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Reader Derith M. writes:
Stephanie, how does one substitute agave for regular white sugar in, say, a pie? Is there a measurement difference, like 1 cup sugar is equal to ______ of agave? Or is agave even recommended for baking?
Derith, thanks for the question. Yes, you can use agave to bake. If not, I wouldn’t have lasted this long sugar-free!
I substitute 3/4 C. of agave syrup for 1 C. of white (or brown) sugar, and reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees. Agave will brown more quickly, so you also need to check it a bit sooner than your recipe might call for. You will have to play with it a little bit… You sometimes need to reduce another moisture element in order for the consistency to be right. For example, you could reduce the oil, or applesauce, or use one less egg, depending on the recipe.
Note that I don’t use a convection oven for my baking. Always check to make sure you’re buying organic agave syrup that contains no fillers.
Stephanie,
Just wanted to let you know I incorporated the agave as a substitute in my apple pie tonight… no one noticed at all and raves all around. Here’s a picture.
Thanks,
Derith
Thanks Andrew. I order mine (in gallon jugs, it is WAY cheaper) via the Web. Choosing an organic product like Madhava is important mainly because, due to the new demand for agave nectar, commercial producers are using some chemicals to extract it. As you and I are using it specifically for health reasons, it’s worth the extra trouble to buy organic. Thanks for reading!
Haha oh my goodness, I’m such an avid user of Agave it’s incredible. It laughed when I found that you had an entire page dedicated to it.
Although I generally just use the Wholesome Sweeteners brand (I’m sure it’s much more commercialized and less organic…but it’s the only stuff sold near me), I heard that the Volcanic Nectar is really excellent as well.
I’m enjoying reading the stuff on your site so much! I can tell you really have been “living the lifestyle” for quite some time now. Looking forward to reading even more posts from you!
:D
Slow Food, thanks so much for your comment. Yes, agave is a form of sugar. My experience is that I don't have any negative symptoms when I use agave sweetener, so that's what I focus on. I use organic agave and have really noticed a huge change in how I feel. I hope that can help other people.
Please keep commenting. I'm a big fan of Slow Food!
Best,
Stephanie
Agave IS sugar. Chemically all sweeteners are really close in structure. Granted, agave has a lower glycemic index. Be careful in choosing an agave sweetener, too. The processing can carry lots of bad things you don't want in your body.