Homemade Dole Whip: I’m not going to say it’s an exact replica of Disney’s treat, but it’s pretty darn close and curbed my cravings quite nicely. 🙂
I didn’t even know these little delights existed until a few months ago. I had just bought my ticket for Food Blog Forum and joined a Facebook group for the attendees. As I was going down the feed I started to see a common thread- everybody was talking about how excited they were to have a Dole Whip (or seven). The thread soon progressed into a discussion and confessional for those that were then deemed “Dole Whip Virgins” and we playfully planned an initiation ceremony for all of us underprivileged bloggers.
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After the main conference on Saturday, I set off with a group of bloggers to the Magic Kingdom in search of the beloved Dole Whip. It was probably close to midnight so our pictures didn’t turn out ideally, but I finally got to taste what everyone had been raving about and didn’t have to introduce myself as Heather “the Dole Whip virgin”, any longer.
Picture by Vijay @ noshonit
So now, unless you are completely well-versed in Disney cuisine, you’re probably wondering what this is, aren’t you? Well, it’s basically pineapple flavored soft-serve. You can order it a few different ways: swirled with vanilla or orange and served in a cup, or in a pineapple juice float. My favorite way to eat it is as a vanilla-swirled float. Â At Disney World it’s found at either Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom, or at Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian Resort; it is well worth tracking down if you’re visiting. Â BUT, if you’re not en queue for a trip to Disney World I’ve got your back because the Dole Whips are coming to you!
The cravings set once I arrived home and I knew that I needed to figure out how to make these. After a few quick searches I found a few recipes that didn’t need  an ice cream maker but rather called for some freezer time in a ziplock bag. I really wanted to find a way to make it taste authentic without an ice cream maker, but ultimately came to terms with the fact that it just wasn’t going to happen.  So  yes, you need an ice cream maker for this recipe but it doesn’t have to be a fancy one. Mine is an older-model Cuisinart and I love it. You know what else I love? I got it for $8 at a thrift store.
HOMEMADE DOLE WHIP
We’re using 5 ingredients here: crushed pineapple, Cool Whip, lemon and lime juice, and just a touch of sugar.
In a blender puree 2 cans of crushed pineapple with the juice, 2 tbsp of sugar, and 2 tbsp of both fresh lemon and lime juice. Let it roll for as long as you’d like because you want it smooooth.
To the blender jar add in 1, 8 oz container of Cool Whip or whatever whipped topping you like. I’m typically not a whipped topping kind-of-gal and prefer whipped cream but I wanted to stay true to the original–and the original Dole Whip is dairy-free. So, Cool Whip it is!
Give it another go-around in the blender until it’s well-mixed. I’m not gonna lie, it’s pretty darn good even before it’s frozen.
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and process for 10-20 minutes. Mine was ready at about the 15 minute mark.
If you’re in a float kind of mood (like I was and probably always will be), fill a glass half-way with pineapple juice and top with the soft-serve. I filled up a piping bag and squeezed it into my glasses to make it look a little more authentic.
Sip, savor, and enjoy! I’m not going to say it’s an exact replica of Disney’s treat, but this homemade dole whip comes pretty darn close and curbed my cravings quite nicely. 🙂
Homemade Dole Whip
Ingredients
- 2, 20 oz cans crushed pineapple
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1, 8 oz container non-dairy whipped topping thawed.
Instructions
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Puree crushed pineapple and accompanying juice with lemon and lime juices and sugar until very smooth in a blender. Spoon in whipped topping and blend until smooth again.
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Pour mixture into a prepared ice cream maker. Process for 10-20 minutes or until soft-serve consistency.
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Spoon into glasses filled with pineapple juice for Dole Whip floats or enjoy on it's own.
Steve Bell says
OK, just had a comment for those adult dole whip fans…..
Take a 13 to 15 oz Brandy Snifter and fill it half full with your freshly made Dole Whip
….Now add a tall shot (1 1/2 to 2oz) of Zaya Rum, eat with a spoon getting a little rum each time… now stir, eat, stir, eat, stir until it’s like a shake and then drink the rest through a wide straw…… Remain seated.
My apologies to those none alcoholic partakers, didn’t mean offend anyone, just enlighten those that do.
