Chocolate Hummus

It’s tough to beat a bowl of hummus with veggies for dipping—unless you’ve got a sweet tooth. In that case, you’ll love our chocolate hummus recipe that puts a twist on the classic.

While it might sound a bit strange, you can actually find this dessert dip at some of our favorite grocery stores (it’s one of the best Trader Joe’s snacks). In spite of its wholesome chickpea base, the sweet hummus tastes like a bowl of brownie batter: rich and sweet, with a hint of vanilla and a heavy dose of cocoa.

Chocolate hummus could be considered a healthy snack (or at least healthier than junk foods) since it’s made with unrefined ingredients like beans and honey. Bonus: It’s naturally gluten free and can be made vegan!

Ingredients for Chocolate Hummus

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• Chickpeas: Like classic hummus, chocolate hummus is made from chickpeas (aka “garbanzo beans”), which have a mild flavor that adapts well to sweet flavors. Because chickpeas are high in protein and fiber, they’re a healthier starting point for a chocolate dip like this one. This recipe calls for canned chickpeas, but you can also use dried chickpeas that have been soaked and cooked.
• Vanilla almond milk: While traditional hummus is thinned and flavored with olive oil, chocolate hummus relies on a sweeter ingredient: almond milk. You may also substitute regular milk or any nondairy milk that you prefer.
• Cocoa: Plain, unsweetened baking cocoa powder packs the chocolate flavor into the dessert hummus. For dark chocolate hummus, use dark cocoa powder.
• Honey: A dose of honey sweetens the dip. As with many vegan snacks, you can use maple syrup as a plant-based sweetener.

Directions

Step 1: Blend

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In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, almond milk, honey, cocoa and vanilla extract. Cover and process until very smooth.

Step 2: Serve

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Scoop the hummus into a serving bowl, and serve with fruit, crackers or pretzels.

Recipe Variations

• Add nuts: Blend in a handful of your favorite nuts with the chocolate hummus for a Nutella-like flavor. Peanuts, almonds and hazelnuts are all great options. You can even blend in your favorite nut butters.
• Go tropical: Add shredded coconut and a dash of almond extract for a candy bar-like flavor.
• Add mint: Sprinkle chopped fresh mint over the finished hummus, or blend a teaspoon of peppermint extract into the mix for a chocolate-mint flavor.
• Add instant coffee: A tablespoon of instant espresso powder takes the chocolate hummus in a mocha direction.

How to Store Chocolate Hummus

Leftover chocolate hummus should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to one week. Give it a good stir before serving. If it thickens, simply add a dash of almond milk to restore it to the ideal consistency.

Can you freeze chocolate hummus?

Yes, chocolate hummus freezes very well (as do most hummus recipes). Scoop the chocolate hummus into an airtight, freezer-safe container, like a plastic container or a straight-sided mason jar. Leave at least an inch of space at the top, as the hummus will expand when frozen. It will keep for up to two months.

Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator. Microwaving the frozen hummus might alter its texture. If the defrosted chocolate hummus seems gritty or thick, stir in a bit of almond milk to smooth it out.

Chocolate Hummus Tips

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What can you dip in chocolate hummus?

Fresh fruit like bananas, apples, oranges, grapes, strawberries and pineapple are wonderful dipped in chocolate hummus. Pretzels, shortbread cookies and graham crackers also taste great when dipped in a sweet hummus. Chocolate hummus also makes a tasty topper for waffles, pancakes and crepes.

Will my chocolate hummus taste like beans?

Fear not, this chocolate hummus will not taste like beans! Amazingly, it really does taste like chocolate—almost like a chocolate batter. If the “hummus” name puts you off, just call it “chocolate dip” or “brownie dip” instead.