Copycat Recipe for Disney’s Dole Whip
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What’s Up, Hungry People
If we can’t be at Disney, then I’m bringing Disney to us! It’s easy to make a little magic in the kitchen – and nothing hits better on a hot day in the sun than an authentic Disney Dole Whip.
Just a few days before the world came to a screeching halt (peep that 2020 post date), I was able to make it to all four Disney parks as part of my Disney-themed bachelorette party. We may have had to postpone the wedding, but at least I got in my FIRST ever Disney trip in 2020!
Going to Disney for the first time as an adult is an incredible experience. With no kids in tow, I was able to do whatever my inner child wanted to do when I dreamed of Disney World as a child myself.
With a little help from my Disney travel agent girl friend Karli who was able to get us in to some exclusive experiences like early entrance and the Vacation Club’s Midnight Magic Party. So if you’ve ever dreamed of Disney yourself but don’t know where to start, hit her up for some Disney planning tips and tricks.
This isn’t even a sponsorship – she does an amazing job and people need to know!
One of the things I INSISTED we had to do while we were there was go on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride AND get a Dole Whip – two things I had wanted to do since Orlando Bloom hit the big screen during my formative high school years. So naturally, when I first saw the Pirates sign, I had to stop for a quick picture.
And it just so happened that Jack Sparrow himself was meandering through the park at the same time, which was another dream come true for my inner pirate. If Will Turner had shown up, I may have swooned.
But I digress.
The main point I’m trying to make here is that you can find the original Dole Whip in the same area as the Pirates ride. You can also get Dole Whip floats! But I decided to try the original to get the most authentic experience.
It is every bit as magically delicious as I had dreamed it would be – despite the fact that it was rapidly melting in the Florida heat. Dole Whips were introduced to the Disney parks in the late 1980s when the Dole Food Company took over sponsorship of the Enchanted Tiki Room. Basically, it’s clever name branding of a dessert that has become an iconic experience at the Disney parks.
I wish I could go back and try a Dole Whip for the first time again! But while we wait for the world to get back to normal, we’ll have to settle for making our own Dole Whips from scratch.
Disney Released the Official Dole Whip Recipe
At the beginning of quarantine during the 2020 lock-downs, Disney actually released the official Dole Whip recipe for fan to make at home themselves. Though suspiciously, the Dole website also released their official Dole Whip recipe, which quite differs from the one put out on the official app. And to futher muddle the waters on which recipe is the REAL recipe, Bon Appetit claims the park version is made from a dry mix and is completely non-dairy.
Regardless of which recipe you follow, all will lead to a similarly tasting result – turns out pineapple ice cream is delicious no matter which way you make it. In my opinion, the Disney-fied version, the version I’ll post the recipe for below, tastes just like the real deal. Sweet and creamy.
If you have an ice cream maker, I’d definitely recommend busting it out for the creamiest version possible. Though it’s definitely not required, an ice cream maker will help it taste even more like the real deal.
Here’s What You Need
- Vanilla ice cream – Creamy base for that classic Dole Whip texture.
- Pineapple juice – Adds tangy sweetness and helps blend the mixture.
- Frozen pineapple – Gives the Dole Whip its signature fruity flavor.
Let’s Chill
To whip up this Disney classic at home, you’ll need a blender and a bit of patience. Start by blending your vanilla ice cream, pineapple juice, and frozen pineapple until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It’s a good idea to scrape down the sides of your blender to make sure everything gets mixed evenly.
Freezer Method
Once blended, you have two options for achieving that perfect Dole Whip consistency. The first method is to transfer the mixture into a gallon-sized baggie and freeze it for at least one hour. When you’re ready to serve, snip the corner of the baggie and pipe the ice cream into a cup or bowl. This method gives you that soft-serve feel that’s oh-so-magical.
Ice Cream Maker Method
If you have an ice cream maker, you’re in luck! Pour the blended mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it’s done churning, you can follow the baggie method to pipe it into a cup or bowl for serving.
Enjoying Your Dole Whip
Whichever method you choose, the end result should be a creamy, pineappley delight that transports you straight to Adventureland. Serve it up and enjoy a taste of Disney magic right at home. If you really want to go all out, add a little paper umbrella or a cherry on top to make it feel extra special.
Tips for the Perfect Dole Whip
- Use High-Quality Ice Cream: For the creamiest texture, go for a good quality vanilla ice cream. It makes a difference!
- Chill Your Blender: Pop your blender jar in the fridge for 10 minutes before blending to keep everything super cold.
- Add a Splash of Coconut Milk: For a slightly tropical twist, add a splash of coconut milk to the blender.
- Consistency is Key: If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more pineapple juice. Too thin? Add more frozen pineapple.
- Serve Immediately: Dole Whip is best enjoyed fresh. If it starts to melt, pop it back in the freezer for a few minutes.
Making your own dole whip at home is a fun and delicious way to bring a little bit of Disney magic into your life. Whether you’re reminiscing about past trips or dreaming of future adventures, this sweet treat is sure to brighten your day. It’s easy to whip up, and the creamy pineapple flavor is perfect for cooling down on a hot day. So grab your blender, throw on some Disney tunes, and enjoy a taste of the Magic Kingdom right in your own kitchen. Happy chilling, Hungry People!
Dole Whip Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 4 oz pineapple juice
- 2 cups frozen pineapple
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until combined and smooth.
METHOD #1:
- Transfer to a gallon baggie and freeze for at least one hour until frozen to the consistency of soft serve. Mush the bag around a few times as it chills to achieve the perfect texture. Snip the corner of the baggie and 'pipe' the ice cream into a cup or bowl.
METHOD #2:
- Blend then transfer to an ice cream machine. Follow the instructions on the machine prior to making the mix and run for the time specified by the machine. Follow Method #1 to fill a baggie and pipe the ice cream to serve. Enjoy.
