Strawberry Dole Whip With Coconut Lime Swirl

Beat the heat with this incredibly refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Dole Whip with Coconut Lime Swirl! This isn’t your average frozen dessert – it’s a creamy, dreamy, completely vegan treat that tastes like a tropical vacation in every bite. Inspired by the classic Dole Whip found at Disney parks, we’ve elevated this recipe with the addition of a luscious coconut lime swirl that takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Perfect for a hot day, a party, or simply a sweet escape, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Get ready to swirl, scoop, and savor!

What You’ll Need

• Fresh Strawberries (500g / 2 cups, hulled): We’re starting with the star of the show! Fresh strawberries provide the beautiful color and naturally sweet flavor that defines this Dole Whip. Look for ripe, fragrant berries for the best results. Hulling them (removing the green tops) is essential for a smooth texture.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk (250ml / 1 cup): Don’t skimp on the fat content here! Full-fat coconut milk is crucial for achieving that signature creamy texture. The higher fat content creates a richer, more satisfying Dole Whip. Shake the can well before measuring to ensure the cream and water are properly combined.
• Granulated Sugar (100g / ½ cup): Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the strawberries and helps create a smooth, consistent texture. You can adjust the amount slightly based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (15ml / 1 tbsp): A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the strawberry flavor and adds a delightful tang. Always use fresh lemon juice – the bottled stuff just doesn’t compare!
• Agar-Agar Powder (2g / ½ tsp): This is the secret ingredient that gives our Dole Whip its structure! Agar-agar is a plant-based gelatin substitute derived from seaweed. It’s essential for creating a scoopable texture.
• Pinch of Salt: A tiny pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Coconut Cream (120ml / ½ cup): The base for our incredible coconut lime swirl. Refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, then scoop out the thick cream that rises to the top. This is much richer and thicker than regular coconut milk.
• Lime Juice (30ml / 2 tbsp): Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty kick to the coconut cream, creating a vibrant and refreshing swirl.
• Lime Zest (from 1 lime): The zest contains the aromatic oils of the lime, adding an extra layer of citrus flavor. Be sure to zest only the green part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Powdered Sugar (30g / ¼ cup): Powdered sugar dissolves easily into the coconut cream, creating a smooth and glossy swirl.
• Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a subtle warmth.
• Unsweetened Toasted Coconut Flakes (2 tbsp / 15g): For garnish! Toasted coconut flakes add a delightful crunch and a beautiful visual appeal.
• Fresh Mint Leaf (1, torn): A final touch of freshness and color.

Substitutions & Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to experiment! Here are a few ideas:

• Strawberries: Raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend can be used in place of strawberries.
• Coconut Milk/Cream: For a less coconut-forward flavor, you can substitute some of the coconut milk/cream with cashew cream.
• Agar-Agar: While agar-agar is key for a vegan Dole Whip, if you’re not vegan, you could experiment with a small amount of gelatin (follow package instructions).
• Lime: Lemon can be used in place of lime, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Dole Whip with Coconut Lime Swirl

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Begin by hulling 500g (2 cups) of fresh strawberries. Hulling means removing the green leafy top. This ensures a smoother texture in your final Dole Whip. Blend the strawberries in a high-speed blender until completely smooth. For an even silkier texture, you can strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds. This step is optional, but recommended for those who prefer a seedless Dole Whip.
2. Combine and Boil the Base: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the strawberry puree, 250ml (1 cup) of full-fat coconut milk, 100g (½ cup) of granulated sugar, 15ml (1 tbsp) of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and 2g (½ tsp) of agar-agar powder. Agar-agar is a vegetarian gelatin substitute derived from seaweed. It’s crucial for achieving the Dole Whip’s signature texture. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent sticking and ensure the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. This simmering time is essential to fully activate the agar-agar, allowing it to set properly.
3. Chill the Strawberry Base: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately transfer the strawberry mixture to a shallow bowl. This helps it cool down more quickly. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until thoroughly chilled. A well-chilled base is vital for achieving the right consistency when churning.
4. Prepare the Coconut-Lime Swirl: While the strawberry base is chilling, prepare the coconut-lime swirl. In a separate bowl, whisk together 120ml (½ cup) of coconut cream, 30ml (2 tbsp) of lime juice, the zest of 1 lime, 30g (¼ cup) of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of alcohol-free vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and well combined. Powdered sugar dissolves more easily than granulated sugar, creating a smoother swirl. Refrigerate the swirl for about 30 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly, making it easier to swirl into the Dole Whip.
5. Churn the Strawberry Mixture: Once the strawberry base is thoroughly chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes around 20-25 minutes, until the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into a shallow freezer-safe pan. Every 20 minutes for the next 2 hours, remove the pan from the freezer and vigorously stir the mixture with a fork or whisk. This breaks up ice crystals and creates a smoother texture, although it won’t be quite as creamy as using an ice cream maker.
6. Swirl and Freeze: Transfer the churned (or stirred) strawberry mixture to a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in half of the chilled coconut-lime swirl, creating visible ribbons throughout the pink strawberry base. Avoid overmixing, as you want to maintain distinct swirls of flavor and color. Cover the bowl and freeze the combined mixture for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches a firm enough consistency to scoop.
7. Serve and Garnish: To serve, scoop the Strawberry Dole Whip with Coconut Lime Swirl into clear white bowls or crisp waffle cones. Drizzle a thin line of the remaining coconut-lime swirl across the top. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp (15g) of unsweetened toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor. Finish with a torn fresh mint leaf for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, as the swirl will soften slightly over time.

