Dark Chocolate Hummus with Coconut

This Dark Chocolate Hummus with Coconut makes for a nourishing treat or snack. Perfect for dipping your favorite fruit or snack cracker!

Dessert hummus has recently become all the rage. It’s being marketed as a “healthy” for you dessert. While I am all for healthy dessert options I am also an equal proponent of regular old desserts. Research shows when we think it’s “healthier” we end up eating more of it. One reason could be that we believe there are fewer calories in it or because we are just simply not as satisfied! Whatever the reason when it comes to eating a “healthier” for you dessert or a regular old cookie or piece of cake eating mindfully is important. This means enjoying the taste of the dessert, and tuning in to our hunger, fullness and satiety cues while eating. Also understanding how it makes our body feel, both physically and emotionally. These are just a few things I work on with clients who are learning how to eat more intuitively!

I’ll be honest until recently; I haven’t tried dessert hummus. I honestly thought I wouldn’t really like it. That was until I made a pumpkin chocolate chip hummus for one of my kids cooking classes. It surprisingly delicious and didn’t taste like chickpeas or hummus at all! It inspired me to create this Dark Chocolate Hummus with Coconut. An equally delicious and satisfying treat!

Because dessert hummus uses chickpeas as its base, it’s packed with protein and fiber, both of which help us feel full longer. One important component to most desserts is fat, in this recipe it helps thin out the dip but also provides a creamier mouth feel. Fat also is important in making food more satiating (aka enjoyable and satisfying!). And with all dessert recipes flavor and sweetness are key. That’s where the cocoa powder , vanilla and honey come in to play. These ingredients help provide flavor to make this dip taste so good! This dip pairs great with fruit, graham crackers, and salty pretzels or eaten by the spoonful. Full disclosure this dip is no chocolate sauce or chocolate pudding but it’s mighty tasty and satisfying. I’d say pretty good considering it’s made with chickpeas.

My son was also a big fan. After helping me make the dip, and letting me snap some quick pictures, he gobbled up a big scoop along with some of the fruit and crackers. This dip makes a great snack for adults and kiddos as it contains carbohydrates from the chickpeas, honey, fruit and crackers; protein from the chickpeas; fat from the coconut oil; and fiber from the chickpeas and fruit. All the essentials needed for a fulfilling and satisfying snack!

For more on how to plan filling and satisfying meals and snacks check out this freebie!

ENJOY!