality ingredients, a blender, and a few minutes. It’s light, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for hot afternoons, casual gatherings, or anytime you need a fast, feel-good dessert. For more inspiration and a slightly different take on this fruit-forward treat, check out this Strawberry Dole Whip Recipe – Disney In Your Kitchen for another great variation. Give it a whirl, share it with someone you love, and enjoy every spoonful.