I still remember when Smuckers’ Magic Shell busted onto the scene in the 80s. It really livened up our family dinner parties, and we religiously tried out every flavor available. Mint was by far my favorite, and although Magic Shell has stood the test of time, the mint variety went the way of bowl cuts and Monchhichi.
This loss isn’t one I exactly mourn, though, as the Smucker’s product is (not surprisingly) not one I’d recommend. Sugar is the first ingredient in all varieties, and many contain food dyes and artificial flavors. Making your own healthy magic shell is not only inexpensive but healthier, and still provides the fun factor of the original.
There are countless blog posts and recipes out there on the subject, so I thought I’d toss my hat into the ring with my take on my favorite mint. The “secret” ingredient is one of my favorite kitchen mainstays: coconut oil. The oil stays solid at room temperature and liquifies when heated, thus creating the hard shell when coming in contact with chilly ice cream.
Homemade Minty Magic Shell
1 cup coconut oil
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (I used vegan chips from Whole Foods)
10 drops of mint Stevia (you could also use peppermint extract)
Heat oil, chips and stevia in a small pot over low heat, stirring until blended. Remove from heat and refrigerate (I put mine in a mason jar). When ready to use, heat up for 30 seconds in microwave to liquify the mixture before spooning over your frozen treat of choice.
{ 42 comments… read them below or add one }
my favorite ice cream flavor is pistachio or cookies ‘n cream!
I love amaretto gelato! And pistachio (with chunks!)… and anything with cinnamon. I really haven’t met many flavors that I don’t like
I like plain vanilla ice cream, with either shaved chocolate or chocolate chips on top. Think I’ll give your chocolate shell a try.
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I love pralines and cream, but at home I want vanilla so I can add my flavors. I have done the magic shell with coconut oil and carob, I’ll have to add mint next time!
As far as type of ice cream, I try to go for the one with the least additives.
My favorite ice cream has got to be mint chip, it was always a special treat my mom would buy for us as kids; or the Schwan’s cinnamon pumpkin flavor they come out with in the fall, it has pecans and swirls of cinnamon with a wonderful pumpkin flavor, can’t wait for fall time!!!!
I love real ice cream, preferably homemade, my favorite flavor is peppermint!
my fav ice cream is plain old chocolate!
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Love the magic shell!!
I can’t eat dairy so my favorite frosty treat is pineapple whips from Springfield, MO. Unlike the ones at disney world these are dairy free, and just the most amazing thing ever!
I love mint and magic shell!!
I love a good vanilla bean ice cream and WOW! this magic shell recipe would be so perfect over vanilla bean!
I’m a peanutbutter lover, especially swirled in chocolate. Yum!
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I am in LOVE with Tropical Traditions. I only wish I could afford to buy their products more often!
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I like vanilla bean– must be hard-pack! mmmm!
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Oh man I LOVE this idea! I would like to try root beer stevia with white chocolate chips on vanilla bean ice cream! Yumm!!!! I have been subscribed to TT’s newsletter for a while now. Love them! brogers1026/at/hotmail.com
My favorite ice cream is my homemade vanilla. I will have to try this magic shell on it.
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I love coconut frozen yogurt or gelato. In fact, I’m thinking it would be delicious with a plain chocolate variation of your Magic Shell recipe above. mmmmmmmm
I’ve already subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. Can’t wait to try their coconut oil!
I subscribe. My favorite is Moose Tracks. I’ve made the regular magic shell recipe (chocolate chips and coconut oil) twice in the past two weeks. It’s delicious!
My favorite ice cream is cookies and cream. I already subsribe to the newsletter.Thanks.
My favourite ice cream flavour is homemade fresh peach – the season is short, so it’s a real treat. If I’m buying ice cream, though, I usually stick to vanilla or chocolate and get creative with the toppings.
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I like very chocolately chocolate ice cream.
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I love rich and creamy chocolate chip cookie dough icecream ! Entered the rafflecopter form as “crave to save”
Thanks for the chance to win!
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absolutely LOVE IT!!!!!
My favorite is probably mint chocolate chip.
I hope I win! I LOVE coconut oil!
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I started using coconut oil a few months back and am pleasantly suprised how much I like it. I haven’t used it on my skin yet, but I’ve heard it’s great that way also.
I melt together equal parts cocoa powder and coconut oil and add Stevia to taste. I love coffee ice cream!
My favorite ice cream is anything with chocolate and nuts.
Favorite ice cream by a landslide is Blue Bell Snickerdoodle. It was just so unique.
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love all of the posts so far! I’m now craving pumpkin, peach, coffee…
I love vanilla ice cream the best. I’m not vegan but we make a lot of banana ‘ice cream’ by putting frozen bananas in the food processor!
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Already am a subscriber. I love me some pistachio. Mmmm. Geeze, when I was preggers I would go get it daily
Oh to be pregnant and eat to me heat’s content.
I don’t understand the need to refrigerate this recipe since all ingredients can typically be stored in the pantry. The commercial product actually states NOT to refrigerate. By refrigerating it, then microwaving seems necessary. This doesn’t work for me as we have no microwave (because I abhor them). I am really curious if the refrigeration suggestion is based in being overly cautious or actual evidence.
Hi Christina! I appreciate your comment and concern. To be honest, I refrigerated the magic shell more based on convenience. I use glass mason jars and it is just neat and easy to store in the fridge… I tend to get some fruit fly visitors over the summer, so often keep things in the fridge that might be appealing to them
You don’t have to refrigerate it (the homemade magic shell should keep for up to 3 weeks in the pantry). Thanks again!
Thanks for your quick feedback to my concern! I’ll add that I am of the thinking that microwaving can be damaging to the micro nutrients & immune benefits present in coconut oil, so I appreciate non-microwaving info being available!
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