If you’re on the hunt for a fun and delicious twist on a sweet treat, you’re going to love my Brownie Batter Chocolate Hummus Recipe. It’s rich, chocolatey, and so smooth you’ll swear it’s dessert – but surprise, it’s actually packed with wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. I first tried this recipe when I was craving brownies but wanted something a bit lighter and less guilty, and let me tell you, it seriously blew me away. Keep reading because once you try it, you’ll want to stock up on chickpeas and cocoa powder!»
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: Enjoy that rich brownie batter flavor without the refined sugars or heavy fats.
- Super Simple: It takes just 10 minutes and a few common pantry staples to whip up.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect as a dip, spread, or dessert — kids and adults go crazy for it!
- Diet-Friendly: Vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, so it fits a range of diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a rich, fudgy, and slightly sweet chocolate hummus that tastes just like brownie batter. I find that using canned chickpeas or black beans makes this recipe super accessible, and the almond butter adds a lovely creamy texture. A few key tips here will help you get the perfect consistency.
- Chickpeas or Black Beans: Make sure to drain and rinse well to avoid any canned bean flavor overpowering the chocolate.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened for that deep chocolate taste — Dutch-processed if you want it extra smooth.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel; you can adjust this to taste.
- Coconut Sugar: Gives a bit of texture and rounds out the sweetness, but optional if you want it lighter.
- Runny Almond Butter: The key for creaminess — feel free to swap with any nut or seed butter you love.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a touch enhances that chocolatey depth.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- Non-Dairy Milk: To thin it out as needed and help the blender do its magic.
Variations
One of the best things about the Brownie Batter Chocolate Hummus Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes. I’m always experimenting with different nut butters and sweeteners—sometimes I swap almond butter for peanut butter or add a touch of cinnamon to the mix. You’ll find your own favorite combo in no time.
- Nut Butter Swap: I’ve tried sunflower seed butter and cashew butter; each gives a slightly different flavor and creaminess that’s delicious.
- Extra Chocolate: For an even more indulgent hummus, folding in mini chocolate chips right at the end is a game changer.
- Sweetener Adjustments: Use agave or honey if not strictly vegan; adjust maple syrup and sugar to your preferred sweetness level.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili powder or espresso powder to deepen the flavor profile—trust me, it’s unexpectedly awesome.
How to Make Brownie Batter Chocolate Hummus Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Beans
Start by draining and rinsing your chickpeas or black beans thoroughly. This helps eliminate any canned taste and makes the final hummus taste fresher. I like to give them a good rinse under cold water, then shake off the excess moisture before adding them to my food processor or blender.
Step 2: Add the Rest of the Ingredients (Minus the Milk)
Next, throw in your cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut sugar, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Using a high-speed blender or food processor saves time and gives you a luxuriously smooth texture. Now’s a great time to scrape the sides once or twice as you blend — I like to do this around the 1-minute mark to make sure everything gets fully mixed.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth and Adjust Consistency
Blend for about 1 to 2 minutes until silky smooth. If the batter feels too thick or a little dry, slowly add one tablespoon of non-dairy milk at a time until you reach that perfect creamy brownie batter consistency. Just be careful not to add too much; you want it thick enough to dip into but smooth enough to spread easily.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Marry
Here’s a trick I discovered when making this recipe for the first time: after blending, the hummus can get a bit warm. Pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes (an hour or two is even better) to let the flavors meld. This chilling step really makes a difference—sometimes I catch myself sneaking bites straight from the fridge because it tastes even more like brownie batter!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your chocolate hummus with fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices, crunchy pretzels, or graham crackers. You can even spread it on toast for a decadent breakfast treat. And if you’re feeling extra festive, fold in some mini chocolate chips before chilling for a surprise texture that gets rave reviews from my family every time.
Pro Tips for Making Brownie Batter Chocolate Hummus Recipe
- Use Fresh Rinsed Beans: I learned this the hard way once—the rinsed beans avoid that “metallic” canned flavor and keep the hummus tasting fresh.
- Blend Longer for Smoother Texture: It takes about 2 full minutes in my blender to get creamy, so be patient; it’s worth it.
- Chill Before Serving: Don’t skip chilling! The flavors deepen, and the texture firms up perfectly, making it way more enjoyable to eat.
- Customize Sweetness Gradually: Add your sweeteners slowly and taste as you go—everyone’s preference varies, so find your perfect balance.
