Thank you for being here—truly. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re craving something cool, creamy, and utterly refreshing. Let me introduce you to something I make on repeat all summer long: Pineapple Ice Cream Swirl. Also lovingly known in my kitchen as a homemade version of that iconic theme-park Dole Whip, this recipe captures the essence of warm, tropical breezes in every creamy spoonful.

From the first time I whipped up a batch, I knew it would become a staple. No ice cream maker needed, no long churn times—just a blender and a handful of wholesome ingredients that transform into something pure magic. Best of all, it comes together in minutes, looks gorgeous, and can be tailored for almost any diet.

What is Pineapple Ice Cream Swirl?

Pineapple Ice Cream Swirl is a no-churn, soft-serve-style dessert made primarily from frozen pineapple, milk of your choice, yogurt, and a natural sweetener. It’s blended until lusciously smooth and can be piped into that signature swirl shape for an Instagram-worthy presentation. Think of it as your very own tropical escape in a cup—without the airfare.

Inspired by the famous Dole Whip, which has earned cult status at places like Disney parks, this homemade version is every bit as delightful but even more customizable. You get to choose the ingredients, adjust the sweetness, and even play around with fun flavor additions.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Ice Cream Swirl

There’s a reason this recipe has become a go-to for hot summer days, backyard barbecues, and even healthy after-dinner treats. Here are just a few reasons why this frozen swirl will steal your heart:

It’s made with real fruit and contains no artificial flavors or colors.
You don’t need an ice cream machine—just a blender or food processor.
It’s light, tangy, and naturally sweetened, making it a healthier option.
You can make it dairy-free and vegan with a simple ingredient swap.
It’s absolutely stunning when piped into cones or cups, especially with a pineapple wedge on top.

And the best part? You can make it in under 10 minutes if your pineapple is already frozen.

What Does Pineapple Ice Cream Swirl Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a frozen cloud that tastes like fresh-cut pineapple, kissed with a hint of vanilla and softened by a creamy swirl of yogurt or coconut cream. It’s sweet, yes, but not overwhelmingly so. The tanginess from the pineapple and yogurt balances everything beautifully, and if you add a splash of lemon juice, you’ll get a bright, citrusy punch that wakes up your taste buds.

It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t just satisfy your sweet tooth—it lifts your mood. It tastes like sunshine, pool days, and laughter with friends.

Benefits of Making Pineapple Ice Cream Swirl at Home

Making this recipe at home comes with a bundle of benefits—beyond saving money and skipping the long lines at amusement parks.

Control the ingredients: You get to decide how sweet, how creamy, and how tangy it is.
Allergy-friendly: Easily make it dairy-free, nut-free, or sugar-free.
Budget-friendly: Pre-frozen pineapple and a few pantry staples are all you need.
Kid-approved: This is one treat you’ll feel good about serving to your kids—and they’ll actually ask for seconds.
Fun to make: Let everyone in the family swirl their own cone or cup. It’s a perfect summer kitchen activity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes about 2 to 3 servings, depending on how generous you are with the swirl. Feel free to double or triple it as needed.

2½ cups frozen pineapple chunks
½ cup unsweetened almond milk or any milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
½ cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version
2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to your preferred level of sweetness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy kick

Kitchen Tools Required

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, which is part of its charm. Just gather:

A high-speed blender or food processor
A spatula for scraping down the sides
Piping bag with a large star tip (for that soft-serve look)
Serving cups or cones

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

Want to make it your own? I’m all for it. Here’s how you can switch things up:

Swap the yogurt: Use canned coconut cream or a frozen banana for a creamy dairy-free option.
Sweetener alternatives: Agave nectar, stevia drops, or even blended dates can work here.
Add other frozen fruits: Try blending in frozen mango, peach, or banana for a twist on the tropical flavor.
Flavor boosters: Add a pinch of salt, shredded coconut, or a splash of coconut or lime extract.

How to Make Pineapple Ice Cream Swirl

Step 1: Freeze Your Pineapple

You can use store-bought frozen pineapple, or slice fresh pineapple into chunks and freeze them for at least 4 to 6 hours. Make sure they’re frozen solid for the best texture.

Step 2: Blend Everything

Add the frozen pineapple, almond milk, Greek yogurt, sweetener, vanilla, and lemon juice (if using) into your blender or food processor.

Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. You may need to pulse a few times before blending to help the machine along.

Step 3: Adjust the Texture

If it’s too thick and your blender is struggling, add a splash more almond milk to loosen it up.
If it comes out too soft and slushy, pop the mixture into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to firm it up before serving.

Step 4: Swirl and Serve

Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe it into cones, parfait cups, or small bowls in a spiral motion to mimic soft-serve. You can also just scoop it like traditional ice cream.

