Licking the spoon from a bowl of chocolate cake batter is a guilty pleasure most people experienced as a child, or even as an adult if we’re being completely honest. And we all know, with raw eggs and excess amounts of butter and sugar—it’s not the best idea.
But maybe we can have that taste without the shame? With all the different types of hummus now available I decided to experiment with a chocolate one that’s so creamy and light, for a second, you’ll think you’re eating chocolate cake batter. But because it’s made with a can of beans and considerably less sugar, you won’t have the sugar crash after it. If you like your hummus more like a paste, just add less water. For sweeteners, I tried honey first, but I found maple syrup let the cocoa flavor stand out more. But really, any liquid sweetener is fine. I also used chocolate extract, which I happen to have, but I know it’s hard to find so vanilla extract is fine. The trick is to really puree the heck out of the beans so no chunky bits are left to remind you that you’re really eating a chocolate bean dip. And P.S. do this while the kids are far from the kitchen. You don’t want to ruin the illusion for them either. Just look at their faces when you tell them, yes, you can eat an entire bowl of chocolate cake batter. Or event better, pack it in their school lunches as a dip with some fresh fruit or Crispy Fruit and invite them to share it their friends. They’ll come home asking for more!
Chocolate Cake Batter Hummus Recipe
Serves 6
Ingredients:
– 1 can of garbanzo or black beans, drained and rinsed thoroughly
– 4 – 5 tablespoons of maple syrup, agave nectar or other liquid sweetener
– ¾ tsp. chocolate extract (vanilla extract is fine if you can’t find chocolate)
– Pinch of salt
– 4 tablespoons baking cocoa
– 2-3 tablespoons water (based on preference)
Directions:
1. In a food processor or blender, mix all ingredients thoroughly. Add about 3 tablespoons of the sweetener.
2. Blend the hummus on high speed for up to a minute until it’s creamy and all the bean bits are broken down and turned into a silky spread. Add additional water a teaspoon at a time until desired consistency. If you want a thicker paste, like hummus, use less water. If you want one that reminds you of cake batter, add more water. Taste and add additional sugar, just enough to mask the bean flavor.
3. Serve with fresh cut strawberries, melon, or Crispy Fruit from Crispy Green. Or eat it straight out of the bowl!
– Patty Yeager