Pineapple Whip is a delicious frozen treat that is actually healthy and super easy to make. Some say it tastes just like at Disneyland, only this is clean eating, paleo friendly and includes a vegan option.
I think, we have established how much I like my frozen treats, especially in summer! I am also quite keen on everything pineapple - I'll even put it in my salsa.
This amazing pineapple frozen dessert, that apparently tastes just like the pineapple soft serve from Disneyland, made its first appearance on this blog almost 3 years ago! A LOT has changed since then, so this recipe was due for a makeover.
First of all, three years ago I didn't know much about photography or how to make food look good. I didn't even own a DSLR camera at the time - not for lack of desire. But it must have taken about another month before I finally scraped together enough spare change (aka tips from busting my behind as a restaurant server) to get one.
Secondly, I used my blog URL on some images back then. And as you may or may not know, I've changed my blog name and URL since then. However, the old images with the old blog name were still being shared on Pinterest. Here is a glimpse at what the old images looked like:
Lastly, I've made delicious pineapple whip many times since then. Naturally, I have figured out a thing or two about how to improve the process. So, I also wanted to update the recipe to include those improvements.
But that's not all! On top of new photos and an improved recipe, I made a VIDEO! (scroll to the top, if you missed it)
I included the entire process of how I prep a fresh ripe pineapple and freeze it before turning it into pineapple whip. Of course, you can also buy already frozen pineapple chunks to make this recipe.
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How to Make Healthy Pineapple Whip
You will need a food processor to turn the pineapple chunks into creamy ice cream-like deliciousness. For smaller, half-batches a food chopper works too. I used this Cuisinart Mini Prep in the video, otherwise I use my full-sized Cuisinart Food Processor.
Unless you own a heavy duty Vitamix or Blendtec, a blender doesn't make a good substitute for the food processor. Most blenders require more liquid than this recipe calls for, in order to make things go round.
In my original post I used almond milk, but also mentioned that you can use other milk alternatives. Now, I only use coconut milk to make pineapple whip.
I love the natural sweetness of coconut milk and also, I've really come to love the combination of pineapple and coconut. It's the basis for piña coladas after all!
Whether and how much sweetener you need, totally depends on your taste preference, but also on where your pineapple is from and how ripe it is. When I made pineapple whip in Thailand with the amazingly sweet and juicy local Thai pineapple, I didn't add any additional sweetener.
I've never had sweeter pineapple anywhere else!
So, in most other places I will add a little honey, maple or agave syrup. Although, I've found that store-bought frozen pineapple can be quite sweet as well.
Now, let's get to serving this pineapple whip. There is nothing wrong with simply transferring it to serving bowls, once whipped up.
But if you are going for the soft serve look-alike, you need a piping bag (or ziploc) and a large open star tip (I used this Ateco 826 tip).
Fill the pineapple whip into the piping bag fitted with the star tip. Pipe it into serving bowls in a large swirl pattern and decorate with a pineapple wedge.
Note: If I have extra time, I will put the piping bag with the pineapple whip, back into the freezer for about half an hour to an hour. This will firm it up more and allows to pipe swirls with a more distinct pattern.
More recipes similar to this one:
Recipe
Healthy Pineapple Whip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple peeled, cored, cut into chunks and frozen (6.5-7 cups)
- ½ cup coconut milk more as needed
- 1-3 tablespoons honey maple syrup or agave (to taste)
Instructions
- Peel, core and cut one fresh ripe pineapple into chunks. Spread chunks on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (for at least 24 hours).
- Place frozen pineapple chunks in a food processor together with ½ cup of coconut milk. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides and add more milk as needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Taste the pineapple whip and add sweetener to your liking. If the pineapple wasn't super ripe and sweet, I will add a little honey, maple syrup or agave. Process once more to incorporate the sweetener.
- To achieve a soft serve-like look, fit a piping bag with a star tip. Fill the pineapple whip into the bag and pipe into serving bowls in a swirling motion.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin Healthy Pineapple Whip tutorial for later?
If you prefer traditionally churned ice creams and frozen treats, check out my review of the best ice cream and sorbet makers here.
More healthy frozen treats:
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not reflect my opinion of any product listed though. Thank you for your support in making Leelalicious possible. I really appreciate it!
Random Questions
Pineapple whip is primarily made from frozen pineapple chunks, coconut milk, and a sweetener of your choice. It is blended into a creamy, soft-serve-like consistency, making it a refreshing and healthy frozen treat.
Pineapple whip can be prepared without dairy milk. In this recipe, coconut milk is used, making it a suitable option for those avoiding dairy. The natural sweetness and creaminess of coconut milk complement the pineapple flavor beautifully.
While fresh pineapple is preferred for its natural sweetness and texture, canned pineapple can also be used in a pinch. Ensure that it is well-drained before freezing to achieve the desired consistency for the pineapple whip.
Yes, pineapple whip can be made vegan-friendly by using plant-based sweeteners such as agave syrup or maple syrup. Additionally, the use of coconut milk instead of dairy makes this frozen treat suitable for those following a vegan diet.
Olivia DePre
Can you use canned pineapple?
Regina | Leelalicious
Yes, if you freeze them first
Shanthi
Hi Regina.. Thanks for the recipe.. Looks yummy. Will only frozen pine apple work? Can I use fresh ones? Will that affect the taste?
Regina
If you use fresh pineapple it will turn out more like a smoothie not ice cream. I can definitely buy fresh pineapple and then freeze it before processing
Cooky
Can you freeze for a couple of weeks?
Regina
Yes you can definitely freeze it. I would let it sit on the counter for a bit before serving just to make it scoopable
Jaschira
This tastes like piña colada! Thank you. I miss piña coladas.
Regina
Exactly! That's why I love using coconut milk over any other liquid in this recipe. Nothing beats pineapple turned into piña colada flavor!
