Imagine the rich, indulgent essence of dark chocolate dessert hummus gracefully paired with the wholesomeness of vegan ingredients. This isn't your traditional savory hummus; it's a creative spin where dessert meets nutrition, without even a hint of tahini. (We use almond butter instead!) My journey with dessert hummus started back in holistic nutrition school, a concept that initially raised my eyebrows. But from my first taste, skepticism turned into pure affection.
Driven by this newfound love, I embarked on a mission to craft my own version, elevating it with superfoods such as cacao powder, creamy almond butter, and aromatic Ceylon cinnamon. Countless batches and intuitive adjustments later, I've honed a recipe that strikes the ideal harmony for that luxurious taste and creamy texture we all crave.
And let me tell you, it's a household hit—our kids can't get enough, often asking for it as eagerly as they would for the chocolate avocado pudding or those protein-packed sweet potato brownies they adore.
Whether you're dipping strawberries, smearing it on toast, or offering it as a sophisticated dessert dip at your next gathering, this vegan dark chocolate dessert hummus is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Just like our other nutrient-packed treats such as chocolate-covered dates, proving time and again that nature's bounty can be as tempting as any conventional dessert.
Before you begin, I always suggest embracing the practice of setting healthy intentions—our free guide on intention-setting and affirmations is a great place to start. If you're out of certain ingredients, no worries; we've got you covered with alternative suggestions and substitutions to keep things simple and accessible.
So, prepare your fresh fruit, graham crackers, or apple slices for a dip into this heavenly blend. With this easy recipe, which promises less sugar and all the goodness of a chocolate mousse or brownie batter hummus from popular brands like Boar's Head or Trader Joe's, satisfying your sweet tooth becomes a good thing.
With the perfect balance of chocolate flavor, this dessert recipe might just become one of your favorite ways to enjoy a healthy snack.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Garbanzo beans (can of chickpeas): Select organic garbanzo beans for a clean, nutritious base, highlighting their dual identity and vital role in this recipe.
Maple syrup: Aim for 100% pure maple syrup to sweeten naturally, ensuring a delicate balance of flavor without artificial additives.
Vanilla extract: Pure, natural vanilla extract will impart a rich and authentic flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dessert.
Almond butter: Choose raw, unsweetened almond butter to add creaminess and depth, while keeping the recipe minimally processed.
Cacao powder: We recommend cacao powder for its raw, minimally processed qualities, offering the most nutrients and a deep chocolate essence, compared to dutch-processed cocoa. However, you can also use organic unsweetened cocoa powder.
Sea salt: A pinch of fine sea salt can accentuate the chocolate and sweet flavors, balancing the dessert with a subtle savory note.
Ceylon cinnamon: Opt for Ceylon cinnamon for its sweet, delicate flavor and health benefits, distinguishing it from its more common counterparts.
Almond milk: Unsweetened and as pure as possible, almond milk subtly enhances the creamy texture without overshadowing the other flavors.
Each ingredient is chosen for its quality and contribution to creating a rich, nutritious, and delightful dark chocolate dessert hummus. These all should be easy to find at your local grocery store. If not, check online or in health food stores.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare Your Chickpeas: Begin by thoroughly rinsing and draining the garbanzo beans. For an even silkier chocolate hummus taste, consider peeling the chickpeas if time allows.
Combine Ingredients: Place the garbanzo beans, almond butter, cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, sea salt, and Ceylon cinnamon into your food processor or high-speed blender. Start blending these key components.
Texture Adjustment: During blending, gradually incorporate almond milk, adding one tablespoon at a time to achieve the desired smooth texture. Continue this process until the consistency is perfect for your liking.
Taste Refinement: After achieving a uniform blend, sample your concoction. Should you prefer a sweeter profile, it's okay to mix in a little extra maple syrup. Chocolate lovers might enjoy an additional dash of cacao powder for a richer taste.
Cooling Time: Move the hummus into a serving dish and refrigerate for at least one hour. This crucial step allows the flavors to blend and intensify, much like letting cake batter rest to enhance its flavor.
Serve with Flair: When ready to serve, dust the top with a bit more Ceylon cinnamon for a fragrant touch. Pair your velvety chocolate hummus with your favorite fruit for dipping.
Hint: To ensure every bit is as smooth as the next, remember to scrape down the sides of your food processor or blender between blends.
Substitutions and Variations
Different Legumes: Swap garbanzo beans with black beans or navy beans for a twist. Each type of legume offers a unique texture and nutrient profile to your dessert hummus recipe.
