Enjoy this homemade magic shell on all your ice cream sundaes – it’s made with simple pantry ingredients! There’s nothing like the crunch of a chocolate shell on your ice cream – such a nostalgic treat.
Who remembers Magic Shell? Was it something you ate when you were growing up?
I loved pouring it on my ice cream and then using a spoon to crunch through that chocolatey shell.
One day I realized that my boys have never had magic shell. I decided to make a quick and easy homemade version for them to try.
I made them each a bowl of ice cream, poured the chocolate on top, and said, “Who wants to try magic shell?” You should have seen their blank faces.
“What’s magic shell?” “I know, it’s like a snail shell!”
Yikes. I clearly had missed the mark as far as their ice cream topping education goes. :)
After they tried, it they loved it, of course! And hopefully your family will, too. It’s a fun addition to any occasion that calls for an ice cream sundae. You could even make homemade ice cream bars and dip them into this topping.
The amazing thing is, this recipe couldn’t be any easier to make. It’s just three ingredients and a little mixing. That’s it!
What ingredients do you meed to make homemade magic shell?
Just three ingredients!
- coconut oil
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- maple syrup
Can you use a different oil other than coconut oil?
I don’t think so. Coconut oil is solid when cold and liquid when warm, so that’s what makes this solidify when it hits the cold ice cream. I don’t know of another oil that will work that way.
How do you store this chocolate topping?
I store leftovers in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to two weeks. You will need to warm it in the microwave before you can pour it on ice cream again.
This homemade magic shell recipe is:
- vegan, gluten free and paleo friendly
- easy to make
- a healthier version of a classic childhood treat
- a great way to use coconut oil
Watch the video below to see how easy it is!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Recipe
Homemade Magic Shell (Dairy Free).
Ingredients
- ½ cup organic coconut oil measured solid, then melted
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 ¼ Tablespoons maple syrup or honey if not vegan
Instructions
- Place the coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl and heat for about 10-15 seconds or until melted.
- Stir in the maple syrup and unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Whisk well with a fork.
- Drizzle generously over the ice cream of your choice, and watch it harden up! Enjoy.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator. You will need to heat the leftovers before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
For an extra chocolatey treat, serve this on homemade vegan chocolate ice cream.
This post was originally published in July 2016. It has been updated.
Bonnie
I run an after-school cooking and craft program for junior high students in my area. For the past 4 or 5 years, we have had students join who have many different allergies; nuts, dairy, soy-on and on. I love your site, as it gives me many ideas that I can have the students make at the same time without singling any one out. We love most of the cooking projects we have made from your site! This one-the homemade ice cream shell-will be one we use again and again, I am sure. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Alisa Sullivan
This worked perfectly as an ice shell, but it was a little too bitter for me. I’ve added extra syrup and tested it on a piece of ice – it seems to still make a shell, just not quite as hard.
Alisa Sullivan
correct to say “ice cream shell” not “ice shell”
Katie
Delicious recipe!
Kristy from Southern In Law
I loveeee making homemade magic shell as it’s so much more delicious (and chocolatey) than the store bought stuff! Yum!
Julia Mueller
Ah yes, every kid has to experience the magic of magic shells! I’ve made magic shell using the same ingredients and was so amazed by how perfectly it turned out. So fun for all the summer ice cream desserts!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
This is such a fun idea, Kelly! I have no idea that a magic shell was so easy to make. Looks delicious!