Are you a devoted chocolate lover who constantly seeks out healthier alternatives? If your cravings frequently call for a rich, decadent chocolate experience but your health goals demand wholesome ingredients, then this **Dark Chocolate Hummus with Dates** is about to become your new obsession! Imagine the luxurious taste and creamy texture of chocolate frosting, but packed with nutritious chickpeas, natural sweeteners, and deep cocoa flavor. This easy-to-make, guilt-free dessert dip is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a surprisingly good-for-you snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth in the most delightful way.

This delectable chocolate dessert hummus recipe is a year-round favorite, perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a quick healthy snack, a unique party appetizer, or a sweet finish to a meal, this chickpea-based treat delivers. My inspiration for this sweet variation came from my tried-and-true savory Traditional Hummus recipe, demonstrating just how versatile the humble chickpea can be. This recipe transforms classic hummus into an extraordinary chocolate experience, making it an ideal healthy chocolate dip for fruit, crackers, and so much more.

🥘 Ingredient Notes for Your Perfect Dark Chocolate Hummus

While the star of any hummus recipe is undoubtedly chickpeas, what truly sets this healthy chocolate hummus apart is the inclusion of dates. Many chocolate hummus recipes skip this ingredient, but dates are the secret to its exceptionally rich, naturally sweet, and incredibly creamy consistency. The deep, satisfying chocolate flavor comes from a powerful duo: unsweetened cocoa powder and a dark chocolate baking bar. Let’s dive deeper into what makes these ingredients essential:

For this wonderfully creamy dark chocolate hummus recipe, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

• Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): These legumes form the base of our healthy chocolate hummus. I opt for canned chickpeas due to their unparalleled convenience and cost-effectiveness. They are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, contributing to the hummus’s satisfying texture and nutritional value, making this a truly wholesome dessert dip.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where a significant portion of our intense chocolate flavor comes from. Using unsweetened cocoa powder allows us to control the sweetness of the hummus while infusing it with rich, deep cocoa notes and beneficial antioxidants, all without adding extra calories or unwanted sugars.
• Pitted Dates: Dates are a game-changer in this recipe! They provide a rich, natural sweetness and a wonderfully chewy, thick texture that is vital for achieving that luscious, frosting-like consistency. Dates are also packed with fiber and nutrients. You can use any type of pitted dates you have on hand; I often use “No Name” dates for their accessibility. They’re a favorite in my Matrimonial Cake (date slice) and my Date Loaf too!
• Dark Chocolate Baking Bar and Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The combination of these two is intentional. The dark chocolate baking bar melts down to create a velvety smooth, intensely rich chocolate flavor throughout the hummus, while the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips add delightful textural variation and small bursts of melty chocolate in every spoonful. This layering of chocolate elements truly elevates the taste, mirroring the delightful texture I loved in the store-bought version.
• Agave Syrup: Agave is my chosen liquid sweetener here, offering a clean, neutral sweetness. It’s also quite concentrated, meaning you typically need only half the amount compared to other sweeteners like honey, allowing us to manage the overall sugar content effectively.
• Tahini: A staple in traditional hummus, tahini adds a subtle nutty depth and helps achieve the characteristic creamy texture. It’s an essential fat component that contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel.
• Olive Oil: Just a touch of olive oil enhances the smoothness and richness of the hummus, helping all the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Sea Salt and Vanilla Extract: These might seem minor, but they are crucial for balancing and enhancing the overall chocolate flavor. Salt brightens the sweetness, and vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the chocolate profile.

For precise measurements and full ingredient details, please refer to the recipe card below.

📖 Variations & Substitutions for Your Dark Chocolate Hummus

One of the best things about this dark chocolate hummus recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to experiment with these variations and substitutions to tailor it to your dietary needs, pantry staples, or personal taste preferences. This ensures everyone can enjoy a creamy, healthy chocolate dip that fits their lifestyle:

• Tahini: If you don’t have tahini or prefer a different flavor profile, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of almond butter or cashew butter. These alternatives will still provide the necessary fat and creaminess while offering slightly different nutty undertones.
• Olive Oil: While olive oil lends a lovely subtle flavor, other neutral oils can work just as well. Consider using canola oil, grapeseed oil, or even a light sesame oil if you’re feeling adventurous and want a hint of a unique aroma. For an even lighter, WW-friendlier version, you can replace the olive oil with an additional tablespoon or two of water.
• Agave Syrup: If agave isn’t readily available, honey makes a good substitute. However, honey is less sweet than agave, so you’ll need to double the amount (e.g., use 2 tablespoons of honey for 1 tablespoon of agave) to achieve a similar level of sweetness. Alternatively, use your preferred liquid sweetener, adjusting to taste.
• Dark Chocolate Baking Bar: For a slightly less intense chocolate flavor, you can substitute a semi-sweet baking bar. If you do this, I recommend reducing the agave and brown sugar to just 1 tablespoon each, as semi-sweet chocolate already contains more sugar.
• WW Friendlier: For those following the Weight Watchers program, specific adjustments (detailed further below) can significantly reduce the points per serving, making this an even more diet-conscious option without compromising on flavor.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free if you ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Most dark chocolate baking bars are dairy-free, but always check labels for hidden dairy in chocolate chips if you have a strict dairy-free diet.

🔪 How to Make Luscious Dark Chocolate Hummus

Making this healthy dark chocolate hummus is incredibly simple and requires just a few easy steps, mostly involving your food processor. Get ready for a smooth, rich, and irresistible dessert dip!

Begin by combining ½ cup of pitted dates and the specified amount of water in your food processor. Turn the food processor on high and let it run until the dates are finely chopped and a paste begins to form. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth yet; it will become completely silky once all the other ingredients are incorporated.

*If your dates have become firm after being stored in the fridge, refer to the “Top Tip” section below for how to soften them before you begin this step. A high-speed blender can also be used if you don’t have a food processor.

Melt the dark chocolate baking bar. The best way to do this in a microwave is on HALF power (50%) for 1-2 minutes. Take it out to stir after the first minute, then continue heating in short 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. This gradual method prevents burning and ensures a perfectly smooth consistency. Always ensure no water or moisture comes into contact with the chocolate while melting, as this can cause it to seize and become grainy. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler on the stove for a more controlled melting process.

Once the dates are processed and the chocolate is melted, add all the remaining ingredients to the bowl of the food processor, except for the mini chocolate chips. This includes your chickpeas, cocoa powder, agave, brown sugar, tahini, sea salt, olive oil, and vanilla extract.

Turn the food processor on high and blend continuously until all ingredients are completely incorporated and the hummus is incredibly smooth and creamy. Achieving that perfect, silky consistency might take a few minutes. Make sure to turn off (and unplug for safety) the food processor periodically to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. This ensures everything gets evenly blended and prevents any chunky bits from remaining.

Finally, add the mini chocolate chips to the food processor. Turn the food processor on high for just about 10 seconds. This short pulse will incorporate the chips without fully melting them, leaving delightful little specks and pockets of chocolate throughout the hummus for an added texture and flavor dimension.

Transfer your freshly made dark chocolate hummus to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of additional mini chocolate chips for an appealing presentation. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers like fresh fruit and/or graham crackers. Enjoy this healthy, delicious chocolate experience!

💡 Top Tip for Perfect Dates Every Time

Dates can sometimes harden, especially after being stored in the refrigerator for a while. To ensure your dates blend into a perfectly smooth paste for this dark chocolate hummus, always soften them first. Simply place the pitted dates in a heatproof bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes until they become plump and tender. Drain them well before proceeding with pureeing them in the food processor. This simple step guarantees a wonderfully creamy texture for your hummus.

🥗 What to Serve with Your Decadent Dark Chocolate Hummus

The versatility of this dark chocolate hummus is truly one of its best features! It’s an incredible healthy chocolate dip that pairs beautifully with a wide array of accompaniments. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:

• Fresh Fruit: The classic pairing! Think crisp apple slices, juicy strawberries, plump blackberries, sweet cantaloupe chunks, banana slices, or even orange segments. The natural sweetness and freshness of the fruit beautifully complement the rich chocolate.
• Crunchy Dippers:
  • Graham Crackers: The traditional pairing for s’mores, they’re equally delightful with this chocolate hummus, offering a sweet crunch.
  • Cinnamon Pita Chips: The warm spice of cinnamon chips adds another layer of flavor that works wonderfully with chocolate.
  • Pretzel Crisps or Sticks: For a delightful sweet and salty combination, pretzels are an unexpected but delicious dipper.
  • Vanilla Wafers or Animal Crackers: Kid-friendly and perfect for scooping up every bit of that creamy chocolate goodness.