How to Serve Brownie Batter Chocolate Hummus Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs on top for some crunch and extra chocolate pop. Toasted coconut flakes or a few chopped nuts also make it look fancy—and add a nice texture contrast. Fresh berries aren’t just a side; they double as a beautiful, vitamin-packed garnish that brightens up the bowl.
Side Dishes
This chocolate hummus pairs wonderfully with crunchy apple slices, bananas, strawberries, simple pretzels, or even cinnamon graham crackers. When I’m feeling extra, I serve it alongside vegan vanilla ice cream for an indulgent party dip that vanishes fast!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to serve this inside little glass cups layered with fresh fruit and granola, turning it into a quick parfait. You can also pipe it onto plates with a star tip for a fun brownie batter “decor” or use it as a filling for gluten-free crepes. Getting creative makes it even more fun, especially if you have kids around!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover chocolate hummus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Because of the natural ingredients, it stays fresh and creamy without separating. I always give it a quick stir before serving just to refresh the texture.
Freezing
While I haven’t frozen it often, I successfully froze small portions in silicone muffin molds for single servings. After thawing in the fridge overnight, the texture is a bit less creamy but still tasty—perfect for when you want a quick sweet fix without making a whole batch.
Reheating
Since this is more of a cold dip/dessert, I don’t recommend heating it. If you want it softer, just leave it at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. That said, straight from the fridge is my favorite way to enjoy it!
FAQs
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Can I use other beans instead of chickpeas or black beans in this recipe?
Yes! Chickpeas and black beans are my go-to because of their neutral taste and creamy texture, but white beans or cannellini beans can work too. Just keep in mind that flavor might shift slightly depending on the beans used.
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Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! I’ve served this to kids many times, and it’s always a hit. The sweet, chocolatey flavor hides the beans well, making it a sneaky way to get some protein and fiber into their snacks.
- Can I make this Brownie Batter Chocolate Hummus Recipe nut-free?
Definitely! Swap almond butter for a seed butter like sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version. Just use runny versions to keep the creamy consistency.
- How long will Brownie Batter Chocolate Hummus last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep well for 4 to 5 days. Always smell and check before using, but I find it holds up nicely without losing flavor or texture.
- Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar?
Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar with regular cane sugar, brown sugar, or even coconut palm sugar, adjusting the quantity to your taste. Each will bring its own flavor note, but the recipe is pretty forgiving.
Final Thoughts
I honestly didn’t expect to fall so hard for a chocolate hummus recipe, but my Brownie Batter Chocolate Hummus Recipe quickly became my secret weapon for satisfying sweet cravings in a healthier way. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and so versatile—you’ll find lots of excuses to make it again and again. Give it a try and let me know how it becomes your new favorite snack or dessert; I promise you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Brownie Batter Chocolate Hummus Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Brownie Batter Chocolate Hummus is a delicious and healthier dessert dip that combines the rich flavors of cocoa and almond butter with the creaminess of chickpeas or black beans. This vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free treat tastes just like brownie batter and is perfect for serving with fruits, pretzels, or crackers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas or black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or more to taste)
- 1/3 cup runny almond butter (or other nut/seed butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1-2 tbsp non-dairy milk (or more as needed to blend/thin)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Drain and rinse the chickpeas or black beans thoroughly to remove any canned residue and ensure a smooth, clean taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the drained beans into a food processor or high-speed blender. Add cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut sugar, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Blend the Mixture: Blend all the ingredients until completely smooth, about 1-2 minutes depending on your equipment. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides if needed.
- Adjust Consistency: If the hummus is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk gradually to reach your desired creamy texture. Blend again to incorporate.
- Chill and Marinate: Transfer the hummus to a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and the texture firm up; longer chilling enhances the taste.
- Serve: Serve chilled with fresh fruits like strawberries and apple slices, or crunchy snacks such as pretzels and graham crackers. Optionally, fold in 1/4 cup chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- This chocolate hummus is a perfect healthier dessert option, enjoyed by a crowd or for personal indulgence.
- It’s completely vegan, gluten-free, and free from refined sugars, making it suitable for many diets.
- Refrigeration is key as it allows the flavors to meld and improves texture.
- You can substitute almond butter with any other runny nut or seed butter according to preference or dietary restrictions.
- For a thicker or thinner consistency, adjust the quantity of non-dairy milk accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 69 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg