Strawberry Dole Whip: A Summer Dessert That Hits All the Right Notes
Imagine this: the sun’s out, your feet are bare on warm grass, and you’ve got a spoon in hand. You take a bite—cool, creamy, bright pink, with the perfect tangy-sweet balance. That’s Strawberry Dole Whip, and it’s everything a tropical dessert should be.
This isn’t just some Instagram-pretty swirl—it’s a throwback to your happiest summer memories. And the best part? You can make this frozen fruit dessert recipe at home, in under 10 minutes, using real ingredients. No dairy. No mystery powders. Just frozen strawberries, a good blender, and some smart technique.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Let’s talk mechanics. You’re blending frozen fruit into a creamy, dreamy texture without any cream. Sounds simple, but every detail counts.
Balance of Flavor
- Strawberries bring natural sweetness and a beautiful red hue.
- Pineapple juice adds acidity and that unmistakable tropical punch.
- Coconut milk gives body and creaminess—it’s your stand-in for dairy here.
- A little lemon juice sharpens the flavor, keeps it bright.
Texture Is Everything
You want silky, not icy. That’s where freezing, sugar, and blender technique come in.
Chef’s Insight: Powdered sugar helps smooth out the final texture better than granulated—no graininess.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Dole Whip
Let me break this down real simple. You’re going to love this because:
- It’s vegan and fits any plant-based lifestyle.
- It’s one of the best dairy-free ice cream alternatives out there.
- You can make it in 5 minutes with pantry staples.
- It’s a family-friendly activity—kids can press the blender and feel like dessert heroes.
- It looks and tastes like a treat, but it’s actually a healthy vegan strawberry Dole Whip recipe.

Ingredients
Here’s what you need—and yes, don’t skimp on the lemon juice.
Ingredient | Amount |
Frozen strawberries | 2 cups |
Pineapple juice | 1/2 cup |
Unsweetened coconut milk | 1/2 cup |
Lemon juice (fresh only, trust me) | 1 tbsp |
Powdered sugar | 2 tbsp (adjust to taste) |
Pro Tip: Want it less sweet? Cut the sugar. More tropical? Add mango.
How to Make Strawberry Dole Whip
Step 1: Blend Frozen Ingredients for Smoothness
Throw it all in a high-speed blender. Yes, all of it—no thawing.
- Start on low, pulse a few times to break up the ice.
- Then go high and blend until you get a thick, soft-serve texture.
Don’t Force It: If your blender’s struggling, add a tablespoon more juice or milk. Go slow.
Step 2: Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste
Taste it. That’s your job. Need a punch? A splash more lemon. Too tart? Another hit of sugar.
Technique Tip: Add sugar in small amounts—you can’t take it out once it’s in.
Step 3: Serve Immediately or Chill
- Serve now if you want soft-serve vibes.
- Freeze for 30-60 minutes for a scoopable texture.
Don’t let it sit forever in the freezer. You’ll lose that fresh taste.
Serving Suggestions
This is where you get creative. Try it:
- In a cone (classic)
- Topped with toasted coconut in a bowl
- Over waffles, pancakes, or shortcakes
- Layered in a smoothie bowl with granola

Tips for Success
Here’s how to avoid rookie mistakes:
- Use hard-frozen strawberries – texture depends on it.
- Use fresh lemon juice – bottled has a weird bitterness.
- Don’t overload your blender – blend in batches if needed.
Most People Mess This Up: Blending too long turns your whip into a smoothie. Stop when it’s just creamy.
Variations
Want to riff on it? You should.
- Mango Dole Whip – sub mango for the strawberries.
- Mixed Berry Whip – go half strawberry, half blueberry or raspberry.
- Coconut Dream – add shredded coconut and extra coconut milk.
Always taste after swaps. Balance is everything.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps for up to a week.
- Let it thaw for 10 minutes before scooping.
Avoid This Mistake: Don’t refreeze leftovers more than once. Texture dies fast.
Pairing Ideas
- A sprinkle of fresh mint on top.
- Served with pound cake or coconut macaroons.
- Add a side of grilled pineapple for a smoky-sweet twist.
FAQs – Strawberry Dole Whip
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, but freeze them first. Otherwise, the texture will be off.
Is this gluten-free?
Completely. Just double-check your coconut milk brand if you’re super sensitive.
Can I use another plant-based milk?
Yes. Oat, almond, cashew—they all work. Just avoid sweetened versions unless you want a sugar bomb.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use less sugar or a tart pineapple juice. Lemon juice helps keep it bright without the extra sweetness.
Is this vegan?
100%. No dairy, no animal products. Just fruity goodness.
Craving More Strawberry & Summer Desserts?
If this Strawberry Dole Whip hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to explore these fruity favorites from the blog:
- Try a refreshing strawberry-based drink like my Strawberry Matcha Latte. It’s light, slightly earthy, and ridiculously sippable.
- Dive into a classic strawberry dessert with my Strawberry Shortcake. Soft shortcake, juicy berries, and whipped cream—what’s not to love?
- Looking for something new? My creative strawberry desserts like Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are chewy, creamy, and totally crowd-pleasing.
- Cool down with another frosty favorite—whipped summer drinks like Whipped Pink Lemonade. Tangy, creamy, and summer-ready.
- Planning for a potluck or no-bake option? Check out my layered berry desserts like Summer Berry Jello Lasagna. It’s colorful, nostalgic, and fun to slice.
Final Thoughts: This Is the Strawberry Dessert I Want to Eat
There’s a reason Strawberry Dole Whip with coconut milk is blowing up in the vegan dessert recipes with strawberries scene. It’s simple, stunning, and actually tastes like real food. No gums. No weird aftertaste.
Just fresh, bright, delicious fruit. Frozen and whipped to perfection.
This is the dessert I make for friends. This is the dessert I want to eat.
Now it’s your turn—and if you’re looking for more summer-ready inspiration, come hang out on my Pinterest page. Tons of tropical plant-based desserts and easy frozen treats waiting for you there.
Strawberry Dole Whip: A Summer Dessert That Hits All the Right Notes
Cool, creamy, tangy-sweet, and wildly refreshing—this vegan Strawberry Dole Whip is the ultimate summer treat made with real fruit and no dairy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.
- Pulse a few times on low to break up the frozen fruit.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy, like soft-serve.
- If blender struggles, add 1 tbsp more juice or milk.
- Taste and adjust—add lemon juice for brightness or sugar for sweetness.
- Serve immediately for soft-serve texture or freeze 30–60 minutes for scoopable consistency.
Notes
Use hard-frozen strawberries for best texture. Fresh lemon juice is a must for a vibrant flavor. Don’t over-blend or you’ll end up with a smoothie instead of a whip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Strawberry Dole Whip, vegan dessert, summer treat, dairy-free ice cream, tropical dessert