Chocolate Lovers Rejoice Over Dark Chocolate Hummus

One normally doesn’t associate hummus with dessert. And honestly, when I first made this recipe, I was a little intimidated by the boldness of it.

Chickpeas and chocolate didn’t seem like a “normal” flavor combination to me. But I was too curious to pass up the opportunity to try it.

I mean, anything with chocolate in it is generally delicious, isn’t it?

This isn’t your average recipe. Instead of being a savory appetizer, this dark chocolate version presents itself as a dessert.

It’s basically a creamy bowl of chocolate that you can devour in earnest, without feeling really guilty about eating your bodyweight in it.

And there are so many options to pair it with!

You can serve it with fresh strawberries and sliced apples for dipping, or you can spread it on halved bananas. You can dip butter cookies, graham crackers, sweet cinnamon and sugar pita chips, or sweet potato chips in it.

For a fun lunch, use it as a sandwich spread on sourdough toast, topped with sliced strawberries or bananas!

There are tons of possibilities to make this hummus your favorite recipe ever.

The best part is that it is a HEALTHY dessert. Instead of going for traditional chocolate treats, reach for this dip when your sweet tooth strikes. Did you know that hummus is an excellent source of protein?

Chickpeas have also been known to help lower cholesterol as a good source of healthy dietary fiber, as well as being a base for the Mediterranean diet that is so “in” for people trying to get healthy right now.

You may question the possibility of any healthy dessert being tasty, but I can assure you, this isn’t a trick. Yes, there is a ton of plant-based protein in this delicious treat, but you won’t feel like you are eating a “healthy” dessert.

Garbanzo beans are actually very neutral in flavor, which makes them a great base for this sweet recipe. The maple syrup and vanilla extract really boost the intense flavor of the chocolate in a magnificent way.

It’s almost as if the combination somehow doubles that rich chocolate flavor!

Just make sure to use an olive oil that is high-quality as you want a more neutral flavor for this particular recipe. You wouldn’t want a cheap olive oil to bring a twist of bitterness (or rancidity) into that chocolate richness. It will totally ruin the balance, so invest in the best!

Trust me when I say, the creaminess will win over anyone who is hesitant about trying it. Honestly, it kind of reminds me of chocolate hazelnut spread. You get the creaminess of that kind of spread, and there’s almost a slight nutty undertone from the chickpeas and tahini.

Try topping it with some dark chocolate chips, white chocolate shavings, or fresh raspberries for a gorgeous presentation for your next get together.

Just a few simple touches can really boost the appearance, and will definitely wow whatever crowd you are serving it up to.

Guests will definitely be asking for your recipe!

Of course, it’s completely up to you whether you choose to share the secret to making this. But be sure to spread the love for this tasty dip, and make a double batch.

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Cooking by the Numbers…

Step 1 – Measure Ingredients

Open two cans of chickpeas. Drain in a colander, and measure out two cups. Reserve remaining chickpeas for a later use (such as adding to a salad or making this crunchy snack!)

You can also save the chickpea water, or aquafaba, for use as an alternative to eggs in baking.

Measure out remaining ingredients for the recipe.

Step 2 – Puree

Add measured ingredients to the food processor. A high-power blender may also be used.

Puree on high until the mixture is smooth, scraping down the sides as needed with a spatula.

You can adjust the consistency if you need to by adding more water or oil a teaspoon at a time, and blending it in.

Step 3 – Adjust Flavor to Taste

If you feel like you want to add a little more chocolate, add cocoa powder one teaspoon at a time until the desired flavor is achieved. For more sweetness, add maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon at a time.

Serve with graham crackers, strawberries, apple slices, and anything else you can dream up!

How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways

Who knew that hummus had such a wide range of flavor potential? This healthy and straightforward spread is so easy to throw together, no matter what you are preparing it for.

For those of you that consider yourselves to be “chickpea fanatics” who are looking for some savory inspiration, it’s time to break away from the traditional blend to explore more spicy, roasted, and bright versions:

The hot, herbaceous flavors of jalapeno and cilantro make this Spicy Cilantro Jalapeno version a real conversation starter. Just be sure to keep the water close by – it packs a punch of heat!

With our Roasted Garlic Hummus, you are really getting a two-for-one recipe. The homemade roasted garlic will leave you with leftovers once you make the dip, and you’ll want to save that for adding to anything from pastas to salad dressings, garlic bread, or even beefing up your favorite hamburger patties before you throw them on the grill.

Sun-Dried Tomato is a flavor variation that is full of body and richness. The tangy sun-dried tomato brightens up the otherwise heavy dip, making it a great side or appetizer for any meal.

These are just a few of our favs, but there are even more, just waiting for you to give them a taste.

Try one, or try them all!

If you dare to be different and make this surprising Dark Chocolate Hummus, we’d love to know what you think in the comments below. Please rate the recipe too!

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Photos by Meghan Bassett, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details.

Nutritional information derived from a database of known generic and branded foods and ingredients and was not compiled by a registered dietitian or submitted for lab testing. It should be viewed as an approximation.