For the last couple of weeks, the Aldi grocery store where I shop has had a big ole display of Magic Shell ice cream topping by the checkout.

I was tempted to buy some.  Even picked up a bottle and almost put it in my cart.

But then . . nah.

I went home and made my own!

Homemade magic shell topping is really simple to make and uses only two ingredients – chocolate chips and coconut oil.  If you’re not familiar with coconut oil, it only liquifies in warmer temperatures.  Most of the time at room temperature coconut oil will have a texture more like Crisco or lard.  Many grocery stores have jars of coconut oil for sale in the same area as vegetable oil.

If you can’t find coconut oil in a store near you, you can check out the Amazon link below:

= = > > Coconut Oil

AND – if you’re not familiar with Magic Shell ice cream topping, it’s an interesting chocolatey sauce that hardens up as soon as you pour it on your cold ice cream and then it cracks apart when you dig in with your spoon to start eating.  Kind of fun for both the kiddos and the grownups. 

Here’s how you can make your own homemade  Magic Shell ice cream topping too:

HOMEMADE MAGIC SHELL ICE CREAM TOPPING

Ingredients:

• 1-1/3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil

1.  Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl.

2.  Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds and then stir.  At this point your coconut oil should be melted, and your chocolate chips should just be starting to get soft.

3.  Heat for another 30 seconds and then stir again.  Things should be pretty smooth and melty at this point.

4.  If necessary, continue to heat in 10 second shots until you have a smooth, liquid sauce.

5.  Spoon some of the sauce over ice cream and it will quickly harden up, but will not be clumpy.  It will crack apart nicely – just like the real magic shell!

Leftovers can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for several days and microwaved again if it needs to be re-liquified.

It may be possible to substitute butter or another oil in this recipe, (although I have not tried it), however the coconut oil adds a really nice flavor and texture to this recipe and is the preferred choice.