Nutmeg Nanny says
I think I’m the only person in the world to not have dole whip. I need this in my life ASAP!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
I have been to Disney World one time (for an entire week) & somehow missed out on the existence of Dole Whips. But I keep hearing about them here and there. We are going back next summer so I will definitely get my hands on one then, but I will have to try your copycat recipe until then. 😉
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
The last time I was at Disneyland the lines for a Dole Whip were outrageously long. Nice to know that I can now make them at home!
Megan Keno says
This sounds so refreshing!
Serene @ House of Yumm says
Dole Whips are my favorite thing about Disneyland!! I always have to stop by and get at least 2 while I’m there! Can’t wait to make my own 🙂
Cookin Canuck says
I have never had a Dole Whip, but can get behind anything that involves making a pineapple treat into a float!
Beth says
I’ve never had dole whip but I’ve heard of it. It looks incredibly easy to make! And delicious!
Christe says
If you can’t make it to Disney in Florida the Dole Whips are next to the Enchanted Tiki Room in Disneyland California. Oh so refreshing on a hot day so going to try this as soon as I purchase an ice cream maker
LC says
I found the same recipe via a friend on FB and finally tried it out today, using the Ziplock method. It worked pretty good, but when I froze it (after adding the whipped cream), it froze SOLID :S Obviously, I couldn’t eat it as a “soft serve”, so I went the “float” route which melted the “ice cream” down to the perfect consistency (I also used the leftover pineapple syrup and turned it into juice by adding 2 cups of water and sugar to taste. Yummm!)…and it’s super creamy with just enough sweetness 🙂 I have an ice cream maker, so I will use that for the next batch!
Debi says
I’m guessing it would be okay to drink this without putting it in a ice cream machine. Would it be more like a smoothie then?
Heather says
I’ll admit, it’s pretty tasty straight out of the blender! You could even add some ice in there and make it a slushy.
Lauren says
I will now have to go buy an ice cream machine like tomorrow.
Betty says
Thanks Heather, I Love your recipes.
Angela says
This recipe was awesome! But I wanted to correct a very common error. Cool whip actually isn’t dairy free. My son is allergic to dairy and I was shocked to learn the “non dairy whipped topping” isn’t dairy free! There’s actually a whole host of “non dairy” labeled foods that aren’t totally dairy free.
Anyway, I wanted to share my substitution in case others need a truly dairy free version. Put two 8 oz cans of full fat coconut milk in the fridge for at least 8 hours. It will separate into two parts. You only want to use the solid part for this (the liquid is awesome in smoothies). Scrape it into the bowl of your mixer (both cans worth). Add ab 2 tablespoons (more or less to taste) and a dash of vanilla extract. Whip just like you would regular whipped cream.
Heather says
Good to know! Thanks for recipe for coconut cream, too. I’m totally trying it out!
Mickey says
Sounds good except for the Cool Whip….it might save calories but it can ruin a recipe!! Thank you for the share..
Heather says
The cool whip was just added to keep it dairy free like the original. You could definitely sub sweetened whipped cream but the flavor won’t be the same.
Kathy says
I like what I have seen.
Heather says
Awesome! So glad you visited! 🙂
pam simmons says
this sounds totally yummy. i am totally a pineapple girl. love it!!! i cant wait to try this. i have one of those Cuisinart freezers and i love it. we use it all year round. thank u very much for posting this.
Heather says
I know, isn’t it the best ice cream maker!? I hope you’ll try the recipe and let me know what you think!
Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says
Oh, these look so good to me right now! I have not had the pleasure of trying one myself but I’m totally sold. Love those little serving goblets too 🙂
Heather says
Thanks Valerie! The goblets were a thrift store find by the hubs. He’s got good taste!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
I’ve attempted Dole Whips at home and have not made one as great as Disney! I will have to try this one! I love mine swirled with vanilla! Welcome to the Dole Whip family haha
Heather says
Haha, thanks Angie. I just gotta figure out how to vanilla swirl it and we’ll be good to go… at least until I can make it to Disney again!
Robin @ Simply Southern Baking says
Whoa! This looks amazing. Might just have to get an ice cream maker!
Heather says
Hit up those thrift stores! 😉
Laura says
LOVE the MICKEY straws!!
Heather says
Me too! We use them all the time, I’m so glad you found them!
Camille says
Thanks Heather, I tried the ziplock bag version and it wasn’t good at all. I’ll have to try your way next.
Heather says
I agree. Ziplock bags are just not meant for ice cream making!
Caroline @ chocolate & carrots says
You are a genius, friend.
Heather says
Genius, no. Depserate? Yes. 🙂