Cherry Dole Whip
Cherry Dole Whip — a bright, dairy-free twist on the classic soft-serve — is a refreshing, easy-to-make dessert that tastes like summer in a cup. Friendly and upbeat, this recipe blends frozen cherries and pineapple with creamy coconut milk for a tangy, tropical treat you can whip up in minutes. If you enjoy cherry-forward desserts, you might also like our take on an elegant Black Forest cake roll for another cherry-forward idea.
Why make this recipe
This Cherry Dole Whip stands out because of its bright flavor, rapid prep time, and dairy-free profile. The cherries give a vivid color and tartness that pairs perfectly with pineapple’s tropical sweetness, while coconut milk keeps it creamy without dairy. It’s ideal for hot days, for serving at parties, or when you want a nostalgic theme-park taste at home without complicated equipment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cherry Dole Whip
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen cherries
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
Directions
- In a blender, combine the frozen cherries, frozen pineapple, and coconut milk.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed; add honey or maple syrup if you like it sweeter.
- Serve immediately in cups for a soft-serve texture, or transfer to a container and freeze until firmer if you prefer a scoopable texture. Enjoy your sweet and tangy Cherry Dole Whip!
Notes on the method
- Use a high-speed blender for the creamiest result; if your blender struggles, let the fruit thaw for 3–5 minutes to soften the blades’ work, then blend in short pulses.
- The optional tablespoon of honey or maple syrup is there to tune sweetness — cherries vary in tartness, so taste and adjust.
- For a swirl effect (cherry + pineapple separate ribbons), blend the fruits separately and layer them into cups.
Why this combination works
Cherries provide a deep, fruity tartness and vivid color that make the whip taste indulgent even though it’s light and naturally plant-based. Pineapple contributes tropical brightness and a smooth texture when frozen, which mimics the silky mouthfeel of classic soft-serve. Coconut milk binds the fruit and adds richness without dairy — the result is remarkably similar to the nostalgic Dole Whip experience but with a cherry twist.
Best Way to Store Cherry Dole Whip
- Refrigerator (short-term): If you plan to eat the whip within a few hours, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–6 hours; stir before serving to restore creaminess.
- Freezer (longer-term): Freeze in an airtight container at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 1 month for the best texture. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 8–12 minutes and then stir or re-blend to soften.
- Thawing tip: For a scoopable texture after freezing, transfer to the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes, then stir vigorously or blitz in a blender for 10–20 seconds.
Serving Suggestions for Cherry Dole Whip
- Classic cups: Serve the soft whip in chilled cups garnished with a few fresh cherries, pineapple chunks, or a sprig of mint.
- Sundae style: Top with chopped toasted coconut, crushed graham crackers, or a drizzle of dark chocolate for contrast.
- Float: Pour sparkling water or lemon-lime soda into a tall glass and add a scoop of Cherry Dole Whip for a fizzy float.
- Sandwich: Spread the firmer frozen whip between two cookies (ginger snaps, oatmeal, or shortbread) for an instant handheld treat.
- Cocktail twist: Add a splash of rum or cherry liqueur before blending for an adult-only frozen cocktail variation.
Tips to make Cherry Dole Whip
- Use frozen fruit straight from the freezer for the best texture; avoid partially thawed fruit which can yield a runny result.
- If your blender is small, blend in two batches to avoid overloading the motor.
- For ultra-creamy softness, add a tablespoon of light neutral oil (like refined coconut oil) or a spoonful of silken tofu for extra silkiness.
- Sweetness tuning: Taste before serving and add a little syrup or agave if cherries are very tart.
- For parfaits: Alternate layers of whip with granola and fresh fruit for pretty presentations.
Variations
- Simple substitution (bullet): Replace coconut milk with oat milk or cashew milk for a milder flavor and still dairy-free creaminess; use full-fat canned coconut milk for extra richness.
- Two-flavor comparison (paragraph): If you prefer a tangier profile, substitute frozen raspberries for cherries and keep the pineapple; this yields a brighter, slightly more tart whip. Alternatively, switch the pineapple to mango for a smoother, more tropical base that pairs beautifully with cherries’ depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
A: Yes—pit and freeze fresh cherries on a tray first. Using fresh, non-frozen cherries will require adding ice or additional frozen fruit to achieve the right texture.
Q: How can I make the whip sweeter without refined sugar?
A: Use maple syrup, honey (if not strictly vegan), or a mashed ripe banana to add natural sweetness and a bit more body.
Q: What if my blender can’t handle frozen fruit?
A: Let the fruit sit at room temperature for 3–5 minutes, add the liquid first, and pulse in short bursts; an immersion blender with a tall jar or a food processor can also work better for some machines.
