When it comes to desserts, most of us think of traditional sweet treats like cakes, cookies, and pies. But what if we told you that there’s a new kid on the block in the world of sweets – chickpeas! That’s right, those humble legumes are not just for hummus and falafel anymore. Chickpeas have been quietly sneaking their way into sweet treats, and the results are nothing short of amazing.
From rich, fudgy bars to creamy, dreamy cakes, these 20 decadent chickpea dessert recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth in a big way. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a unique twist on traditional desserts, there’s something here for everyone.
In this article, we’ll be diving into the world of chickpea desserts and sharing our top 20 picks for the most decadent, indulgent, and deliciously sweet treats out there. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a world of sweet, sweet bliss!
Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these bite-sized treats that combine the creaminess of chickpeas with the richness of chocolate chip cookie dough. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, these no-bake bites are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chocolate chips
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, oats, peanut butter, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Stir in chocolate chips and salt until well combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None (no-bake recipe)
Vegan Chickpea Blondies with Peanut Butter
Vegan Chickpea Blondies with Peanut Butter: A sweet and nutty treat that combines the creaminess of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of chickpeas.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy milk)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a blender, combine chickpeas, peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, and baking powder.
4. Add non-dairy milk to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Chickpea Flour Banana Bread
This recipe is a game-changer for those looking for a gluten-free alternative to traditional banana bread. By using chickpea flour, we’re not only avoiding common allergens but also adding a nutty flavor and extra protein to our bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups chickpea flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine applesauce, honey or maple syrup, mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chickpea and Coconut Energy Balls
These bite-sized energy balls are packed with protein-rich chickpeas, creamy coconut, and crunchy oats, making them the perfect snack to fuel your active lifestyle. With no baking required, these no-fuss treats can be whipped up in just a few minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
– 1/2 cup dried chickpeas
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon peanut butter
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine oats, chickpeas, and coconut; process until coarsely chopped.
2. In a medium bowl, mix honey, peanut butter, and salt until smooth.
3. Add the oat mixture to the honey mixture; stir until well combined.
4. Use your hands to shape into 12-15 energy balls.
5. If desired, melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl; dip each ball into melted chocolate.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including prep time)
Chocolate Chickpea Fudge
This unique fudge recipe combines the natural sweetness of chickpeas with the deep flavor of dark chocolate, creating a rich and creamy treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces)
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Drain and rinse chickpeas, then transfer them to a blender or food processor.
2. Blend the chickpeas until smooth, adding butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract as needed.
3. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
4. Fold the melted chocolate into the chickpea mixture until well combined.
5. Pour the fudge mixture into a lined 8-inch square baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares and serving.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-bake recipe!
Chickpea Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Warm up with a deliciously healthy twist on traditional muffins! These moist and flavorful treats combine the comfort of pumpkin spice with the protein-rich goodness of chickpeas.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup mashed chickpeas
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pumpkin seeds and chopped walnuts for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, mashed chickpeas, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Top with pumpkin seeds and chopped walnuts, if desired.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chickpea Apple Cinnamon Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the natural sweetness of apples with the nutty taste of chickpeas, all wrapped up in a warm cinnamon blanket. Perfect for a snack or dessert, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cooked and mashed chickpeas
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup diced apples (about 2-3 medium-sized apples)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
3. Stir in mashed chickpeas and diced apples.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chickpea Tahini Chocolate Bars
These Chickpea Tahini Chocolate Bars are a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their snack game. With the creaminess of tahini and the nuttiness of chickpeas, these bars offer a unique flavor combination that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, and melted butter. Blend until smooth.
3. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
4. Stir the honey and salt into the melted chocolate until combined.
5. Pour the blended chickpea mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Pour the melted chocolate over the chickpea mixture and smooth out.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Chickpea Date Caramel Slice
Sweet and savory, this Chickpea Date Caramel Slice combines the natural sweetness of dates with the creamy richness of chickpeas. A perfect treat for a sweet tooth or as a healthy snack option.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
– 1/2 cup pitted dates
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, blend the chickpeas until coarsely chopped. Add the pitted dates, honey, lemon juice, and salt. Process until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Drizzle the coconut oil over the top and sprinkle with rolled oats.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chickpea Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf
This moist and flavorful loaf is perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat, packed with the creamy goodness of chickpeas, the brightness of lemon, and the crunch of poppy seeds.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and melted butter.
3. Add cooked chickpeas, eggs, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in poppy seeds.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Chickpea Blueberry Crumble Bars
These bars combine the natural sweetness of blueberries with the nutty flavor of chickpeas, topped with a crunchy crumble mixture. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these unique bars are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chickpeas (cooked and mashed)
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Add chickpeas, blueberries, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
4. Press half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Top with remaining mixture and crumble with a fork or fingers.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chickpea Almond Butter Cookies
These chewy cookies are a game-changer for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. By using chickpeas and almond butter, you’ll get a deliciously healthy treat that’s also vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/2 cup almond butter
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 cup brown rice flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 egg replacement (e.g., flaxseed or chia seeds)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, almond butter, coconut sugar, and brown rice flour. Blend until smooth.
3. Add salt, vanilla extract, and egg replacement. Mix until well combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chickpea Sweet Potato Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies infused with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the creaminess of chickpeas.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and cocoa powder. Add chocolate chips; stir to combine.
4. Pour blended mixture into the dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chickpea Peanut Butter Cup Dessert Hummus
Elevate your snack game with this creamy, sweet, and nutty treat that combines the richness of peanut butter cups with the comfort of chickpea hummus. Perfect for a unique dessert or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped peanuts or chocolate chips for garnish
Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. In a blender, combine the chickpeas, peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, honey, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as needed.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl or individual cups. Garnish with chopped peanuts or chocolate chips, if desired.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend and chill.
Chickpea Maple Pecan Pie Bites
A sweet and savory twist on traditional pecan pie, these bite-sized treats combine the nutty flavor of chickpeas with the richness of maple syrup and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, blend chickpeas until coarsely chopped.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, and melted butter.
4. Add the chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
5. Add the processed chickpeas to the bowl and stir until a dough forms.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Chickpea Raspberry Chocolate Tart
Chickpea Raspberry Chocolate Tart Recipe
A unique twist on traditional tarts, this sweet and savory dessert combines the creamy richness of chickpeas with the tanginess of raspberries and the deepness of chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- Chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Bake the pie crust according to package instructions or your own recipe.
- In a blender, combine cooked chickpeas, raspberries, melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the chickpea-raspberry mixture into the baked pie crust.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Serve chilled, garnished with chocolate shavings if desired.
Cooking Time: About 30 minutes to bake the pie crust, plus 2 hours to chill.
Chickpea Coconut Macaroons
These chewy macaroons get a boost of protein and flavor from the addition of chickpeas, making them a perfect snack for anyone looking to mix things up. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a batch ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups chickpea flour
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix coconut milk, honey, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in unsweetened shredded coconut.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Chickpea Cinnamon Roll Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the nutritious benefits of chickpeas. Perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat, this unique recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Blend until well combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired) before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chickpea Hazelnut Spread Truffles
Chickpea Hazelnut Spread Truffles: A Nutty Twist on Traditional Treats
These bite-sized treats combine the creamy texture of chickpeas with the rich flavor of hazelnuts, making for a unique and delicious indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup hazelnut spread
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
- Popped quinoa or panko breadcrumbs for coating (optional)
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, hazelnut spread, honey, and salt. Process until smooth.
- Scoop the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball between your hands to shape.
- Roll each truffle in oats and then in chopped hazelnuts for coating (if using). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None, as these treats are best served chilled.
Enjoy your Chickpea Hazelnut Spread Truffles!
Chickpea Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Chickpea Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A moist and flavorful twist on the classic carrot cake recipe, featuring the addition of chickpeas for added protein and nutrition.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large carrots, grated
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Cream cheese frosting ingredients (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, chickpeas, and softened butter. Beat until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Beat ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Spread or pipe onto cooled cake.
Summary
Indulge in these 20 decadent chickpea dessert recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth. From classic treats like chocolate chip cookie dough bites and blondies, to creative twists like peanut butter banana bread and lemon poppy seed loaf, there’s something for everyone. These innovative desserts showcase the versatility of chickpeas as a base ingredient, making them perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re in the mood for something rich and fudgy or light and fruity, these irresistible sweet treats are sure to delight.
