This Dole whip recipe, the pineapple soft serve, has only 2 main ingredients, and it's naturally gluten free and dairy free. Bring a taste of Disney home!
“Oh, I could totally make this at home.”
That's what I said when I went to Disney World with my family last December and we tried the famous Dole Whip. It's been 4 months since that trip, and I'm pleased to announce that I finally put my money where my mouth is.
Disney is pretty great with accommodating a gluten free diet, and the Dole whip was declared safe for my gluten free son. Of course, he was the only one in my family who didn't like it. This is why I will die first.
But everyone else loved it. So it was going to happen, simple as that. This creamy, dreamy pineapple soft serve ice cream would be mine at home. And I would, of course, abide by my favorite rule: no ice cream maker.
How to make soft serve at home
I've been making homemade versions of store-bought (or Disney-bought) treats for so long that I have a process down pat. I always start with the manufacturer's list of ingredients, even if it's super long. I pretty much know which chemicals matter, and which are just preservatives.
I pair that up with my understanding of common cooking ingredients and the general ratios I use for different recipe types, and I'm off and running. It used to take me at least 3 tries before I got anything at all like the original treat. Now, I'm guaranteed at least one failure, but sometimes I start to make real progress by try 2.
Dole Whip Is Different
To make this Dole whip recipe, though, the ingredient list is more intense than usual. And even though it's pineapple soft serve, there's nearly no actual pineapple in there. I had a feeling that I could do it better, and with plenty of actual pineapple.
Frozen pineapple works best, but to keep the blender moving, you need to defrost half and blend it smooth. Then, add the remaining frozen pineapple. I buy totally cheapo frozen pineapple pieces by the pound at my local Trader Joe's.
Marshmallow creme as a base
Like my soft serve froyo, this recipe is made with marshmallow creme. Click through that link if you'd like to see a video showing you how to make marshmallow creme yourself from scratch, using mostly just sugar and egg whites.
If you can't have egg whites, I recommend trying aquafaba as your egg white replacement. From what I've read, it works well!
If you'd like to use store-bought marshmallow fluff, that will work just fine. You'll need a full 14-ounce tub.
Soft Serve or Scooped Ice Cream
To make it into an incredibly smooth scoopable consistency is kind of the easiest thing in the world. Just pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container with a tight fitting lid and freeze it for about 8 hours. Then scoop away.
If you leave it in the freezer for longer, you'll have to leave the container at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. I've even popped it into the microwave for about 20 seconds to loosen the ice cream a bit. It's not ideal, but it works!
For a soft serve consistency, which is a bit more authentic, you can freeze the mixture in a lidded container and then transfer it to a piping bag or a zip-top bag. I prefer to freeze it in a piping bag that is still sealed.
If you have a wire rack anywhere in your freezer, it's pretty easy to freeze it upright. After just about 3 hours, it's ready to pipe.
Either way, the important thing … is that I made good on my bragging. I did totally make a Dole whip recipe at home. And everyone except for my pineapple-hating son is giddy with excitement!
Homemade Dole Whip Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen pineapple pieces
- 1 recipe Homemade Marshmallow Creme (or 1 14-ounce tub of store-bought marshmallow fluff)
Instructions
- Divide the pineapple pieces into two equal portions. Leave one portion frozen, and defrost the other portion either by allowing it to sit at room temperature or by placing it in the microwave on low power until just cold, but not frozen.
- Place the defrosted portion of pineapple pieces into a blender or food processor and process until smooth.
- Add about 1/4 cup of the marshmallow creme, and the frozen pineapple pieces to the blender or food processor.
- Process until the pineapple pieces are smooth. If necessary to keep the machine moving and blending, add more marshmallow creme slowly.
- Transfer the pineapple mixture to a large bowl, add the remaining marshmallow creme and mix to combine.
- The mixture will go from dark yellow in color to light yellow, and it will be relatively thin. Do not overmix.
For a scoopable consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container with a tight fitting lid and place in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- If frozen for longer than 12 hours, leave the container out on the counter for 10 minutes for it to reach a scoopable consistency.
For a soft serve consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a large disposable piping bag fitted with an open piping tip, leaving the tip of the bag closed.
- Close the top of the piping bag with a clip or rubber band. Place the piping bag upright it in the freezer for about 4 hours or until mostly firm.
- Snip off the end of the bag, pipe into bowls and serve immediately. It will melt quickly, like proper soft serve ice cream.