Pineapple Dole Whip Float

This Disney-inspired pineapple dole whip float transforms pineapple-flavored soft-serve into a cold, refreshing beverage. Taste the tropics in every sip!

After a recent trip to Disney World, I decided to create spin-offs of some of my favorite Disney treats (and let me tell you, there were tons!). First up is my Disney Copycat Pineapple Dole Whip Float, found in the Magic Kingdom. If you haven’t had the pleasure of sipping on this exceptional beverage, let me describe it for you! It’s essentially sunshine in a cup. The float consists of a layer of pineapple juice, topped with creamy soft serve pineapple ice cream, and is so good we take trips to the Magic Kingdom JUST to get this thing. It’s rich and creamy yet fruity and bright. The sweetness contrasts the acidity of the pineapple beautifully, and each sip is just a treat—so refreshing!

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Dole Whip Float

• No ice cream maker required – I created a version that doesn’t require an ice cream maker because 1. I don’t own an ice cream maker, and 2. I’ve never made ice cream, so this pineapple dole whip float uses coconut cream instead of cream and sugar. It saves a lot of time. Ice cream can be a challenge to get right.
• No added sugar – The only sugar in each pineapple dole whip is natural sugar from fruit juice.
• You don’t have to cut a fresh pineapple – Canned works best for this recipe. It breaks down nicely and achieves a smooth, creamy texture when blended with the other ingredients.

Pineapple Dole Whip Ingredients Notes

• Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice (and the actual fruit) give each float big pineapple flavor. This recipe uses 100% pineapple juice to avoid added sugar.
• Canned Pineapple: This recipe calls for canned crushed pineapple. For the best result, go with crushed pineapple in 100% juice.
• Coconut Cream: Rich coconut cream takes the place of ice cream. Something must float in a proper pineapple dole whip float, after all!
• Orange Juice: I’ve included not one but two versions of this delicious drink. The addition of orange juice switches things up. It’s optional but recommended! Again, use 100% orange juice or freshly squeezed.

How to Make Pineapple Dole Whip Floats

1. Prepare the “soft serve”: Refrigerate the coconut cream overnight, so it gets super cold. Then, blend it with some pineapple juice and all the crushed pineapple.
2. Freeze: Freeze the coconut-pineapple mixture for 20 minutes. You can transfer it to a small bowl and cover it with plastic or use a freezer-safe container with an airtight lid.
3. Make the floats: Pour the juice into glasses, top with the pineapple soft-serve, and voila, your pineapple dole whip floats are ready! Grab a straw and enjoy this delicious sweet treat.

Pro Tip: If you want to get fancy, use a piping bag to get a “swirled” effect. I would advise against using a metal tip (the mixture is a bit thick) but if you cut off the tip of the bag it should work just fine!

Variations, Substitutions & Tips

• Only use coconut cream – Otherwise, the soft serve mixture won’t firm up nicely or will get very icy. The goal here is a creamy, frosty texture. Take a moment to separate the cream from any liquid, but preserve the liquid for other recipes. There’s no reason to waste it.
• Use any fruit juice you like – Replace half of the pineapple juice with your favorite fruit juice. The orange drink pictured is an orange-pineapple duo, but you can do the same with any fruit juice.
• Add fruit chunks for texture – Crushed pineapple, chopped cherries, strawberries, or raspberries will add texture to your pineapple dole whip. If you go this route, use the wide straws (like boba straws) to sip up the solids.

Make Ahead

The pineapple dole whip (coconut pineapple soft serve) can be prepped in advance. Chill the cream, blend it with fruit and juice, then freeze as instructed. The only difference here is freeze time. Since you’ll be freezing it for longer than 20 minutes, you will have to thaw the coconut cream and pineapple mixture for the pineapple dole whip before use. To thaw, leave it on the countertop until the desired consistency is achieved, or pop it into a bowl of warm water to speed up the process.

Storage and Freezer Tips

Storing the pineapple dole whip in an airtight container is suggested if freezing for longer than the instructed 20 minutes since it will prevent ice from forming and impacting the texture. You can also transfer it to a freezer-safe zipper bag. When you use a bag, you can freeze, thaw, cut the tip off one corner, and pipe the pineapple dole whip over the juice. Not only does piping elevate your presentation, which yields a fancier float, but this method is so convenient.

I can’t wait for you guys to make this! It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.

Try these delicious drinks next:

• Green Detox Smoothie
• Chocolate & Peanut Butter Smoothie
• Italian Blood Orange Soda
• Ice Cream Floats