5 Minutes Easy Magic Chocolate Shell Recipe for Ice Cream Topping

If there’s one thing we all agree on, it’s that the best part about a hand-held ice cream cone or popsicle is the crispy crunch of that thin layer of chocolate on top. I remember being a child and sometimes eating the whole shell first, before even touching the center, because it was just so good. This is why I had to recreate that nostalgic feeling as an adult.

And if there’s one way you can make it even better, it’s making it at home. With this homemade magic shell recipe, you no longer need to go to the store to get Magnum or Klondike bars. You can now get that same amazing chocolate coating in the comfort of your kitchen. And it’s so much easier than you think.

Since you are here and love this, you will also enjoy this espresso ice cream, the best vanilla bean ice cream, or even my high protein cottage cheese ice cream in the Ninja Creami.

Ingredients for this magic chocolate shell recipe for sundaes

Here are the ingredients you will need to make a homemade magic shell topping. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Chopped Chocolate Bar or Chocolate Chips: provides the base and rich chocolate flavor for the hard shell.
• Coconut Oil: thins out the chocolate and allows the liquid magic shell to spread before hardening.

How to make a homemade chocolate magic shell recipe with coconut oil

This is how you can make a homemade version of the iconic shell from ice cream places like Dairy Queen. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the complete step-by-step instructions! 

• Place the chopped chocolate and solid coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler on low heat, stirring until melted and well combined. For the microwave method, place the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl, then warm them in 30-second intervals and stir well after each short burst.

• Set the liquid chocolate sauce aside for a couple of minutes to cool slightly, just enough so it’s no longer hot and won’t melt the ice cream, but still easy to pour.
• Spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over cold ice cream. Wait a few seconds and watch it firm up into a crisp and shiny shell.

Tips and Tricks for the best results

• Measure solid coconut oil for better accuracy. Melted coconut oil will mess up the measurements.
• Use “refined” coconut oil specifically so you don’t add a coconut flavor to the chocolate.
• Use the highest quality chocolate you can get your hands on to have the best flavor.
• Chop your chocolate bars into smaller pieces before melting to help them melt more evenly.
• Make sure your ice cream is fresh out of the freezer when putting on the chocolate. The shell will harden better if it’s on a cold surface.

Why do you need to make this recipe?

• Putting this on top of ice cream will revive your childhood memories and make you take a trip down memory lane.
• This easy recipe only requires two simple ingredients that you most likely already have.
• Skip going to the grocery store for boxed ice cream desserts and make this hard chocolate shell for cold treats at home.
• The great thing about this recipe is that it pairs well with almost every flavor of ice cream or your favorite treats.
• Once you try it the first time, you can customize it and try different flavored shells.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What type of chocolate should I use for this magic shell recipe?

That depends on your preference! I personally like to use semi-sweet chocolate because of the balanced flavor. But you can use milk chocolate if you want it sweeter, or dark chocolate for a less sweet shell.

What should I use this magic shell ice cream topping on?

This magic chocolate shell topping is useful for any and all ice cream treats such as ice cream bowls, ice cream cones, and ice cream cakes.

What different flavors of ice cream can I use this on?

Honestly, I would say that the vast majority of flavors would work well with this as a topping. The first and most obvious ones that come to mind would be vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, coffee ice cream, and peanut butter ice cream.

What different flavors can I try for the shell?

• Use white chocolate instead to make it taste more like cocoa butter.
• You can use caramel or butterscotch chips for a more decadent twist.
• You can add two tablespoons of different types of nut butters to the chocolate mixture.

How to store homemade magic chocolate shell and reuse it?

Store any leftovers of this fun treat in a sealed airtight container, a small bowl covered with plastic wrap, or a mason jar at room temperature for up to a month. It will solidify, and you’ll just have to microwave it briefly until it’s liquid and pourable again. It does not need refrigeration.

Why do we use coconut oil? Can I use a different oil?

Coconut oil is useful for this recipe because it solidifies at room temperature once it’s cooled. Using refined coconut oil also has a neutral flavor so it won’t take away from the chocolate taste.

I don’t recommend substituting this ingredient for any other oils like olive oil or vegetable oil, as the chocolate may become too runny.

Should I use a chocolate bar or chocolate chips?

Chocolate bars are better for this recipe because they will give a thinner shell with a glossy finish. Chocolate chips should only be used if they’re all you have and more convenient for you (which is what I did). Just know that it will give you a much thicker shell.

Smooth and Glossy Chocolate Shell for Topping Frozen Desserts