the at-home version
There are certain foods that hold cult status like fried dough on the boardwalk, apple cider doughnuts in the fall and the Dole Whip, that delicious pineapple frozen desert found in lush, hot vacation spots like Hawaii and Walt Disney World.
the walt disney world version
I remember the first time I tried a Dole Whip. I was standing in front of the Swiss Family Robinson attraction in the Magic Kingdom. It was our first time in Walt Disney World and in our guidebook my mother had highlighted "DOLE WHIP" as a must try. On that hot and humid day in June, we bought our first Dole Whip float. I lifted the spoon to my mouth and the moment that the cool pineapple goodness hit my tongue, the world went from black and white to color. It was and still is my favorite treat at Walt Disney World and judging from the long long line I was in for a Dole Whip a few weeks ago, I'd say that I am not alone in my love for this treat.
When I came home I started researching Dole Whip recipes. I tried several of the recipes I found and while they were good, the taste wasn't exactly the same. There is a tart and creamy balance that I had a hard time achieving. Plus, many of the recipes I found used heavy cream and quite a bit of sugar. One comment I read on a recipe said the dessert tasted like pineapple flavored hair because of the pineapple strands.
the dole whip coming together in the ice cream maker
I believe in home cooked food. I do. But I also think that there are times when a prepared mix is perfected and iconic. I started researching 'Dole Whip manufacturer' and I found out that consumers can purchase the same mix that is used in the soft serve machines at Walt Disney World. I called Unified Enterprises Corp in Hawaii and spoke with a customer service agent. Satisfied that it was the same mix, I placed an order for one bag that would make 70 1/2 cup servings. The dry mix ships from Hawaii for $23.95 plus $14.35 for Priority shipping.
The box from Hawaii arrived last week just as the weather started turning sunny and warm in Seattle. I opened the box and followed the directions on how to make a Dole Whip with a consumer version ice cream machine. The mix is easily reconstituted with water and is cholesterol free, gluten free, trans fat free and lactose free. I followed the directions, adding water to the dry mix and refrigerating it for one hour before adding it to our ice cream maker. In 30 minutes we had a Dole Whip, a perfect clone to the treat I first tasted at Walt Disney World. While the texture is not exact because we didn't use a soft serve machine, the taste was exactly right.
To replicate the Dole Whip float above I added one small can of cold pineapple juice and topped it off with 2 scoops of Dole Whip. And on the loveliest Saturday afternoon, L. and I sat outside on the front step and shared a taste of summer.
If your mix doesn't come with instructions, here is how I made it:
Add 1 1/3 cups of mix to 2 cups of cold water. Stir for two minutes so the grit/powder is completely dissolved. In a large measuring bowl, add more water until it equals 1 quart total. (if you want it thicker/creamier, add a little less water.) Refrigerate for one hour.
Remove ice cream maker bowl from freezer. Add mixture to bowl and follow ice cream maker directions for sorbet/ice cream.
It took me a few tries to get the mix/water measurement just right. I tend to add less water in the second part so it’s a little thicker.
To order Dole Whip mix, order online or call them at 808.235.5923.