Top with a pineapple wedge, shredded coconut, or a cherry on top if you’re feeling nostalgic.

What to Serve With Pineapple Ice Cream Swirl

This dessert is fabulous on its own, but pairing it with other flavors can elevate it even further. Try serving it with:

Grilled pineapple or caramelized banana slices
Crumbled graham crackers or vanilla wafers for crunch
Coconut macaroons or tropical cookies
A drizzle of passionfruit or mango purée

Looking for more tropical-inspired recipes? You’ll love these:

Blue Pineapple Bliss Jello Donuts: A fun, fruity baked treat that shares the same vibrant energy as this swirl.
Blue Moon Ice Cream (No-Churn Recipe): For another dreamy, scoopable dessert with nostalgic flavors.
Oreo Cream Cheese Cheesecake Sushi Roll: Not tropical, but definitely whimsical—and who doesn’t love dessert sushi?

Tips for Making the Perfect Swirl

Use a powerful blender or food processor. A regular blender may struggle with frozen pineapple.
Don’t skip the vanilla—it really rounds out the flavor.
Freeze the mixture briefly before piping to help it hold its swirl shape.
If you’re making a large batch, work in batches to avoid overloading your machine.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and smooth the top with a spatula for easier scooping later.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and that’s a big if), here’s how to store them:

Transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container.
Smooth the top and cover with a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals.
Freeze for up to one week.
To serve again, let it thaw at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes or re-blend with a little milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pineapple instead of frozen?
Not ideal. Canned pineapple tends to be too soft and watery, even if frozen, and it often contains added sugars. Stick with fresh or store-bought frozen for best results.

Is this the same as the original Dole Whip?
This is a close cousin. It’s not identical but inspired by the original, with a touch more creaminess and fewer preservatives. Some versions of Dole Whip are dairy-free, while this version uses yogurt—but you can easily sub it with coconut cream to keep it vegan.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Blend the mixture and freeze it in an airtight container. Before serving, let it thaw slightly and re-blend for that freshly-made texture.

What’s the best yogurt to use?
Plain Greek yogurt works beautifully, but you can use vanilla or even coconut yogurt. Avoid flavored yogurts with added sugars unless you’re reducing the sweetener.

Can I use this as a smoothie base?
Absolutely! Just increase the amount of milk to create a pourable consistency. It makes a fantastic smoothie bowl base, too.

Wrapping It All Up

This Pineapple Ice Cream Swirl is more than a recipe—it’s an experience. It brings the joy of summer in every scoop and proves that you don’t need fancy gadgets to create something that looks and tastes like a gourmet dessert. It’s light, fun, easy to whip up, and endlessly customizable.

Whether you’re craving a midweek treat, hosting a summer party, or simply need something sunny to lift your mood, this recipe will not disappoint.

Even More Recipes to Love

Feeling inspired to keep the sweet vibes going? Check out these delicious, whimsical recipes that pair perfectly with Pineapple Ice Cream Swirl:

Have You Tried It?

If you make this Pineapple Ice Cream Swirl, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review in the comments below or share a photo on Pinterest. Your creations inspire others and help this community grow.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 140
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugars: 22g (from fruit and sweetener)
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 3g
Vitamin C: 70% Daily Value

Pineapple Ice Cream Swirl (aka Dole Whip-Style)

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

Pineapple Ice Cream Swirl (aka Dole Whip-Style) is a creamy, refreshing, no-churn frozen dessert made with real pineapple, yogurt, and a splash of vanilla. Naturally sweet and tangy, this summer favorite comes together in just minutes using a blender—no ice cream maker required. Perfect for sunny days, poolside treats, or tropical-themed parties. Swirl into cones or cups and enjoy a taste of vacation at home!

Ingredients

Scale

2½ cups frozen pineapple chunks
½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
½ cup Greek yogurt (use plant-based for dairy-free)
2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added tang

Instructions

Prepare the pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, cut into chunks and freeze for at least 4–6 hours until solid.
Blend the ingredients: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine frozen pineapple, almond milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
Adjust consistency: If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more almond milk. If it’s too soft, place it in the freezer for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Serve it swirled: For the signature soft-serve look, transfer the mixture to a piping bag with a large star tip. Pipe into cones or cups in a swirl motion.
Garnish and enjoy: Top with a pineapple wedge, shredded coconut, or enjoy as-is—pure tropical bliss!

Notes

Use very ripe pineapple for maximum natural sweetness.
Swap Greek yogurt for coconut cream or frozen banana for a vegan version.
Want a flavor twist? Add a handful of frozen mango or a few drops of coconut extract.
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container. Let thaw slightly or re-blend with a splash of milk before serving.

Perfect for serving at summer gatherings or as a healthy alternative to traditional ice cream.