Homemade Magic Shell
This easy two-ingredient Homemade Magic Shell is a fun ice cream topping kids can make themselves—just pour it on and watch it harden into a delicious, chocolatey shell!
We absolutely love to make ice cream in a bag! It’s a science experiment and dessert all-in-one. So, of course, we have to have the best and most delicious toppings to go on that homemade ice cream. Enter this homemade magic shell recipe. This melted chocolate chip and coconut oil mixture hardens to a magic chocolate shell when it touches cold ice cream. It’s one of the most unique and fun ice cream toppings ever!
The best part? This recipe is so easy that your kids can even make it all on their own. There’s no baking or hot stovetop required. Just a microwave safe bowl and a good mixing spoon. If you’re ready for the perfect family movie night filled with popcorn and quality ice cream treats, then learn how to make homemade magic shell with this simple recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No long wait for a yummy hard chocolate shell on ice cream! You can make homemade magic shell with coconut oil in just about 5 minutes. If you have kiddos who get extra excited when waiting for ice cream, then this is the topping they’ll love!
- You only need two ingredients to make this recipe. Yes, that’s it! Just two simple ingredients and a super simple recipe and you’ll be done in no time.
- This homemade magic shell with coconut oil stores for a long time. You can make a double batch and save it for later so that you’ll always have it on hand for your next ice cream emergency.
Ingredients for Homemade Magic Shell
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – If your prefer, you can use different types of chocolate like dark chocolate or milk chocolate. Both would be delicious and will work just as well. I’ve found that semi-sweet chocolate chips makes a topping that tastes the most similar to original magic shell. But any chocolate will work great.
- Coconut oil – Coconut oil is the magic ingredient to make magic shell! It specifically helps to make the hard shell out of the melted chocolate and keep the texture easy break through at the same time. Be sure to measure it while it is still solid. I recommend using refined coconut oil instead of unrefined (virgin) coconut oil. Refined has a neutral flavor and won’t affect the taste of the magic shell ice cream topping.
More Delicious Ice Cream Toppings
What toppings should you add to your ice cream with magic shell? Anything you want! But to help you decide, here’s a list of some of our family favorites:
- hot fudge sauce
- caramel sauce
- sprinkles
- crumbled cookies
- whipped cream
- chocolate peanut butter cups
- peanut butter chips
- butterscotch chips
- white chocolate drizzle
- strawberrie sauce
- bananas
- M&Ms
How to Make Homemade Magic Shell
- Pour semi-sweet chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and add 3 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Melt the chocolate chip mixture in the microwave in 30 second increments. Stir well after each increment and keep heating until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. It should take about 1-1 ½ minutes.
- Allow the chocolate magic shell mixture to cool for a few minutes. It doesn’t need to be room temp, but if it’s too hot then it will just melt the ice cream instead of hardening quickly. Top your favorite ice cream with a generous drizzle of magic shell and enjoy!
Storage
While I’m not sure if any of this chocolate topping will be leftover (it’s too yummy and get’s eaten so fast!), if you happen to have any, you can store leftovers for another time. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or mason jar at room temperature. It will last for several weeks! Do not store it in the fridge or freezer or it will harden and become a solid chunk.
If you happen to accidentally store it in the fridge, just run the container under warm water until the chocolate shell mixture begins to melt and become a liquid again.
Pro Tips
- It is important that you do not overheat the chocolate in the microwave or it will seize. Stop every 30 seconds and stir well to prevent this from happening.
- Don’t add the topping to your ice cream until just before you’re ready to eat. It will harden immediately and you don’t want your ice cream melting since it is sitting out.
- Store magic shell in a cool dry place, but not somewhere too cold. Magic shell hardens when its temperature drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. So as long as your pantry doesn’t get cold, you’re good to go.
Why Does Magic Shell Harden?
Melted chocolate will automatically harden when it cools. However, adding coconut oil into the mix thins out the chocolate and keeps it soft enough so that when it hardens it is an easily breakable layer. When magic shell touches cold ice cream, the temperature drops which makes it quickly harden into a chocolate shell layer.
Does Magic Shell Only Work On Ice Cream?
You can use this chocolate shell drizzle on tons of different desserts! The only catch is that they need to be cold so that the shell can harden. It’d be great on mini funfetti cheesecakes and even as a drizzle on frozen hot chocolate. You could dip strawberry banana popsicles into homemade magic shell or use it as an easy way to make chocolate covered frozen bananas.
Can Magic Shell Work Without Coconut Oil?
Yes, this can work without coconut oil. I recommend it as the best option, but if you have another fat like shortening or palm oil, those will work. You can also use butter, but it has to be refrigerated.
Re-live your childhood, and brighten your kid’s childhood, with this chocolate magic shell on top of a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. This nostalgic ice cream topping is so easy to make and tastes even better than the store-bought version! You’re going to love it!
Homemade Magic Shell
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 Tablespoons coconut oil measured when solid
Instructions
- Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30 second increments, making sure to stir well after each increment, until completely melted and smooth. About 1-1 ½ minutes
- Allow to cool for a few minutes, then top on ice cream of choice.
Nutrition
How To Serve Homemade Magic Shell
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy homemade magic shell with your family. Of course, you can top your favorite ice creams like vanilla Ice Cream in a Bag, Banana Split Ice Cream, chocolate and peanut butter chocolate. Elevate your sundae bar with the addition of this amazing topping.
You can also try topping frozen desserts just before you serve them. We love a dark chocolate shell overtop a creamy Yogurt Bark or even dipping a Fudgesicle into it! If you’ve got coffee fans in your house, it might even work great on an Affogato – definitely worth a try.
More Yummy Dessert Recipes
- These No Bake Christmas Tree Pretzels are one of our most favorite holiday treats to make each year. So cute and so tasty!
- Make some Flower Pretzels as the most perfect Spring time treat. They’re great for Mother’s Day too!
- Sheep Cupcakes are bakery-quality and so easy to make! Your kids will love this adorable treat.
- Make Red White and Blue Popsicles for all of your Patriotic holiday fun.