[email protected]
Definitely need a high powered food processor. I was able to make mine in very small batches, and it is very good!
Regina
Absolutely this is easiest and quickest with a strong machine
C Kent
I thought someone would ask! Realize there's no definite answer but about how much frozen chunks to use??
Regina
Yes, every pineapple will be different. I measured mine for this recipe and it was about 6-7 cups.
Carol
Can we use something else unstead of coconut milk?
Regina
Yes, you can use any kind of milk. I like the combination of pineapple and coconut, but you can use whatever suits you. Even water or juice. It's mainly needed to get the machine going smoothly.
Debra Poe
Could you use pineapple chunks in a can? Instead of chopping up a pineapple to save time.
Regina
Personally, I like the flavor of fresh pineapple much better than from a can, but the is no reason it shouldn't work. Maybe you can find frozen pineapple chunks to save on chopping but still have better flavor?
Patti
Two people asked about the grams of sugar and carbs in this but I see no answer. Diabetics what to know about the sugar and carbs in this. Would love to make it. Please let us know how many grams of sugar and carbs are in this recipe.
Thanks
Teri
Just look up nutritional info of the ingredients you use.
Regina
It is very hard to answer this question for a recipe like this. There is huge variation in pineapple sizes, depending on your blender/food processor you may need more/less liquid, and depending on your taste and sweetness of pineapple you may need more or no sweetener at all.
Because of all these variations the will be no accuracy whatsoever with nutritional facts. But here is an easy nutrition calculator where you can plug in the amount of ingredients you use to get some semi-decent info http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
Nicole Turnbull
Would a nutribullet work in this case?
Regina
I am not sure. I don't own a Nutribullet and have never used one. But I've been able to make this in my high-speed Blendtec (with twister jar) and Vitamix blender (with tamper).
annette
does anyone know how many grams of sugar are in this recipe (I am diabetic)
Regina
Since there is so much variation in this recipe it is impossible to give an accurate answer. Instead I recommend you plug in the amount if ingredients you use in your favorite nutrition calculator (like this one http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator) to get some semi-decent info
Leslie
Can you just use frozen pineapple chunks that come cut up in a bag?
Regina
Absolutely! I travel a lot in tropical countries that have plenty of delicious fresh pineapple, but not necessarily the convenience of bagged frozen fruit 😉
Jmv
How much coconut milk do you use?...I didn't see a written recipe
Regina
There is a recipe box at the end of the post, above the comments. But it is about 1/2 cup for 1 pineapple. But you can always adjust to what is needed
April
Are we using sweet or unsweetened coconut milk???
Regina
I use unsweetened
Ann M
Have you tried it with light coconut milk? Would that work?
Regina
I think that will work just fine
Ariana
Would strawberries (or any other frozen fruit for that matter) work in place of pineapple for a different flavor?
Regina
Oh yes! Other frozen fruit will also turn into a beautiful healthy 'soft-serve dessert'
Deidra
Calorie count
Chris
Can you use almond milk instead of coconut milk?
Regina
Absolutely!
Carol
What can I use instead of coconut milk. Do not like it at all.
Amanda
Any nut milk such as almond or cashew milk
Regina
You can use any other milk/cream
Liz
Is that canned coconut milk?
Regina
That's what I used. But could also be from a carton, if you have that and don't want to open a can
Catherine
So excited to try! Do you use sweetened coconut milk or unsweetened? I use the unsweetened in my smoothies and protein shakes and I wasn't sure if that would taste good in this particular recipe. Thanks so much!
Debbie
Is there nutrition info? Specifically the carbohydrate count (for insulin calculation for a type 1 diabetic)?
Susan
I'd like to know that as well. My daughter who is a T1D would love this dessert.
Regina
It is very hard to answer this question for a recipe like this. There is huge variation in pineapple sizes, depending on your blender/food processor you may need more/less liquid, and depending on your taste and sweetness of pineapple you may need more or no sweetener at all.
Because of all these variations there will be no accuracy whatsoever. But here is an easy nutrition calculator where you can plug in the amount of ingredients you use to get some semi-decent info http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron
This is so fun! I've never had a pineapple whip before but now I want to try it 🙂
Regina
I've never had a chance to try the Disney Dole version either, but I definitely will if I ever make it to Disneyland/world. Luckily, until then I have this to fall back on 🙂
Daisy
I love the combination of Pineapple and coconut, especially when it's so easy to make. There seems to a trend towards whipped fruit at the moment. It's definitely a food trend I like to follow.
Regina
Oh yes! Blended frozen fruit makes perfectly delicious healthy ice cream
Jacquee
Why have I not tried this Dole Whip? Summer is synonymous to simple in my mind, so please don't feel weird sharing quick and easy treats like this. I LOVE them!!
Regina
Ahh...so glad to hear you enjoy these simple recipes 🙂
Leslie Howell
Do you use canned coconut milk or carton
Regina
I usually use canned but either will work well in this recipe.
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner
I love pineapple and this recipe could not get more easy! Love the simplicity and that I can eat it guilt free. Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
Regina
It is super easy indeed! Sometimes I feel weird sharing something so simple but I am always glad when I can give healthy inspiration 🙂
Janel
Wanting to serve this at a baby shower. What do you think about freezing it? Do you think it will get too hard?
Regina
I think freezing it will be totally fine, though making the swirl maybe difficult. I would just freeze in a container, then let it thaw maybe 5 minutes to be able to scoop. The texture will be like sorbet.
Faith @ Pixie Dust Kitchen
I love dole whips, and I bet this tastes just like them- but healthier! I love when I can make healthy versions of my favorite treats.
Regina
I am so with you Faith! Isn't awesome when you can keep enjoying something you love without having to feel guilty 🙂