Rich, Creamy Chocolate Dole Whip: A Dreamy Frozen Treat Made Healthy
If you’ve ever stood in line at a theme park dreaming about creamy Dole Whip on a hot day, imagine a version that’s rich with chocolate, swirled with fruit, and packed with nutrients. Enter: Chocolate Dole Whip. This luscious, smooth dessert blends the bold flavor of Dutch cocoa with the juicy sweetness of frozen cherries for a treat that tastes indulgent—but is actually good for you.
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who craves chocolate but still wants to feel light, nourished, and energized afterward. It’s 100% plant-based, naturally sweetened (thanks to cherries), and easily adaptable to your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Who Should Make This Recipe?
The beauty of this Chocolate Dole Whip lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s perfect for:
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Vegans and plant-based eaters – entirely dairy-free
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Chocolate lovers – rich, dark cocoa makes this intensely satisfying
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Parents and kids – a great way to sneak in fruit
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Health-conscious foodies – indulgent flavor without guilt
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Busy professionals – ready in minutes with minimal prep
Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, need a midday snack, or want to impress your guests with a surprisingly wholesome dessert, this recipe is your new go-to.
Ingredients: Simple & Satisfying
Here’s what you’ll need to create this chocolatey frozen masterpiece:
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2 cups frozen cherries (250g)
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1/4 cup milk of choice or canned coconut milk
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3 tablespoons Dutch cocoa powder
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1/8 teaspoon salt
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Optional: 1–2 tablespoons almond butter or coconut butter for added richness
Kitchen Equipment Needed
This dessert is super easy to pull together with just a few tools:
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High-powered blender, food processor, or Vitamix
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Ice cream scoop or pastry bag (for serving presentation)
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Rubber spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Freezer-safe bowl or container (if storing)
How to Make Chocolate Dole Whip
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Make sure your cherries are frozen and ready. Measure out your milk, cocoa powder, and salt. If using almond or coconut butter, have that on standby.
Step 2: Blend It All Together
In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine:
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Frozen cherries
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Milk
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Cocoa powder
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Salt
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Optional almond or coconut butter
Blend until completely smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Serve It Up
You can serve it immediately by scooping into bowls with an ice cream scoop, or for a classic swirl:
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Spoon mixture into a pastry bag
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Pipe into bowls or cones in a swirl pattern
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Top with your favorite extras
Topping Ideas & Presentation Tips
Elevate your Chocolate Dole Whip with some of these fun toppings:
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Mini chocolate chips
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Shredded coconut
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Sliced bananas
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Crushed almonds or pistachios
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Fresh cherries
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A dollop of almond butter or coconut whipped cream
For a stunning presentation, serve in frosted glass bowls or edible waffle cups. Sprinkle a dusting of cocoa powder on top for that high-end dessert vibe.
Flavor Variations & Recipe Swaps
Want to make this your own? Here are a few variations to try:
Swap Cocoa Options
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No Dutch cocoa? Use 1 tablespoon regular cocoa + 1–2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate for a similar richness.
Boost the Nutrition
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Add a handful of baby spinach—it won’t affect the flavor but adds nutrients.
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Toss in chia seeds or hemp hearts before blending for added protein and fiber.
Mix Up the Fruit
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Replace half the cherries with frozen raspberries for a chocolate-berry blend
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Use frozen bananas in place of cherries for a creamy, mousse-like consistency
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Try blueberries or blackberries for unique color and flavor
Make it Protein-Packed
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Add 1 scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder
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Blend in a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt (if not vegan)
Storing Leftovers
To Store:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
To Serve Again:
Let sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before scooping, or re-blend for that soft-serve consistency. You can also run it through an ice cream maker briefly to refresh the texture.
Food & Drink Pairings
While this dessert is divine on its own, here are some great pairings:
Food:
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Vegan brownies or a warm chocolate chip cookie
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Coconut macaroons for tropical flair
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Chocolate chia pudding for double decadence
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A slice of almond flour banana bread
Drinks:
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Cold brew coffee or an iced espresso
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Almond milk latte
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Fresh mint tea to cleanse the palate
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Red wine, like a pinot noir, for an elegant dessert pairing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other fruits besides cherries?
Absolutely. Frozen bananas, raspberries, or strawberries work beautifully. Just know it will affect the final flavor.
Do I need to use Dutch cocoa?
Dutch cocoa adds richness and smooth chocolate flavor. If unavailable, use regular cocoa and a tablespoon or two of melted chocolate to boost depth.
What if I don’t have a high-speed blender?
Let the cherries thaw slightly to soften, blend, then re-freeze the mixture briefly before serving. Or use an ice cream maker to churn it to the right texture.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes—as long as you choose a plant-based milk and avoid dairy-based toppings, it’s completely vegan.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! Blend and freeze in advance. Just let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before scooping, or pulse in the blender to soften.
Is this recipe keto or low-carb?
Not really. Cherries are naturally higher in sugar, but you can reduce carbs by using unsweetened cocoa, almond milk, and skipping any added sweeteners.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Dole Whip is proof that healthy desserts don’t have to be boring or bland. With its creamy texture, deep cocoa flavor, and fruity brightness, this recipe checks every box—from indulgent to nutritious to incredibly easy. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your cravings or whatever you’ve got in the freezer.
So next time you’re tempted to reach for a pint of store-bought ice cream, blend up a batch of this instead—you won’t believe how good real-food soft serve can taste.
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Let’s turn healthy eating into something truly delicious—together.