Vegan Magic Shell

If you’re looking for the perfect ice cream topping, this vegan magic shell is, well, magical! This hard chocolate shell is made with only two ingredients. Add a few sprinkles and you transform a simple dessert into something downright festive!

Two bowls of ice cream has chocolate magic shell topping and sprinkles. A bowl of sprinkles sits on the background.

I have been a fan of the DQ dipped cone since the beginning of time. Or at least it was the beginning of time for me. It quickly turned into my favorite summertime dessert.

Then I had to ruin that happy experience by going vegan. Darnit! No, no, I’m happy about my choice, especially now that I can top vegan ice cream with my homemade magic shell. It’s so easy to do!

How to Make Vegan Magic Shell

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.

  1. Using a microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips and coconut oil.
    A hand holds a bowl pouring coconut oil into another bowl with chocolate chips.
  2. Stir them together.
    A hand holds a spatula, stirring chocolate chips and coconut oil together.
  3. Microwave for 30 seconds then stir.
    A hand holds a spatula stirring melted chocolate chips in a bowl.
  4. If the chocolate is not melted all the way, microwave for another 20 seconds. Stir again. 
  5. Allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes. 
  6. Serve over your favorite vegan ice cream, like banana nice cream and vegan chocolate ice cream.
A spoon drizzles chocolate topping on a bowl of ice cream. There's another bowl of ice cream and a bowl of sprinkles in the background.

Key Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, including substitution ideas:

A bowl of chocolate chips and coconut oil sit on a white counter.
Dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil are the ingredients you’ll need for this Magic Shell recipe.
  • Chocolate — You’ll need dairy-free chocolate chips for this recipe or you can substitute an equal amount of chopped dairy-free chocolate.
  • Coconut oil — Use refined coconut oil for less coconut flavor or unrefined if you’re like, bring on ALL the coconut.

Magic Shell Flavors

If you’re looking for something besides chocolate, here are some fun ways to mix up the flavors:

  • Peanut Butter — Coconut oil combined with 6 tablespoons of peanut butter.
  • Salted Caramel — Coconut oil combined with 3 tablespoons almond butter and 2 teaspoons maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt.
  • Strawberry — Coconut oil combined with 1/2 cup vegan white chocolate and 2 tablespoons strawberry powder (freeze-dried strawberries run through a coffee grinder), and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • Matcha — Coconut oil combined with 1/2 cup vegan white chocolate and 1 to 2 teaspoons matcha powder (I recommend ceremony-grade for flavor and color), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add a pinch of sea salt if you’d like.
Looking down on a bowl of melted chocolate topping sitting next to bowls of ice cream with chocolate topping and sprinkles.

What Makes This Recipe Shine?

  • EASY — It doesn’t get any easier than two simple ingredients!
  • FAMILY-FAVORITE — Everyone loves ice cream for dessert, make it special with this easy topping.
  • MAGIC — Make this magic shell sauce, drizzle it over ice cream, and watch it disappear!

Frequently-Asked Questions

Can you use magic shell on popcorn?

You can add magic shell to popcorn to make a delicious treat. Simply drizzle it over a bag of popcorn and shake it so all the popcorn is coated. Then let it set to harden.

Is Smuckers Magic Shell vegan?

Unfortunately, Sumcker’s Magic Shell is not vegan because the chocolate used in their formula includes dairy. However, you can easily create your vegan magic shell at home!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chocolate shell on your favorite vegan ice cream, including any of these:

Storage Tips

Store magic shell in a lidded glass jar. You can store it at room temperature where it will keep for up to 1 month. You can refrigerate it, but either way, it will need to be heated in the microwave for several seconds until the chocolate becomes liquid again.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tasty ice cream topping with some additional toppings, such as:

Vegan Frozen Favorites

If you love this vegan magic shell, then you’ll need some more delicious vegan frozen treats. Here are some of our favorites:

Two bowls of ice cream has chocolate magic shell topping and sprinkles. A bowl of sprinkles sits on the background.

Vegan Magic Shell

Make this vegan magic shell recipe with only two simple ingredients. Then get prepared to transform your favorite vegan ice cream into something amazing!
5 from 7 votes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Resting time: 1 minute
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 220kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Using a microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips and coconut oil. Stir them together. Microwave for 30 seconds then stir. If the chocolate is not melted all the way, microwave for another 20 seconds. Stir again.
  • Allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes.
  • Serve over your favorite vegan ice cream, like banana nice cream and vegan chocolate ice cream.

(The products above contain sponsored links to products we use and recommend)

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 190mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

5 Responses to Vegan Magic Shell

  1. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyKacey Reply

    5 stars
    This magic shell is so good! I drizzle it on bananas. So yummy!

    • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

      Great idea, Kacey! So glad you liked it!

  2. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyFanofmarly Reply

    You’re amazing! I’ve been thinking of this missed out on childhood treat. Think this works with carmel?

    • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

      Ah, thanks! I’m so glad you like it. You can create a caramel-flavored magic shell by combining coconut oil with almond butter and maple syrup. A little bit of vanilla extract helps, too. Hope you love it!

  3. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyKelli Reply

    5 stars
    Wow, this was so easy! We served it over coconut ice cream and it was so good!

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