Sweeteners: If maple syrup isn’t your go-to, consider dates or raw honey (if not strictly vegan) for a natural sweetener that complements the rich chocolate flavor.
Nut Butter: Cashew butter or sesame seed butter can easily take the place of almond butter, each adding its own subtle taste and creamy texture to your vegan chocolate hummus.
Milk for Creaminess: Instead of almond milk, coconut milk is a fantastic alternative, providing a richer consistency and a hint of tropical flavor.
Extra Flavorings: For those who enjoy a deeper taste, adding espresso powder can enhance the chocolate hummus taste with a sophisticated edge.
Sweetness Adjustments: Coconut sugar is a great alternative for those looking for a different type of sweetness or texture in their sweet hummus.
Chocolate Enhancements: Stir in chocolate chips after blending for a delightful texture or sprinkle as a garnish for an extra sweet twist.
Oil for Smoothness: A small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can be used to adjust the consistency if preferred over other liquids.
These variations not only introduce new flavors of dessert hummus but also cater to different dietary needs or pantry availabilities, ensuring your sweet hummus is always a hit.
Storage
To keep your chocolate dessert hummus fresh and flavorful, proper storage is key. After preparing your hummus, transfer it into an airtight container. This will help maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from absorbing other flavors from your fridge.
For those who use a blender like a twister jar for making their hummus, you can directly store the hummus in the jar if it comes with an airtight lid, ensuring convenience and minimal cleanup. Stored correctly, your dessert hummus can delight your taste buds for up to five days, making it a ready-to-enjoy treat anytime you crave a sweet, healthy snack.
Top tip
For an ultra-smooth texture in your dessert hummus, take a moment to peel your garbanzo beans before blending. This extra step removes the skins, which can create a gritty texture, ensuring your chocolate hummus is as creamy as possible. While it might take a little additional time, the silky-smooth result is well worth the effort, elevating your sweet hummus to a whole new level of refinement.
FAQ
Dessert hummus is a sweet twist on the traditional savory dip, blending the creamy base of garbanzo beans (chickpeas) with ingredients like pure maple syrup, unsweetened cacao powder, almond butter, and vanilla extract. Seasonings such as sea salt and Ceylon cinnamon are often added to enhance flavor. This innovative dish maintains the smooth texture of classic hummus while introducing a delightful sweetness that makes it perfect for dessert.
Dessert hummus is incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of foods. Enjoy it with fresh fruit slices like apples or strawberries for a refreshing treat, or use it as a dip for graham crackers, pretzels, or gluten-free cookies for a delightful crunch. It also serves as a luscious spread on toast, bagels, or pancakes, offering a healthier alternative to traditional sweet spreads.
Dessert hummus is a healthier alternative to many sweet treats, thanks to its nutrient-rich base of garbanzo beans which provide a good source of fiber and protein. By using natural sweeteners like maple syrup and nutrient-dense ingredients like cacao powder and almond butter, it offers essential vitamins and minerals. The absence of refined sugars and saturated fats in many recipes makes it a heart-healthy option. However, as with all desserts, moderation is key to maintaining its health benefits.
Related
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Smoothies
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Recipe
Vegan Dark Chocolate Dessert Hummus
Equipment
- Food Processor or High-Speed Blender
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Airtight Container for Storage
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- â…“ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup unsweetened cacao powder
- ¼ cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- 2-4 tablespoons almond milk for consistency
Instructions
- Beans Preparation: Thoroughly rinse and drain the garbanzo beans. Peeling them is optional but recommended for a smoother texture.
- Combine and Blend: In your food processor, mix the garbanzo beans with maple syrup, cacao powder, almond butter, vanilla extract, sea salt, and Ceylon cinnamon until smooth.
- Texture Adjustment: If the mixture is too thick, slowly add almond milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the perfect consistency.
- Flavor Fine-tuning: Taste the hummus and, if desired, adjust by adding more maple syrup for sweetness or cacao powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Chill: Transfer the hummus to a bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. This enhances the flavors, making them more cohesive.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle a bit more Ceylon cinnamon or sea salt as a garnish before serving. Enjoy this delightful hummus with your favorite fruits, crackers, or on its own!
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
It’s been a journey exploring the delicious world of dark chocolate hummus together! I hope this creamy chocolate dessert hummus recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.
I'd love to hear about your experience making it. Did you try any of the variations? How did it turn out? Share your thoughts and comments below; let’s keep the conversation going.
And if you’re proud of your creation, don’t keep it to yourself! Tag us on social media with your delicious masterpieces. It’s always a treat to see your culinary adventures and how you add your unique twist to this favorite recipe.
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Be well,
Natalie
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