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How to Make Disney’s DOLE Whip-Inspired Pineapple Cupcakes at Home

Pineapple Cupcake
Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disney’s beloved pineapple treat, inspired by the iconic DOLE Whip, now has a delightful dessert counterpart that you can make at home: pineapple cupcakes. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bring a touch of Disney magic to their kitchen. Known for its light, fruity flavor, and creamy texture, this treat will surely become a favorite for fans of the classic pineapple dessert.

If you’ve ever craved a taste of Disney magic at home, you’re in luck! Disney has shared a recipe for pineapple cupcakes, complete with pineapple mousse and buttercream.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create this delightful dessert.

A person holds a swirl of soft-serve pineapple ice cream atop a slice of golden cake in a white paper tray. The background features a brown wall with pineapple outlines.

Credit: Disney


Pineapple Cupcake Recipe: A Disney-Inspired Delight

Disney has shared a detailed recipe for pineapple cupcakes, broken into three main components: pineapple mousse, pineapple buttercream, and the cupcakes themselves. This recipe yields 12 cupcakes and is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. It offers the flexibility to use your favorite yellow cupcake recipe or a box mix.

Ingredients

Pineapple Mousse

  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons pineapple-flavored powdered gelatin

Pineapple Buttercream

  • 1 tablespoon pineapple juice
  • 3 tablespoons pineapple-flavored powdered gelatin
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk

Cupcakes

  • 12 vanilla cupcakes (from your favorite recipe or a box mix)
  • Yellow food coloring
  • Orange food coloring
  • 12 maraschino cherries

Disney’s Pro Tip:

“If you have leftover pineapple mousse, it tastes great with graham crackers or as a fruit dip. It’s even delicious on its own!”


Directions for Creating Pineapple Cupcakes

Disney has made it easy to follow along with the recipe by providing detailed steps to prepare each component. Here’s a quick overview:

Three colorful ice cream cones with unique toppings are held up against a waterfront backdrop. The ice creams feature blue, yellow, and orange swirls topped with cookies, fruit slices, and drizzle, respectively. The background shows a calm water body and buildings.

Credit: Disney

  1. Prepare the Pineapple Mousse

    • Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
    • In a separate saucepan, gently heat the milk and mix in the pineapple-flavored gelatin until dissolved.
    • Fold the whipped cream into the gelatin mixture to create the mousse.
  2. Make the Pineapple Buttercream

    • Combine the butter, shortening, and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl.
    • Gradually add the pineapple gelatin and pineapple juice for flavor.
    • Whip until smooth, adding milk as needed for the desired consistency.
  3. Bake and Decorate the Cupcakes

    • Bake your cupcakes according to your favorite recipe or box mix instructions.
    • Once cooled, add a layer of pineapple mousse, followed by a swirl of pineapple buttercream.
    • Use yellow and orange food coloring to mimic the classic swirl of a pineapple treat.
    • Top each cupcake with a maraschino cherry for the finishing touch.

A Tribute to Disney’s Beloved Pineapple Treat

While these pineapple cupcakes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth at home, they’re also a tribute to one of Disney’s most beloved desserts. The pineapple mousse and buttercream capture the tangy-sweet flavor fans have adored for decades. You can recreate a bit of Disney magic anytime by bringing this recipe into your kitchen.


Why Pineapple Desserts Are a Disney Essential

Disney’s pineapple treats have a special place in the hearts of fans, not just for their refreshing taste but for the nostalgia and joy they evoke. Whether you’ve enjoyed a pineapple dessert at Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland or sipped on a tropical float at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, these treats transport you to a world of adventure and delight.

Two margarita glasses filled with a creamy yellow frozen beverage, garnished with a pineapple slice and a chili powder rim. Behind them, a colorful striped cloth napkin, lime slices, and a bowl of pineapple pieces are on a wooden table.

Credit: Delish.com


How to Make This Recipe Special

Want to take your pineapple cupcakes to the next level? Here are a few creative ideas to make them even more magical:

  • Tropical Toppings: Add toasted coconut flakes or crushed pineapple to the frosting.
  • Fun Displays: Serve your cupcakes in pineapple-shaped cupcake wrappers or on a tropical-themed platter.
  • Pair with Disney Movies: Turn your baking day into a Disney movie marathon featuring tropical classics like Moana or Lilo & Stitch.

Final Thoughts

Disney’s pineapple cupcakes are a fun and delicious way to bring a bit of the Parks’ magic into your home. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging your love for Disney, this recipe is sure to delight friends and family alike.

So, grab your mixing bowls, get creative with your decorations, and enjoy a taste of Disney right from your kitchen!

About Sarahfina LoFaso

Sarahfina is an author, and adjunct professor with a passion for writing and of course, all things Disney! Cinderella is her favorite princess and movie, both the animated and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 1997 version. In close second place is Hercules, tied with Saving Mr. Banks. Sarahfina enjoys writing about the history of Walt Disney and all the parks, along with food, dining, and resorts. Her favorite ride is the Tower of Terror, and her favorite restaurant right now is the San Angel Inn, in EPCOT. Most importantly, her must-have snack every Disney trip is the controversial turkey leg, because it reminds her of her family trips as a kid with her grandparents.