Why Agar-Agar is Key to Dole Whip Texture

Traditional Dole Whip relies on a specific blend of ingredients and air incorporation during churning to achieve its unique, fluffy texture. Since we’re aiming for a homemade version, agar-agar acts as a fantastic stabilizer. It’s a seaweed-derived gelling agent that, when heated and cooled, creates a smooth, almost ethereal texture. Unlike gelatin, agar-agar sets firmly at room temperature and remains stable even when frozen and thawed, making it perfect for this application. The precise simmering time is crucial; too little, and the Dole Whip won’t set properly, too much, and it can become rubbery.

Tips for the Best Coconut-Lime Swirl

The coconut-lime swirl is what elevates this Dole Whip from delicious to extraordinary. Using full-fat coconut cream is non-negotiable – it provides the richness and body needed for a beautiful swirl. Don’t skimp on the lime zest! It adds a bright, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and coconut. Chilling the swirl before incorporating it into the Dole Whip ensures it holds its shape and creates distinct ribbons, rather than dissolving completely.

Strawberry Selection for Optimal Flavor

The quality of your strawberries directly impacts the flavor of your Dole Whip. Whenever possible, use ripe, in-season strawberries. They will be sweeter and more flavorful, reducing the need for added sugar. If using less-than-perfect strawberries, you can add a touch more sugar to compensate. Organic strawberries are a great choice, as they are grown without synthetic pesticides.

Troubleshooting: Achieving the Right Consistency

If your Dole Whip is too icy, it likely means the strawberry base wasn’t chilled enough before churning, or the mixture wasn’t stirred frequently enough during the freezing process (if not using an ice cream maker). If it’s too soft, it may not have been frozen long enough after swirling in the coconut-lime mixture. Adjust the freezing time accordingly. Remember that homemade Dole Whip will generally be softer than commercially produced versions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can! However, the texture might be slightly different. Thaw the frozen strawberries completely and drain any excess liquid before blending.
• Is this recipe vegan? Yes, this recipe is vegan as long as you use alcohol-free vanilla extract.
• Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker? Yes, see step 5 for instructions on making it without a machine.

This Strawberry Dole Whip with Coconut Lime Swirl is a delightful treat that’s perfect for a hot summer day. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy coconut, and zesty lime is simply irresistible! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

recipe strawberry dole whip

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• Author: Tessa Monroe
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

This vegan Strawberry Dole Whip with Coconut Lime Swirl is a creamy, dreamy frozen dessert inspired by the classic Disney treat. It’s a refreshing and easy-to-make tropical escape, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 500g (2 cups) fresh strawberries, hulled
• 250ml (1 cup) full-fat coconut milk
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 15ml (1 tbsp) fresh lemon juice
• 2g (½ tsp) agar-agar powder
• Pinch of salt
• 120ml (½ cup) coconut cream
• 30ml (2 tbsp) lime juice
• Zest of 1 lime
• 30g (¼ cup) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp alcohol-free vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp (15g) unsweetened toasted coconut flakes
• 1 fresh mint leaf, torn

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Instructions

1. Prep Strawberries: Hull and blend 500g strawberries until smooth.
2. Boil Base: Combine strawberry puree, coconut milk, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and agar-agar; boil and simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Chill Base: Cool and refrigerate mixture for at least 2 hours.
4. Make Swirl: Whisk coconut cream, lime juice, lime zest, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Chill.
5. Churn Mixture: Churn chilled strawberry base in an ice cream maker.
6. Swirl & Freeze: Fold in swirl and freeze for 1-2 hours.
7. Serve & Garnish: Scoop, drizzle with swirl, and garnish with coconut flakes and mint.

Notes

For a smoother texture, strain the strawberry puree. Ensure the agar-agar is fully activated by simmering for the correct time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Churning
• Cuisine: Tropical

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg