12 Secret Recipes for Sweet Hummus

If you are anything like me: you head to a farmers’ market or a deli and the first image that pops into your head is savories: hummus, cheese, artisan breads the lot!

But should you have begun to feel hummus-fatigue, you might want to consider a new alternative that’s completely upended my snack game: sweet hummus.

Sweet hummus is, much like the spread you know and love, constructed from the same, healthy base along with ‘suitable’ sweetness-enhancers such as cocoa, vanilla or strawberries.

This isn’t some novelty like the new burger you’ve been warned about but turned out to be an unpleasant, or a salty letdown: no, sweet hummus might just be the guilt-free dessert of our dreams.

Imagine dipping a wedge of fresh fruit into a bowl of chocolate hummus or a slice of toast with a dollop of cinnamon hummus. It’s a fun, sophisticated alternative to sugary sweet snacks and desserts.

Here is where I’ll share some of the different varieties of sweet hummus, some tasty recipes, and hopefully get you started on your very own sweet hummus journey.

The 12 Best sweet hummus and recipes

1. Chocolate Hummus

When I heard of this sweet and savoury concoction, with its creamy chickpeas and rich bittersweet cocoa, I took an instant liking to the idea. I’d recommend this dessert hummus for anybody who loves to snack with a bang.

I often eat it with fresh fruit or pretzels for a delicious snack. It might seem unusual, but it’s just another one of my favourite indulgences with an added bonus of nutrition – so it stays on my menu.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed for consistency)
• Optional: 2 tablespoons chocolate chips, melted

Instructions

1. Blitz half the cupcakes in the food processor with your soup ladle Follow it up with filling the brownies with the lemon-curd frosting, pouring cocoa nibs, and decorating them with chocolate leaves. We’re coming up with names for cocktails now. ‘Maybe we’ll call it the Putrid Gigolo.
2. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the water a tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until the consistency is just right.
4. If using, add the melted chocolate chips and blend until well incorporated.
5. Sweeten to taste, and add molé seasonings to the milk as you see fit.
6. Serve with fruit or crackers or pretzels, or bottle up for up to a week in the refrigerator.

2. Snickerdoodle Hummus

I love making this twist on an old favorite! Mixing the smooth creaminess of hummus with the sweet sugary taste of snickerdoodles creates the perfect healthy snack for any occasion.

I love how it satisfies my sweet tooth without sacrificing part of my healthy diet. It’s the cinnamon sugar that really makes it taste like you’re baking.

I think everyone should try this at least once!

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• 2-3 tablespoons water (as needed for consistency)
• Cinnamon sugar for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Place chickpeas, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt in a food processor.

2. Blend until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides.

3. Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of water, blending until you reach your desired consistency.

4. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices if needed.

5. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl.

6. Optional: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before serving.

3. Brownie Batter Hummus

As soon as I heard that putting this treat on a stick was a thing; as soon as I heard that somebody had the genius idea to put two amazing dessert flavors together with a classic dip; as soon as I took a bite of this melt-in-your-mouth, rich chocolatey goodness; as soon as I discovered that chocolate buffalo wings were a thing, I was sold.

There is no other sweet treat that gives me all the goodness of chocolate and donuts in one bite while making me feel amazing!

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2-4 tbsp water (as needed for consistency)
• Optional toppings: mini chocolate chips, sea salt, or crushed nuts

Instructions

1. Grind together the chickpeas, almond butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt in a food processor.

2. Blend until smooth. Thin out the mixture with water (tablespoon by tablespoon) if too thick.

3. Taste the hummus and adjust the sweetness or cocoa powder to your liking.

4. Transfer the brownie batter hummus to a serving bowl.

5. (Optional) Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, some sea salt, or crushed nuts.

6. Serve with fresh fruit, graham crackers, or pretzels for dipping. Enjoy!

4. Peanut Butter Hummus

This recipe is a welcome addition to my snack table because it has a surprising twist to it. The peanut butter adds a smooth, creamy paste while the hummus lends a unique, albeit surprising, flavour.

The first time I tasted it, I was infatuated with the combination of flavors. Now, it is one of my favourite veggies, crackers, and yes, even spoonfuls by itself from dips.

I think it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup water (or more as needed)

Instructions

1. Add the chickpeas, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt to a food processor.

2. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed.

3. Add the water 1 tablespoon at a time, processing until it reaches the consistency you want.

4. Taste and adjust the sweetness or seasoning if needed.

5. Transfer to a serving bowl, then drizzle a little more honey or maple syrup over the top, if you like.

6. Dip with apple slices, pretzels, or whatever you like to dip. Cover and refrigerate leftovers.

5. Pumpkin Pie Hummus

I love its vaguely pumpkin-pie-ish flavour and creamy texture that brings an autumn sensation into my kitchen while I blend. Making it delights me – it’s as decadent as hummus gets, and I love sharing it at parties where it tends to get gobbled up.

The spices and natural sweetness make for a great, sweet snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Add the chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, and maple syrup to a food processor.

2. Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.

3. Add the vanilla extract.

4. Blend until it is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

5. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices if needed.

6. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with sliced apple, graham crackers, or pretzels.

6. Red Velvet Hummus

Red velvet hummus – can there be anything better to add a twist to my snacking than this rich, red semi-sweet dip? It is the play between savory and sweet!

