Magic shell. Dairy Queen does it. So does Mr. Softee. Your local roadside custard stand might even do it. When the chocolate mixture is poured over a cone or onto a bowl of ice cream, forming a hard, chocolatey shell, it certainly does seem like magic. But this is one magic trick you can easily replicate at home. All you need is two ingredients and a microwave.
Of course, you can simply go out and buy a bottle of Magic Shell, the chocolate ice cream coating made by J.M. Smuckers, or similar products from Hershey. But, combining the two key ingredients –- chocolate chips and coconut oil –- is quick, easy, and sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, you can add your own flair with additional ingredients like nut butters or candy. Of course, the most important ingredient with all of the magical properties is the coconut oil. Coconut oil is made up of saturated fats, which have a relatively high melting point (76 degrees Fahrenheit) compared to other oils that stay liquefied at cooler temperatures. So that means coconut oil solidifies quickly when it hits something cold –- like ice cream.
Important to get the ratio right
How quickly your magic shell forms will depend on whether or not you get the proper ratio of chocolate to coconut oil. Since recipes vary, you might have to practice a little on your own to see what works best. One suggestion is to use coconut oil weighing between one-third to one-quarter of the weight of your solid ingredients. There is also some debate as to whether to use refined versus virgin coconut oil. Those in favor of refined say it has a more neutral flavor compared to virgin.
Once you’ve gotten the ratio down, you can add your own flavors and ingredients. You can also use different types of chocolate, including white or dark as well as use different add-ins like candy. Or you can get fancy with Nutella, almond or peanut butter, espresso, or vanilla. You can store any leftovers –– if you have any –- in a jar in your cabinet. Just pop it back into the microwave if the oil separates from the chocolate. And, if you truly want to impress people, start by making your own custard as well. And, if chocolate isn’t your thing, perhaps try whipping up some homemade caramel topping with olive oil and maple syrup.
