Copycat Taco Bell Choco Taco Recipe

4

The Taco Bell Choco Taco was exactly that kind of dessert. The combination of creamy ice cream, a crispy waffle shell, chocolate coating, and crunchy peanuts felt like pure magic. It had a unique charm, blending whimsy with indulgence, and it’s no wonder it became a cult favorite over the years.

How to make a Taco Bell Choco Taco

The Taco Bell Choco Taco was a dessert item once offered at Taco Bell, made in collaboration with the popular ice cream treat Klondike Choco Taco.

Ingredients:

For the Waffle Shell (“Taco Shell”):

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup milk
• Pinch of salt

For the Ice Cream Filling:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
• 1/4 cup fudge or caramel sauce (optional, for swirling into the ice cream)

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional, for a smoother coating)

For Toppings:

• 1/3 cup chopped peanuts (or crushed almonds, hazelnuts, etc.)
• Sprinkles (optional, for a fun twist)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Waffle Shells

1. Preheat and prepare your waffle cone maker or griddle: If you don’t have a waffle cone maker, you can use a regular griddle to cook thin batter and shape it.
2. Prepare the batter: Mix together the flour, sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable.
3. Cook the waffle shells: Pour a small amount of batter onto the waffle cone maker or griddle and spread it thinly into a circular shape. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Shape the shells into tacos: While the waffle is still warm and pliable, carefully drape it over a thin rolling pin or the edge of a bowl to create a taco-shaped shell. Let it cool and harden.

Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream

1. Soften the ice cream: Allow your ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature for easier scooping.
2. Add flavor swirls (optional): If desired, swirl fudge or caramel sauce into the ice cream for a richer flavor.
3. Fill the shells: Scoop the ice cream into the cooled waffle shells and gently press down to spread it evenly. Place the filled shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Freeze: Pop the ice cream-filled shells into the freezer for at least 1–2 hours to harden.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Coating

1. Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals until smooth. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
2. Dip the tacos: Remove the frozen Choco Tacos from the freezer and carefully dip or drizzle the chocolate over the exposed parts of the shell and ice cream. Work quickly so the chocolate doesn’t harden too soon.
3. Add toppings: Immediately sprinkle chopped peanuts or your desired toppings onto the chocolate coating before it sets.
4. Final freeze: Return the Choco Tacos to the freezer for another 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to fully set.

Tips for Success:

• Work quickly with the waffle shells: They need to be shaped immediately after cooking while still warm, or they’ll harden flat.
• Customize flavors: Don’t limit yourself to vanilla ice cream! Experiment with chocolate, strawberry, or any other favorite flavor.
• Use quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the smoother your coating will taste.
• Store extras: Wrap each Choco Taco in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them in the freezer for up to one week! They make great make-ahead treats.

What to serve with

The Taco Bell Choco Taco is already a showstopper dessert, but you can elevate your experience by pairing it with complementary sides or drinks.

1. A Scoop of Ice Cream

While the Taco Bell Choco Taco itself is an ice cream-based dessert, pairing it with a scoop of extra ice cream takes things to the next level. You can choose flavors that complement or contrast the vanilla-based filling inside your tacos.

Best Pairing Ideas:

• Chocolate, strawberry, or caramel ice cream.
• Tropical flavors like mango or coconut for an exciting twist.
• Cookies and cream ice cream for a crunchy, indulgent vibe.

2. Fresh Fruit Medley

Balance the rich, creamy Taco Bell Choco Taco with a light, refreshing side of fresh fruit. The natural sweetness and juiciness of fruit help brighten the dessert spread.

Best Fruit Options:

• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries pair beautifully with chocolate.
• Tropical fruits: Sliced kiwi, pineapple, or mango add a fun and vibrant twist.
• Citrus segments: Orange slices or mandarin wedges can cut through the richness of the Choco Taco.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making the classic Taco Bell Choco Taco at home can be a fun and creative experience, and you don’t have to worry if some ingredients aren’t readily available.