What about texture and consistency?
- If the mixture is too thick to blend, add more coconut milk one tablespoon at a time until the blades move smoothly.
- If the mixture becomes too watery, add a handful more frozen fruit and re-blend briefly.
Q: Can I make this without a blender?
A: It’s difficult to get a smooth soft-serve texture without a blender. As an alternative, use a food processor or crush the frozen fruit thoroughly and whisk with softened coconut milk, though texture won’t be as smooth.
How to scale and serve for a crowd
- Multiply ingredients proportionally and blend in batches if needed; keep finished whip in a chilled bowl set over ice to maintain texture while serving.
- For parties, pre-freeze individual portions in small silicone molds and remove shortly before serving so guests get a perfect scoop.
Serving for dietary needs
- Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey, and confirm your coconut milk is plant-based.
- Nut-free: Coconut milk is generally safe for nut-free diets, but always check labels if serving people with multiple allergies; use canned coconut milk or oat milk as alternatives.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Runny or watery texture: Fruit may have thawed too much; refreeze for 10–20 minutes and re-blend, or add more frozen fruit.
- Grainy texture: Over-blending can sometimes create graininess if fruit is fibrous; blending in short pulses helps maintain smoothness.
- Bitter coconut flavor: Use light coconut milk or combine coconut milk with neutral oat milk to tone it down.
A bit on nutrition and portion control
This Cherry Dole Whip is naturally lower in fat and calories than ice cream if you use light coconut milk or dilute with plant milk; it provides vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants from the cherries and pineapple. To keep portions sensible, serve in 1/2 to 3/4-cup portions and top with fresh fruit rather than calorie-dense add-ins.
Creative presentation ideas
- Layered cups: Create visual appeal by layering Cherry Dole Whip with crushed graham crackers and pineapple compote.
- Garnish bar: Offer toppings like toasted coconut, chopped pistachios, dark-chocolate shavings, or fresh lime zest so guests can personalize.
- Themed bowls: Serve into small hollowed pineapple halves for an instant tropical presentation.
Extra tips for making it feel like theme-park soft-serve
- Chill your serving cups or bowls for a few minutes before scooping to keep the whip from melting too quickly.
- Use a piping bag with a large star tip to create the soft-serve swirl look if you want the classic cone presentation.
- For a two-tone swirl, blend cherries and pineapple separately, then alternate spoonfuls into a tall cup and gently twist a skewer through the layers for a swirled effect.
Q&A style mini section
Q: How long will leftovers keep their flavor?
A: Frozen, they’ll keep up to a month; flavor is best in the first two weeks.
Q: Can I add protein powder?
A: Yes—add a scoop of unflavored or vanilla plant-based protein while blending, but expect slightly different texture.
Q: Is it keto-friendly?
A: Not as written; the fruit sugars make it relatively high in carbs. Use lower-carb berries and higher-fat coconut cream if following a strict keto plan.
Occasions and pairings
- Summer backyard parties: Serve in chilled plastic cups with straws or spoons for easy handling.
- After-dinner treat: Pair a small serving with espresso or espresso-laced chocolate for a grown-up dessert.
- Kid-friendly snack: Keep portions small and offer fun toppings like sprinkles or mini chocolate chips.
Final notes on sourcing and substitutions
- Frozen fruit: Look for unsweetened frozen cherries and pineapple to control sugar.
- Coconut milk: Shake canned coconut milk well; for a lighter version use canned light coconut milk or combine full-fat coconut milk with a milder plant milk to balance texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Cherry Dole Whip is a simple, crowd-pleasing treat that brings bright cherry flavor and tropical pineapple together in a creamy, dairy-free soft-serve. For those who want an authentic, commercial-style cherry soft-serve option or inspiration for scaling up, consider checking the Dole Soft Serve Mix – Cherry (4.4 lbs) at LollicupStore to explore prepared mixes and supplies. If you’re curious about other DOLE soft-serve flavors and how they’re served in retail settings, the DOLE SOFT SERVE® Cherry listing on sweetFrog is a useful reference.
Print
Cherry Dole Whip
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A bright, dairy-free twist on the classic soft-serve, blending frozen cherries and pineapple with creamy coconut milk for a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen cherries
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the frozen cherries, frozen pineapple, and coconut milk.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed; add honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Serve immediately in cups for a soft-serve texture, or transfer to a container and freeze until firmer if you prefer a scoopable texture.
Notes
For a swirl effect, blend the fruits separately and layer them into cups. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–6 hours or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cherry Dole Whip, dairy-free dessert, summer treat, tropical dessert
