I found a recipe for some black bean brownies that I want to make to bring to a dinner I'm going to where I will be the only vegan. I think brownies are a safe bet for any crowd and then after they say they love them I can knock their socks off by letting them know not only are they free of animal products but they also have beans in them!

But the recipe calls for a lot of sugar and I was wondering if brown rice syrup would work in a brownie recipe or if I should use agave? I'm really trying to cut back on sugar.

If you want to go the black bean route, you could always just mix a can of (washed, drained and pureed) black beans with vegan brownie mix (like Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge) and then bake per the instructions on the box.

Or you can use a box of vegan brownie mix and 6oz of seltzer and bake per the instructions on the box. They come out moist and chewy and people love them!

As for your actual question...brown rice syrup will work. I usually use 3/4 C rice syrup for every 1 C of sugar in baking.

I have also read that if you substitute brown rice syrup for sugar, you need to decrease your liquid in the recipe (from somewhere else) by about a tablespoon or 2, so it's not too runny. 

Also, Jessica, can you post your recipe?  Thanks!  :-)

ooh, i would also like to see this recipe! pleeeease post the link =)

Here's the link: I haven't made them yet myself, but I passed the recipe along to my friend, and both she and her toddler loved these! 

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Black-Bean-Brownies/Detail.aspx

Enjoy!

Thanks for the link!  FYI, for anyone interested in substituting the eggs and white sugar in the recipe, here's a suggestion: 

Eggs:  1 egg = 1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp. water.  Heat for about 25 seconds, mix.

White sugar:  1 cup sugar = 1 1/2 cup brown rice syrup.  Also, reduce another liquid in the recipe by 1-2 Tbsp. 

Note: I haven't tried these substitutions myself yet, nor have I tried this recipe.  But these substitutions were given to me by experienced, long-time vegans, who said that's what they do.  I plan on using them in all my future recipes.  

This is the recipe I've been using...I just had to substitute the chia gel for egg whites.  I made them once with this substitute and they turned out fine.  Much fudgier than with the egg whites I used to use, which to me is a good thing!

Black Bean Brownies

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 C agave syrup

1/2 C self-rising flour

1/2 C chia or flaxseed gel

1/4 C unsweetened cocoa

2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking powder

6 Tbl choc chips

Blend all ingredients in a food processor (except chips), wipe sides and blend for another 20 seconds. Add chips. Spread in an 8x8 baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

http://eatkalenotcows.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-herbivore-black-bean-brownies.html check out my blog post on vegan black bean brownies!!!!

I just tried the one posted by Ninu Dhillon, and they're delicious! I look forward to trying other variations too