But don’t stop there! This dark chocolate hummus can elevate more than just simple dipping. Try it as a wholesome spread for breakfast or a creative snack:

• Spread it generously on bagels, English muffins, or toast for a healthy breakfast treat that feels indulgent.
• Dollop it onto rice cakes and top with chopped fresh strawberries, as shown in the image below, for a quick and satisfying snack or a fun addition to school lunches.
• Use it as a surprisingly healthy frosting on cakes, cupcakes, or even loaf breads. Its rich, smooth texture truly makes it an incredible alternative to traditional frosting, and yes, it’s really *that* good!
• Swirl it into your morning oatmeal or yogurt for an added boost of flavor and nutrition.
• Incorporate it into smoothie bowls or parfaits for a creamy, chocolatey layer.

The possibilities are endless when you have such a delicious and healthy chocolate option on hand!

🌡️ Storage Tips for Your Dark Chocolate Hummus

Proper storage is key to enjoying your healthy dark chocolate hummus for days to come. Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4-5 days. You might notice that it thickens and hardens slightly in the cold, which is normal. To restore its creamy texture, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, or pop it into the microwave for a quick 20-second burst, stirring well afterward.

For longer storage, this dark chocolate hummus freezes exceptionally well! Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply defrost it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, give it a good stir and allow it to come to room temperature for the best consistency, or gently warm it as described above.

👪 Serving Size Information

This recipe yields approximately 16 servings, with each serving being about 2 tablespoons, totaling roughly 2 cups of delicious dark chocolate hummus. If you need to adjust the quantity to suit your needs, simply click on the serving number in the recipe card below and select your desired number of servings. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust, making it incredibly easy to half, double, or even triple the recipe for a larger gathering or to stock up your freezer.

🔢 Weight Watchers Friendly Options

This dessert hummus recipe is already a fantastic option for those mindful of their intake, coming in at 4 WW points per serving. However, for those looking to further reduce the points without sacrificing the delicious chocolate experience, it’s quite adaptable! I intentionally made this recipe on the sweeter side, knowing my kids (especially my teenage son, who declared it “amazing!”) would adore it. But you can absolutely reduce the sweetness and calorie count to make it even more Weight Watchers friendly with these simple modifications:

• Sweetener Adjustment: Reduce both the agave syrup and brown sugar to just 1 tablespoon each. This significantly cuts down on added sugars while still providing a pleasant sweetness. Alternatively, you can opt for a calorie-free sugar substitute if that fits your dietary preferences.
• Oil Reduction: Replace the olive oil with an additional tablespoon or two of water. This maintains the creamy texture while eliminating the added fat points.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Cut down the amount of mini chocolate chips to 2 tablespoons. This keeps a hint of that delightful texture without adding too many extra points.

These small changes allow you to enjoy a guilt-free chocolate treat that aligns perfectly with your Weight Watchers journey!

💖 Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Dark Chocolate Hummus Recipe!

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this healthy dark chocolate hummus. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a smart and satisfying way to enjoy chocolate without compromise:

• It’s Incredibly Healthy: This isn’t just a sweet treat; it’s a nutritional powerhouse! Loaded with fiber from chickpeas and dates, and protein from chickpeas and tahini, it helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder also bring beneficial antioxidants to the table, making this a genuinely wholesome indulgence.
• It’s Quick and Easy to Make: Forget complicated baking or lengthy prep times. This recipe is a breeze! Simply toss almost all the ingredients into your food processor, blend until smooth, and you’re done. Minimal effort, minimal cleanup, maximum deliciousness.
• It’s Weight Watchers Friendly: With just a few simple adjustments, this dark chocolate hummus can easily fit into your Weight Watchers plan. Enjoy rich, creamy chocolate without blowing your points budget – a truly guilt-free chocolate experience!
• It’s Remarkably Versatile: Whether you need a delightful dip for fresh fruit and graham crackers, a unique spread for toast or bagels, a creative topping for rice cakes, or even a healthier frosting for baked goods, this hummus does it all. Its smooth, spreadable texture makes it adaptable to countless uses.
• It Freezes Beautifully: Planning ahead is easy with this recipe. Make a big batch and freeze portions in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This means you’ll always have a healthy, homemade chocolate snack or dessert ready to go whenever a craving strikes.

This dark chocolate hummus truly offers the best of both worlds: irresistible chocolate flavor and wholesome, nourishing ingredients.

❔ Dark Chocolate Hummus Recipe FAQs

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