Turn this classic savory dip into a satisfying sweet treat
This unusual sweet take on traditional hummus is as nourishing as it is delicious, and not as weird as it sounds! Some might find the idea of chocolate hummus somewhat unexpected, but this is sure to become a future favorite.
Ready in under a minute, this rich, creamy chocolate hummus is a perfect snack or party dip served with chopped strawberries and apple, or as a guilt-free topping for yogurt or ice cream. You can even spread it on toast – the kids will love this healthy alternative to shop-bought chocolate spread.
A plant-based dessert that fits with most diets
This alternative hummus is a delicious sweet and salty blend of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), cocoa powder, peanut butter, and vanilla essence that tastes just like chocolate pudding. Given that it forgoes many of the trademark ingredients of traditional hummus (tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice), this isn’t strictly a hummus, but the process for making it is exactly the same, and we’re sure it’ll soon become your preferred version!
Full of fiber, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, this plant-based dip works with most diets (vegan, vegetarian, raw, dairy-free) and can be easily adapted to suit low sugar and nut-free diets.
Eating chickpeas and pulses that are high in protein and fiber can improve digestion, help to keep blood sugar stable, increase satiety, and aid weight loss. Chickpeas are also full of essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to preventing heart disease and cancer. An extra dose of protein comes from the peanut butter, which also provides some healthy fats, though keep an eye on the calorie levels if you are watching your weight.
The star of the show is the cacao powder, which creates a luxurious, indulgent chocolate flavor. Cacao powder has a much denser flavor than cocoa powder and is slightly richer in antioxidants, but you can easily substitute with pure cocoa, which is usually easier to come by and slightly less expensive. Cocoa isn’t as sweet as cacao though, so you may need to add a little extra maple syrup if you have a particularly sweet tooth – again, this will up the calorie content so if you are limiting your calories, perhaps choose a stevia or barley malt sweetener or extra dates instead.
Ready in 60 seconds
This is incredibly easy to make – just throw all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blast until smooth. Some suggest removing the skin from the chickpeas before blending but it’s not necessary. Just blend a little longer if the texture is too coarse.
Once you’ve made the hummus, the serving options are endless: enjoy with sliced strawberries, a dollop of natural yogurt, or even blend with some frozen bananas for a protein-packed healthy ice cream. A nice trick is to leave some hummus in the blender once you’re finished and whizz it up with some coconut milk for a frothy chocolate milkshake.
Chocolate Hummus
2 cans of chickpeas
2 Tbsp peanut butter
2 Tbsp cacao powder (or cocoa)
2 dates, with stones removed
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt
Directions
- Rinse and drain the chickpeas before pouring into a food processor.
- Add in all the other ingredients.
- Blend for 20 seconds, then check the flavor and consistency. Add extra maple syrup or a splash of water if required, then scrape the hummus down the sides of the bowl and pulse again until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve with chopped fruit or some natural yogurt.
Recipe Notes
- For a spicier alternative, add a quarter of a teaspoon of chilli powder for extra kick. A sprinkle of cinnamon would also add a different flavor.
- You can add chopped nuts or dried coconut for a little extra crunch.
- You can swap the maple syrup for honey or other sweeteners if preferred.
- Other nut butters can be used instead of peanut butter, or omitted altogether if your diet doesn’t allow nuts.
- Other white beans such as cannellini beans can be used instead of chickpeas.
- The hummus can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
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