Homemade Magic Shell is a 2 ingredient chocolate sauce that ‘magically’ hardens when it touches a scoop of ice cream. It will transform any flavor in your freezer into a fun summer dessert.
chocolate + coconut oil = homemade magic shell !
Magic Shell is that topping that you buy at the grocery store that squirts out of a bottle and magically solidifies into a crackly chocolate candy coating when it hits cold ice cream. It’s the same stuff that coats ice cream bars. If you have kids around, you have to make this. If you don’t have kids around, you ‘re going to want to make it anyway, it’s amazing, and tons of fun.
what you need
Just 2 simple ingredients that, once you try this, you will always want to have on hand!
- chocolate ~ either bar chocolate (chopped in small pieces) or good quality chocolate chips
- coconut oil ~ use refined coconut oil, which has less of a ‘coconutty’ flavor than virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, and comes in a jar.
how to make magic shell ice cream sauce
- Put chopped chocolate or chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl with refined coconut oil.
- Microwave on high for 60 seconds.
- Stir well until everything is smooth and silky. If you still have any lumps of chocolate after stirring for a minute or two, microwave again briefly (15 seconds) and stir again.
- Let cool before using.
- Store your magic shell at room temperature.
the science behind magic shell
Coconut oil has a high melting point (77F) and is solid at room temperature, so is chocolate. We melt them together making a rich chocolate sauce, and then, when it hits the cold surface of ice cream, the saturated fats in the coconut oil immediately harden, forming a ‘shell’ around the ice cream. Magical!
how long will diy magic shell last?
Keep it in an airtight container (a jar with a lid will work) and plan to use it within a month. Store it at room temperature, do not refrigerate.
variation ideas
I’m sure this has dawned on you already, but you can do all sorts of creative variations on the magic shell theme.
- I tested the recipe with white chocolate and the same proportions hold.
- Confectionary wafers will work, as will many flavored ‘chips’ from the baking aisle. Experiment with butterscotch or peanut butter chips!
- You could use all kinds of flavorings and add-ins, too. I think vanilla bean and toasted macadamia nuts would be nice with the white chocolate.
- Oh, and I went ahead and made a Nutella version — yep, it’s amazing!
homemade magic shell is superior to the commercial product
This is one of those many examples of a do-it-yourself food that really makes sense to try. For one thing, it takes just minutes to make. For another, you can use really good quality chocolates and flavorings. The store bought version can’t compete.
more fun with ice cream!
- Toasted Almond Milkshake
- Drumstick Ice Cream Pie
- No Churn Bailey’s Ice Cream
- How to Make an Ice Cream Terrine
- Hot Fudge Sauce
- Fresh Cherry Dessert Sauce
- Bourbon Fried Peaches with Ice Cream
Homemade Magic Shell Ice Cream Sauce
Video
Ingredients
- 12 oz dark chocolate chips or semi sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 6 Tbsp refined coconut oil
Instructions
- Put the chocolate and the oil in a glass measuring cup and microwave for about 60 seconds. Take out and stir. Keep stirring until all the chocolate is melted and the sauce is smooth. If necessary you can microwave in another 15 second burst to get all the chocolate melted.
- Pour into a glass jar and store on the counter until ready to use.
- Spoon the magic shell sauce over a scoop of ice cream and watch it magically harden before your eyes!
- The mixture will stay liquid at room temperature in the warmer months, and may solidify during cooler weather. No problem, just microwave it briefly before serving.
- Store your magic shell sauce tightly covered in the pantry. Plan to use within a month.
Notes
Nutrition
Made this today. Excellent! My family is thrilled. Can’t wait to try other flavours.
Hi Kathy– I’m so glad! This is a fun recipe, hope you try my Nutella version next!
Does the coconut oil leave a taste of coconut?
No, just be sure to purchase “refined” coconut oil, not “virgin”. The refined is basically flavorless.
Would this work with strawberries? Granddaughter loves chocolate covered strawberries.
yes, for sure, I have a post all about chocolate covered strawberries, here. Because the strawberries will be served at room temperature, the recipe would be a little different ~ not as much coconut oil. I’d use 2 cups chocolate chips/chopped chocolate with 2 tsp coconut oil.
I had no idea making homemade magic shell was so simple. We all loved it. Thank you!!
Now you’ll have to try it out with different types of chocolate!
Does the coconut oil give it a coconut flavour?
You want to use refined coconut oil, which doesn’t have a coconutty flavor. Virgin coconut oil has the flavor.