Easy Chocolate Hummus

This chocolate hummus recipe has become my most-requested party dip! What sounds unusual at first turns into pure magic—a rich, chocolatey treat that’s perfect for dipping everything from strawberries to pretzels.

When I first heard about chocolate hummus years ago, I was both skeptical…and curious. Chickpeas and chocolate? It sounded like one of those weird health food experiments gone wrong. But one bite completely changed my mind—it was rich, creamy, and satisfying: more like a fruit dip than hummus! I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and I knew I had to recreate it at home.

After several test batches tweaking the sweetness and texture, this chocolate hummus recipe was born. Now it’s become one of my favorite snacks for parties—kids love the chocolate flavor, adults appreciate that it’s healthier than typical dessert dips, and I love how simple it is to make! Over the years, it’s become a fan favorite recipe. Let’s make it!

Read a 5 star review

“This is AWESOME! I actually use it to dip grapes and berries in as an alternative to eating ice cream. It’s also sooo easy and filling. Woo hoo!” -Jamie

Tips for making chocolate hummus

This recipe couldn’t be simpler, but a few techniques ensure the best results (or jump to the recipe below):

1. Prepare your ingredients.

Drain the chickpeas and reserve that precious liquid (aquafaba) in a measuring cup. This liquid is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect creamy consistency.

Pro tip: If your tahini has separated in the jar, give it a good stir before measuring to ensure a smooth blend.

2. Blend to perfection.

Add chickpeas, tahini, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla, salt, and a few tablespoons of aquafaba to your food processor. Blend for 30 seconds, scrape down the sides, then taste and adjust.

3. Adjust to your taste.

This is where you make it yours! Add more maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter, or more aquafaba if you want it creamier. The final consistency should be smooth and spreadable, similar to a thick chocolate frosting or nut butter.

Ingredient spotlight: tahini

What is tahini? Tahini is a paste made of sesame seeds, typically used in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean dishes. The ingredients are simply sesame seeds and salt, making the paste vegan and gluten-free.

The most popular use for tahini is classic hummus, but it’s also great for baking. If you have tahini left over from making this homemade hummus recipe, try our top tahini recipes.

Flavor variations

Once you master the basic chocolate hummus, try these variations I’ve developed:

Brownie batter hummus: See our Brownie Batter Hummus recipe.
Chocolate peanut butter hummus: Replace tahini with natural peanut butter for a flavor combination that tastes like a healthy Reese’s cup.
Mexican chocolate hummus: Add ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of chili powder for warming spice notes.
Dark chocolate hummus: Use Dutch process cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor with less sweetness.
Mocha hummus: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee for a subtle coffee note that enhances the chocolate.

Dutch process cocoa powder is available in the baking aisle at your local grocery. Or you can buy it online: our favorite brands are Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder or Ghirardelli Dutch Process Cocoa Powder.

Ways to serve chocolate hummus

Chocolate hummus is more similar to a fruit dip than classic hummus. So for dipping, try fruits, pretzels and sweet crackers. Here are a few ideas:

Fresh fruit: Strawberries, apple slices, pineapple chunks, grapes, and banana slices all pair well with the rich chocolate flavor.
Sweet and salty options: Pretzels are my personal favorite—that sweet-salty combination is addictive! Graham crackers and vanilla wafers also work well.
Special occasions: Try serving with cubes of angel food cake or pound cake for an fun dessert spread.
Fun presentation: Make fruit skewers for an attractive party presentation that’s easy for guests to grab.

Storing leftovers

Store in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together. The hummus may thicken slightly when chilled. Simply let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

This is perfect for party prep since it can be made several days in advance. Just prepare your dippers fresh on the day of serving.

Dietary notes

This chocolate hummus recipe is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free, naturally sweet, and refined sugar free.