It’s a plus for my kitchen space, an exquisite creation! Always, where it is served, people appreciate the elegant texture of this royal dip!

It is perfect for spreading on toast, or simply enjoying it by the spoonful. 

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup beet puree
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2-3 tablespoons water (as needed for consistency)
• Optional: chocolate chips or shavings for garnish

 Instructions

1.Place drained and rinsed chickpeas, tahini, cocoa powder, beet puree, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in the bowl of a food processor.

2. Blend until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.

3. If the mixture becomes too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to bring it back to ease.

4. Taste the hummus and adjust sweetness or cocoa powder as needed.

5. Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl and finish with chocolate chips or shavings if you like.

6. Serve with pita chips, fruit slices, or crackers, and enjoy!

7. Cookie Dough Hummus

I am completely in love with this unusual yummy-healthy treat. It’s both indulgent and healthy at the same time – two of my most favorite things combined!

It’s my go-to treat when I want something sweet but healthy. Up until now, I didn’t know it was possible to replicate the taste of cookie dough and make it so healthy!

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
• ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)
• ¼ cup oat flour (or almond flour)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
• 2-4 tablespoons water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Combine the chickpeas, peanut butter, maple syrup, oat flour, vanilla, and salt in a food processor until smooth.

2. Blend until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

3. Slowly mix more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the hummus is as thin as you’d like it.

4. Once smooth, stir in the mini chocolate chips by hand.

5. Scoop the cookie dough hummus into a serving bowl and serve with sliced fruit, pretzels or crackers.

8. Strawberry Hummus

I like to take classics and put strange twists on them and this is the latest in my arsenal of quick snacks. Chickpeas and strawberries!

What a perfect blend of saltiness and fruitiness. It is so, so yummy.

I never get tired of it.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2-3 tablespoons water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Put chickpeas, strawberries, tahini, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt in a food processor.

2. Blend the ingredients until smooth.

3.Add water by tablespoonfuls and beat until smooth.

4. Season to taste with more honey/maple syrup or lemon juice if necessary.

5. Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl; chill thoroughly in the fridge for at least half an hour before serving.

6. Serve with fresh fruit, crackers, or as a spread on toast.

9. Maple Walnut Hummus

If you’re looking for a creative and delicious snack, I have a recipe: walnuts and maple syrup with hummus, smooth and creamy and sweet and savoury, just how I like it. It takes an old favourite, hummus, and mixes it up for something new and nice.

To me, it makes every party and dipping snack a little bit special.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup walnut halves
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2-3 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Chickpeas, walnuts, maple syrup, tahini, vanilla extract, cinnamon and sea salt are combined in the food processor.

2. Whip for several minutes until smooth, occasionally stopping to scrape down the sides.

3. Add water gradually, tablespoon by tablespoon, until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. Taste and adjust sweetness or seasoning if needed.

5. Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl and, if you like, sprinkle with a little more chopped walnut.

6. Serve with apple slices, crackers, or pita chips. Enjoy!

10. Coconut Hummus

I saw myself in it the moment I read this clever make-over of a good old dip, the harmony of creamy chickpeas and the gentle sweetness of coconut. My kitchen, is where I experiment with flavors, and this recipe went at the top of my favorites, whenever I make it, it’s always enjoyed, here is your sign you will enjoy it too.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

 Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine drained chickpeas, coconut milk, tahini, honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla.

2. Process the ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

3. Add the shredded coconut and the salt, and pulse until combined.

4. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt as desired.

5. Scoop the hummus into a serving bowl and garnish it with extra shredded coconut, if you like.

6. Serve with fresh fruit, graham crackers, or as a spread on toast.

11. Cinnamon Roll Hummus

Do I have your attention? Have I piqued your appetite?

I hope so, because this delightful snack combines the creamy, nutty deliciousness of hummus with the warm, spicy sweetness of those delectable cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

1. Put chickpeas, tahini, maple syrup, almond milk and vanilla extract in a food processor.

2. Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

3. Add the ground cinnamon, salt and nutmeg, if using, and process until evenly distributed.

4. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level if desired.

5. Scoop the hummus into a serving bowl and chill for at least an hour before serving to let the flavours develop.

6. Serve chilled with apple slices, graham crackers, or your favorite dipping snacks.

12. Caramel Apple Hummus

Maybe I’m an experimental cuisine pioneer, but I’m always mixing and matching new and unexpected ingredients, trying to create novel and delicious flavors.

My latest concoction is a deliciously indulgent take on a classic dip that combines the stimulating texture of creamy chickpeas with the mouthwatering sweet-sour taste of caramel apples.

I think it gives a real ‘gourmet’ spin to a simple healthy snack, if I say so myself. 

I like making this when I’m craving something wholesome that feels both healthful and decadent.

 Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup smooth almond butter
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 tablespoons water (as needed)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
• Optional toppings: caramel sauce, extra chopped apples, or crushed nuts

Instructions

1. Put the chickpeas, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a food processor.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides as necessary.

3. Drizzle in the water a tablespoon at a time until the hummus is the consistency you want.

4. Toss the chopped-up apples with lemon juice to prevent browning, then fold them into the hummus mixture.

5. Arrange the hummus in a serving bowl and drizzle with the caramel sauce, garnished with extra chopped apples or crushed nuts, if using.

6. Enjoy your caramel apple hummus with apple slices, pretzels, or graham crackers!