Ube Pancakes Made Easy: Irresistibly Delicious

Name: Ube Pancakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base for perfectly tender pancakes.; 2 tablespoons sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.; 2 teaspoons baking powder – For that light (airy texture.); ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.; 1 cup coconut milk – Adds a creamy (slightly tropical undertone.); ½ cup ube halaya (purple yam jam – The star ingredient for flavor and color.); 1 large egg – Helps bind everything together.; 2 tablespoons melted butter (or a neutral oil – Ensures a rich, moist pancake.); 1 teaspoon ube extract – Intensifies the ube flavor and color (optional but recommended.); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – A subtle touch for added depth.; Maple syrup or honey; Fresh fruits like bananas (strawberries, or blueberries); Whipped cream; Toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts for extra crunch; If you can’t find ube halaya (substitute it with mashed steamed ube or sweet potato.); Coconut milk can be replaced with regular milk or almond milk if you prefer.; Adjust the sugar level to suit your taste (especially if you’re pairing with sweet toppings.)

Who doesn’t love pancakes for breakfast? If you’re looking to add a pop of color and unique flavor to your mornings, ube pancakes are the answer. These vibrant, purple delights bring a sweet and creamy twist to the classic pancake, inspired by the beloved Filipino purple yam. Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees fluffy, flavorful pancakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Ready to whip up something unforgettable? Let’s dive in!

Key Benefits of Ube Pancakes

Ube pancakes aren’t just visually stunning—they’re also a treat for your taste buds and a delightful way to elevate your breakfast game. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Unique Flavor: The creamy, subtly sweet taste of ube adds a one-of-a-kind flavor that stands out from traditional pancakes.
Vibrant Presentation: Their rich purple hue makes them perfect for special occasions or Instagram-worthy breakfasts.
Simple to Make: With basic pantry staples and a few special ingredients, you can whip these up effortlessly, even on busy mornings.
Versatile: They pair beautifully with a variety of toppings, from classic maple syrup to fresh fruits and whipped cream.
Health Boost: Ube is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making these pancakes a delicious way to sneak in some nutrition.

Whether you’re introducing someone to the magic of ube or just treating yourself, these pancakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for Ube Pancakes

Ingredients for making ube pancakes: ube halaya, flour, coconut milk, eggs, and more.

To make these irresistibly fluffy ube pancakes, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few specialty items. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base for perfectly tender pancakes.
2 tablespoons sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
2 teaspoons baking powder – For that light, airy texture.
¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup coconut milk – Adds a creamy, slightly tropical undertone.
½ cup ube halaya (purple yam jam) – The star ingredient for flavor and color.
1 large egg – Helps bind everything together.
2 tablespoons melted butter (or a neutral oil) – Ensures a rich, moist pancake.
1 teaspoon ube extract – Intensifies the ube flavor and color (optional but recommended).
½ teaspoon vanilla extract – A subtle touch for added depth.

Optional Toppings:

Maple syrup or honey
Fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries
Whipped cream
Toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts for extra crunch

Tips for Choosing Ingredients:

If you can’t find ube halaya, substitute it with mashed steamed ube or sweet potato.
Coconut milk can be replaced with regular milk or almond milk if you prefer.
Adjust the sugar level to suit your taste, especially if you’re pairing with sweet toppings.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a stack of fluffy, vibrant pancakes bursting with ube goodness!

How to Make Ube Pancakes

Person making ube pancakes, mixing purple batter in a bowl with a wooden spoon.

Making ube pancakes is an easy and fun way to brighten up your breakfast routine. With the distinct flavor of ube and a soft, fluffy texture, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Here’s how to bring these delicious pancakes to life:

1. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of ube halaya (or mashed steamed ube), 1 cup of coconut milk, and 2 large eggs. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth. The ube adds a natural sweetness, while the coconut milk gives the pancakes a creamy consistency.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Sifting ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed, helping to create light and airy pancakes.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing as it can make the pancakes dense. The batter should be thick but still pourable.

4. Heat Your Pan

Heat your non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. The key is to ensure the pan is hot enough to create a golden brown crust on each pancake.

5. Cook the Pancakes

Spoon approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Allow the batter to spread on its own into a circular shape. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until bubbles form and the edges start to set. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Stack the pancakes on a plate and top with your favorite additions. Fresh fruit, like bananas or berries, pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of ube. For an extra treat, drizzle with maple syrup or add a dollop of whipped cream.