1. Waffle Shell (“Taco Shell”)

The waffle shell is the heart of the Choco Taco—it provides the crispy, taco-shaped structure that holds all the delicious elements together.

Original Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Butter
• Sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Substitutes:

Flour Alternatives:

• Gluten-free flour (e.g., almond flour or rice flour for gluten-sensitive individuals). Make sure you use a mixture designed for baking to replicate the texture.
• Whole wheat flour (for a slightly nutty flavor and healthier option).
• Oat flour (adds a mild, earthy sweetness to the shells).

Butter Alternatives:

• Coconut oil or vegetable oil (use a slightly smaller portion to avoid making the shell greasy).
• Plant-based butter (for dairy-free options or vegan diets).

Milk Alternatives:

• Non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Unsweetened works best, or choose vanilla-flavored milk for extra sweetness.
• Coconut milk for a creamier, slightly tropical twist.

Sugar Alternatives:

• Honey or maple syrup (adjust the liquid ratio slightly to account for their consistency).
• Stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a low-carb/keto-friendly dessert.
• Brown sugar for deeper, richer flavor tones in the batter.

Vanilla Substitutes:

• Almond extract for a nutty flavor twist.
• Maple extract for a subtle hint of sweetness.
• Cinnamon or nutmeg to introduce warm, spiced undertones.

2. Ice Cream Filling

The classic Choco Taco uses vanilla ice cream as the base, sometimes with fudge or caramel swirls.

Substitutes:

Vanilla Ice Cream Alternatives:

• Other Ice Cream Flavors: Chocolate, strawberry, salted caramel, or cookies & cream work beautifully.
• Sorbet or Gelato: If you want a lighter option, sorbet or fruit-based gelato is a refreshing alternative.
• Plant-Based Ice Cream: Made from coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk—perfect for those avoiding dairy.
• Frozen Yogurt: A tangy option that’s slightly healthier but just as creamy.

Fudge and Caramel Swirl Alternatives:

• Chocolate syrup or peanut butter sauce can be blended into the ice cream for flavor.
• Fruit sauces like raspberry or strawberry swirl for a fresh twist.

3. Chocolate Coating

The chocolate coating gives the Choco Taco its signature decadence.

Original Ingredients:

• Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• Coconut oil

Substitutes:

Chocolate Chips Alternatives:

• Dark chocolate (for a richer and slightly bittersweet coating).
• White chocolate (for a lighter, sweeter variation).
• Vegan chocolate chips or dairy-free bars for vegan-friendly alternatives.
• Chocolate-flavored almond bark or candy coating for easier melting and dipping.

Coconut Oil Alternatives:

• Butter (small amount for smooth melting; better for non-vegan recipes).
• Vegetable shortening or neutral oil (such as avocado oil) for similar results.

4. Nut Toppings

Chopped peanuts are a classic topping for the Choco Taco, but you can get creative depending on preferences/allergies.

Nut Substitutes:

Nut-Free Options:

• Crushed pretzels for a bit of saltiness with crunch.
• Granola for a sweet and nut-free texture.
• Chocolate sprinkles or rainbow sprinkles for a kid-friendly touch.
• Toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

Other Nut Options:

• Almonds (sliced or crushed).
• Hazelnuts for a luxurious flavor.
• Chopped pistachios for a colorful and unique addition.

Final Thoughts

The Taco Bell Choco Taco is already a delicious treat on its own, but pairing it thoughtfully can turn any occasion into a full-fledged dessert extravaganza.

More Recipes:

• Copycat Arby’s Loaded Italian Sandwich Recipe
• Copycat Wendy’s Baked Potato Recipe
• Chicken Crack Seasoning Recipe
• Copycat Little Debbie Coffee Creamer Recipe
• Copycat Starbucks Birthday Cake Pop Creamer Recipe