ByDonna Elick
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Magic Shellice cream topping will take you right back to your childhood! Make this hard chocolate shell at home with just 2 simple ingredients. This is perfect with cold ice cream!
There’s just something about this chocolate magic shell. The hard shell is what fun treats are all about – and this homemade version doesn’t disappoint.
I use this to add to my ice cream treats, and the chocolate sauce is always a win!
What I love about this homemade magic shell topping is actually seeing the magic shell work. It hardens right in front of your eyes on cold treats – like magic!
It starts out soft like sundae syrup, but then the liquid chocolate becomes a candy-coated shell that can be placed on vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, and more!
I’ve made this chocolate topping plenty of times, and keep it stored in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge.
You can then warm it up slightly in a heatproof bowl so that you can pour the liquid magic shell on top of your cold treats. (not too hot, just too thin it out a bit)
No other ice cream toppings come close to this!
We’re obsessed with this homemade magic shell recipe, which is why I keep all the ingredients on hand.
It’s like having your own hand-dipped chocolate-shell goodness that is on the cones at Dairy Queen but right in your own small bowl at home.
Magic Shell Topping
Remember that ice cream syrup that formed a hard chocolate shell over your favorite frozen treats?
Now you can make a whole jar full of it and keep it on hand for whenever those cravings strike!
I love using this magic shell recipe for mybanana split popsicles— complete with a cherry in the middle.
Not a fan of the crunch? I have more homemade ice cream topping ideas, including richchocolate syrup, gooeycaramel sauce, or sweetstrawberry toppingthat you’re sure to love!
Magic Shell Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose the right oil.Refined coconut oil has a fairly neutral flavor, while unrefined or virgin varieties will add a slight coconut flavor and aroma.
You can also substitute sunflower oil if needed.
- Switch up the flavors.Grab whichever morsels you have handy — dark, milk, semi-sweet, and white chocolate will all work with this magic shell recipe!
Even butterscotch or peanut butter chips should turn out just fine.
- Dairy-freetip: Just swap the regular chocolate chips for an allergy-friendly brand!
- Need a larger batch?Simply double or triple the ingredients and divide the magic shell into multiple jars as needed.
If your bowl isn’t large enough, you can prepare multiple individual batches and store them together instead.
Different Ways To Use Magic Shell Ice Cream Topping
Homemade magic shell is obviously delicious with ice cream and otherfrozen treats, but you can drizzle it on something as simple as frozen fruit as well!
Bananas, pineapple chunks, and berries would all be delicious.
It can also be used as a dip for fresh fruit, cookies, andbar desserts!
Keep in mind that sudden cold temperatures are what cause the topping to harden, so you’ll need to chill these or let them sit a bit longer on the counter.
Don’t forget to combine magic shell with more of your favorite ice cream topping ideas!
Sprinkles are an easy way to add color, while chopped nuts provide even more crunch.
Hard Chocolate Shell FAQ
What makes magic shell get hard?
The secret ingredient is coconut oil! Because it naturally becomes solid in cooler temperatures, it allows the chocolate to harden when it comes in contact with cold foods like ice cream and popsicles.
The coconut taste is also ad added bonus to this sweet treat! It gives the milk chocolate a subtle sweetness.
Can I use a candy bar instead?
If you’re out of chocolate chips, feel free to substitute a chunk of high-quality or baking chocolate instead. Just chop it up into small pieces so it melts faster and more evenly. (you can also use dark chocolate!)
Should I keep homemade magic shell in the refrigerator?
No — doing so will cause it to become rock-hard. Magic shell ice cream topping will firm up as it cools, but it can be stored at room temperature for up to a month.
Then, place the jar in a hot water bath or pop it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl at 15-second intervals whenever you want to use it. Short bursts of heat are key to making it soft to pour. If you heat too long, it will ruin the final product and possibly even burn it.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Great Ice Cream Recipes
Homemade Chocolate Magic Shell (Ice Cream Topping) + Video
Donna Elick
Magic Shell ice cream topping will take you right back to your childhood! Make homemade hard chocolate shell with just 2 simple ingredients.
5 stars from 4 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Method Microwave
Servings 16 makes 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips, or your favorite flavor
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a wide microwave safe bowl, heat at 30 second intervals until chips are almost completely melted. Stir to combine and allow to cool.
Transfer to a tall mason jar. Dip into jar or pour topping over frozen treats.
Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 102cal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 5mg | Sugar: 8g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Originally published July 2013, updated and republished May 2024
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate linkyour price will remain the sameand The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.
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