Pro Tip: If the batter is too thick, add a splash of coconut milk to thin it out. If you want an extra burst of flavor, a drop of vanilla extract can complement the ube perfectly.

These ube pancakes are a unique and irresistible twist on your regular breakfast routine. Perfect for special mornings or as a delicious treat any day of the week!

Pro Tips and Variations

To take your ube pancakes to the next level, here are some pro tips and fun variations to customize this recipe to your taste! Whether you’re aiming for a vegan twist or looking to experiment with different toppings, there’s plenty of room to get creative.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pancakes:

Don’t Overmix: For light, fluffy pancakes, mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes.
Rest the Batter: If you have a bit of extra time, let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the pancakes rise even more and results in a fluffier texture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs or coconut milk can cause the batter to seize up. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before mixing.
Control the Heat: Cooking on medium heat ensures the pancakes cook evenly without burning. Adjust the heat as needed, especially if they brown too quickly.

Delicious Variations to Try:

Vegan Ube Pancakes: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
Gluten-Free Ube Pancakes: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check if the blend includes xanthan gum or add 1 teaspoon to help with structure.
Nutty Ube Pancakes: Add chopped toasted coconut flakes or crushed macadamia nuts into the batter for a delightful crunch and extra tropical flavor.
Ube Coconut Syrup: Try making your own coconut syrup by simmering coconut milk with a bit of sugar until it thickens slightly. Drizzle it over your pancakes for a sweet, tropical touch!
Stuffed Ube Pancakes: For a fun twist, stuff your pancakes with a spoonful of sweetened cream cheese or a layer of extra ube halaya before flipping.

These pro tips and variations let you tailor your pancakes to your preferences, so don’t hesitate to get a little creative and make them your own!

Serving Suggestions for Ube Pancakes

The best part about these ube pancakes is how wonderfully versatile they are when it comes to serving! Whether you’re preparing for a cozy breakfast at home or a brunch gathering, there are endless ways to elevate your pancakes with toppings and sides. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your meal even more delightful:

Classic Toppings:

Maple Syrup: A drizzle of pure maple syrup is always a winner, adding sweetness that complements the creamy ube flavor.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream makes these pancakes extra indulgent and adds a light, airy texture.
Fresh Fruit: Sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries provide a fresh and fruity contrast to the rich pancakes. You can also try adding tropical fruits like mango or kiwi for a vibrant touch.
Toasted Coconut Flakes: Add a bit of crunch with some toasted coconut flakes, enhancing the tropical vibes of your ube pancakes.

Fun Flavor Pairings:

Ube Butter: Spread some homemade or store-bought ube butter on top for an extra burst of ube flavor and richness.
Nuts: Chopped nuts like cashews, macadamia, or almonds can add a crunchy texture that balances the softness of the pancakes.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle some melted dark chocolate or chocolate syrup over the pancakes. It pairs wonderfully with the ube’s sweetness.

Savory Side Dishes:

Crispy Bacon or Sausages: If you enjoy a savory element with your pancakes, crispy bacon or turkey sausage is a great contrast to the sweet ube pancakes.
Eggs: Scrambled or poached eggs make for a balanced and satisfying breakfast when served alongside your pancakes.

Themed Brunch Ideas:

Tropical Brunch: Serve your ube pancakes with a coconut smoothie, tropical fruit salad, and a pitcher of fresh pineapple juice for a fun, island-inspired brunch.
Classic Breakfast Spread: Pair with hash browns, fresh fruit, and a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting, all-American breakfast with a twist.

These serving ideas not only make your pancakes look irresistible but also create a memorable meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Conclusion

These ube pancakes are the perfect way to brighten up your breakfast or brunch table. With their vibrant purple color, soft texture, and subtly sweet flavor, they’re sure to impress everyone who takes a bite. Whether you stick to the classic toppings or try a few creative variations, these pancakes are incredibly versatile and easy to customize.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the delightful twist it gives to a traditional pancake breakfast. You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to enjoy this treat—just follow the steps, add your personal touch, and you’ll have a stack of gorgeous ube pancakes ready to enjoy.

We hope this recipe inspires you to explore more ube-based dishes and experiment with different flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned ube lover or trying it for the first time, these pancakes are guaranteed to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!

_____________________________________

Ube Pancakes

tasty tales recipes

Discover how to make fluffy, flavorful ube pancakes with ease! This irresistibly delicious recipe is perfect for a vibrant and satisfying breakfast treat

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Filipino-inspired, American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 275 kcal