Skip the overpriced theme park line and bring the swirl home. This Classic Pineapple Dole Whip tastes like summer vacation—except you can eat it in sweatpants.

It’s cold, creamy, and wildly refreshing with just the right tang. The best part?

You only need a handful of ingredients and a blender. If you can press a button, you can make this.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zero churn, zero drama: Just blend and serve.
No ice cream maker required.
Bright, tropical flavor: Real pineapple delivers a sweet-tart punch that hits like sunshine.
Lighter than ice cream: It’s creamy without feeling heavy. Your spoon won’t need a nap.
Customizable sweetness: Keep it classic or tweak the sugar level to your vibe.
Kid-friendly and party-ready: Pile it high, swirl it in cones, or serve in bowls—zero complaints either way.

Classic Pineapple Dole Whip: Sunshine in a Spoon

Recipe by Wendy CarterCourse: Dessert

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

140

kcal

Ingredients

4 cups frozen pineapple chunks (unsweetened)
1/2 cup pineapple juice (chilled)
1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can, well-shaken) or whole milk
2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar or honey, to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
Pinch of fine sea salt (to brighten flavor)
Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for extra tang

Step-by-Step Instructions

Chill your liquids: Pop the pineapple juice and coconut milk in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. Cold liquids help the whip thicken faster.
Load the blender: Add frozen pineapple, pineapple juice, coconut milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt. If you like extra tartness, add the lemon juice.
Blend low, then high: Start on low to break up the ice crystals, then move to high. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed. Aim for a thick, soft-serve texture.
Tweak the consistency: If it’s too thick, add 1 tablespoon of juice at a time. Too thin? Add a few more frozen chunks and blend again.
Make it swirlable (optional): Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Freeze for 10–15 minutes to firm slightly, then pipe into bowls or cones.
Serve immediately: Top with fresh pineapple, toasted coconut, or a cherry if you’re feeling extra. No judgment if you go straight from blender to spoon.

Keeping It Fresh

For best texture, enjoy right away.

If you need to store it, transfer to a freezer-safe container, press plastic wrap onto the surface, and freeze up to 1 week. Before serving, let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes, then stir or re-blend to revive the creaminess.

Pro tip: portion into single-serve containers for grab-and-scoop convenience.

Why You’ll Feel Good Eating This

Pineapple brings natural sweetness plus vitamin C and manganese, so you’re not just eating dessert—you’re making moves. Coconut milk adds satisfying richness with fewer ingredients than traditional ice cream.

There’s no weird stuff—no gums, no dyes, no artificial flavor bombs. It’s a treat that feels light, tastes bright, and won’t derail your day, IMO.

Nutrition Stats

Calories: ~140 per serving
Carbs: ~30g (mostly from fruit)
Sugars: ~24g (varies with added sweetener)
Fat: ~3–5g (depends on coconut milk vs. dairy)
Fiber: ~2–3g
Vitamin C: ~60–70% DV
Sodium: < 100mg

Numbers will shift based on your milk choice and sweetener.

You can cut sugar entirely if your pineapple is super ripe—taste and adjust.

Recipe Fails to Watch Out For

Watery texture: Too much juice turns it slushy. Add liquids sparingly and blend patiently.
Over-blending: Heat from the motor can melt the mixture.
Pulse, scrape, repeat. Don’t run the blender for 2 straight minutes like it owes you money.
Grainy mouthfeel: Some blenders struggle with frozen fruit.
Use small batches or a high-powered blender/food processor.
Too tart or too sweet: Pineapple varies. Taste before adding sugar, and balance with a pinch of salt or a dash of lemon.
Rock-solid leftovers: Freezer turns it icy.
Thaw slightly and re-blend with a splash of juice or milk.

Easy Swaps & Alternatives

Dairy-free: Stick with coconut milk or use oat milk for a lighter vibe.
No added sugar: Use super-sweet pineapple and skip the sugar, or swap in stevia/monk fruit to taste.
Extra creamy: Replace half the coconut milk with vanilla Greek yogurt.
Citrus twist: Add 1 tablespoon lime juice and zest for a sharper finish.
Protein boost: Blend in a half scoop of unflavored whey or plant protein; add a touch more liquid to compensate.
Flavor mashups: Sub 1 cup pineapple with mango or banana for tropical fusion. Fair warning: banana makes it sweeter and softer.

FAQ

Can I make this without a high-speed blender?

Yes.

Use a food processor and pulse until the pineapple breaks down, scraping the bowl often. Work in smaller batches and be patient—it’ll get silky.

Is this the exact theme park recipe?

It’s a faithful homage with simple, real ingredients.

The flavor lands in the same happy place, but you control sweetness and creaminess. FYI, no soft-serve machine required.

Can I make it ahead for a party?

Blend it up to 1 day ahead, freeze, then thaw 10–15 minutes and pipe into bowls.

For best texture, re-blend briefly with a splash of juice right before serving.

How do I get the classic swirl?

Spoon into a piping bag with a large star tip, chill 10–15 minutes, then pipe in tight circles. If it’s too loose, chill a few minutes more.

What if my pineapple is too tart?

Add an extra tablespoon of sugar or honey and a tiny pinch more salt.

Vanilla also helps round out sharp edges.

Can I use fresh pineapple?

Absolutely—just cut it into chunks and freeze on a tray first. Frozen fruit is key to that thick, soft-serve texture.

Chef’s Notes

Temperature is everything: Cold ingredients yield the creamiest blend.
Warm juice equals sad slush.
Salt matters: A tiny pinch wakes up the pineapple and makes the sweetness pop without more sugar.
Balance the body: Coconut milk adds silkiness. If you swap for lighter milk, expect a slightly icier finish—still delicious.
Texture control: For super-smooth results, blend, freeze 10 minutes, then blend again.
It’s the poor man’s soft-serve machine.
Serve smart: Chilled bowls help it hold shape longer, especially on hot days. Melty whip disappears fast—like, magic trick fast.

Classic Pineapple Dole Whip: Sunshine in a Spoon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe