The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Ube Pancakes Recipe

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If you’ve ever had ube ice cream or ube cake, you’ve already tasted the unique and delightful flavor of this vibrant purple yam. But did you know you can bring the bold, sweet flavor of ube into your breakfast?

Ube pancakes are taking over brunch menus everywhere, and I can’t wait to share this simple yet amazing Ube Pancakes Recipe with you. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to turn your typical pancakes into fluffy, sweet, purple wonders!

I’ll walk you through why ube is such a special ingredient, how to create the perfect ube pancakes from scratch, and even offer a few fun variations. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious batch of ube pancakes that will impress your family, friends, or even yourself!

What is Ube and Why is it Popular in Pancakes?

What is Ube?

Ube, also known as purple yam, is a root vegetable native to the Philippines. It’s not your typical root vegetable — unlike sweet potatoes, which have a naturally sweeter taste and soft texture, ube is more earthy with a slightly nutty flavor. What sets you apart, though, is its stunning vibrant purple color. When you see it, it almost looks too beautiful to eat. It’s one of those ingredients that grabs your attention the moment you look at it.

Ube is frequently used in Filipino cuisine in desserts like halaya (a sweet jam), ice cream, and pastries. It’s prized for its richness and flavor, and its bright purple hue is both visually appealing and a fun twist for any dish. Recently, ube has gained a ton of attention globally, particularly for those of us looking to experiment with something unique in the kitchen.

From cakes to ice cream and even beverages, people are falling in love with its flavor and incredible color. It’s quickly becoming a sought-after ingredient in restaurants, cafés, and home kitchens alike.

Why Ube Pancakes Are Trending

So, what makes ube pancakes so popular, and why are they popping up on trendy brunch menus and filling up Instagram feeds? The magic of ube pancakes lies in both their looks and their flavor. Ube does an amazing job of transforming a simple stack of pancakes into something both whimsical and fun. The rich purple color makes the pancakes feel special, almost like a treat, and it’s a perfect showstopper for photos.

But the appeal of ube pancakes goes beyond just their appearance. Ube brings out these warm, earthy, and subtly sweet flavors that pair beautifully with the fluffy texture of the pancakes. They don’t need a heavy pour of syrup or an overload of toppings to be satisfying.

The natural flavor of ube works its magic and gives the pancakes a sweetness that’s both balanced and light. It’s really about creating a dish that’s just the right amount of flavor, texture, and fun to start your day. It’s a simple recipe, but it’s all about quality ingredients, a little creativity, and letting Ube be the star

Ube in Pancakes: The Versatility

What’s even better than the fact that Ube pancakes taste incredible? They’re super versatile! One of the reasons I love making ube pancakes at home is that you can easily adapt them to meet different dietary preferences. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free, you can tweak the recipe to suit your needs without sacrificing that amazing flavor or the fluffy texture you want from a pancake.

For instance, if you want to make vegan ube pancakes, it’s simple. Just swap the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg, and use your favorite non-dairy milk. Looking to make them gluten-free? Try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend — the result is just as fluffy and tasty! If you’re avoiding dairy, choose a dairy-free butter and your choice of milk, and you’re good to go.

It’s so cool to see how something as traditional as pancakes can be modernized and adapted while keeping that heartwarming comfort food feeling. The trend of ube pancakes lets you have it both ways: indulging in something unique but still comforting and adaptable to whatever dietary preference you have. It’s proof that food can be inclusive without compromising on taste, which, if you ask me, is a win in every way. So, no matter your diet or lifestyle, you can still enjoy this colorful and delicious treat!

Delicious Ube Pancakes Recipe: How to Make Ube Pancakes From Scratch

I’m going to walk you through everything you need to make your ube pancake recipe from start to finish. I’ll break it down step-by-step so you can easily create a stack of delicious, fluffy, purple pancakes. You’ll be amazed by how simple it is to make this unique breakfast treat. Get ready to impress yourself (and anyone else lucky enough to try them)!

This ube pancake recipe yields fluffy and easy-to-whip-up pancakes in just a few minutes. Their unique flavor and vibrant color make these a fun breakfast staple to enjoy all year round!

Related: ube cheesecake recipe, ube eggless macaroons, ube crinkles recipe

This recipe was inspired by my chocolate pancakes and love for all things ube. I also just love breakfast food in general! What’s your favorite breakfast dish to make?

Did you know that Ube is a purple yam derived from the Philippines? Check the FAQ section below to learn more about its flavor profile.

Ingredients you’ll Need

Below, you will find the pantry ingredients along with a few extras needed to make this easy ube pancake recipe!

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Egg
• Vegetable oil
• Ube halaya
• Ube extract
• Vanilla extract
• Plant-based or whole-milk

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Ube Pancakes

Below, I’ve included some progress shots. Sometimes it helps to have a visual guide with step-by-step instructions.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together all of your wet ingredients including the ube halaya. This may look chunky or smooth based on the brand of halaya that you use.

3. Add your bowl of dry ingredients to your bowl of wet ingredients. Combine with a spatula.

4. This is what your pancake mixture should look like. Ladle batter onto a hot pan and flip over when you see small bubbles forming on top. Cook for 1 more minute.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use a combination of melted butter and vegetable oil when cooking your ube pancakes in a pan or on a griddle. This combination helps keep the butter from burning. I also recommend keeping the heat setting to low heat.

Something to keep in mind regarding ube halaya: depending on the brand of ube jam (halaya) you use, the consistency and texture will vary. The texture may be smooth like a spread or maybe a bit chunky like the picture I’ve shared towards the bottom of this post. Either one will work just fine. I enjoyed the mini chunks spread throughout the pancakes!

Hint: be sure to allow adequate time for your pan to heat up properly before adding in your butter and cooking oil combination.

Substitutions

I’ve included a few substitutions below that you may find helpful.

• Milk – I used almond milk in this recipe but you can also use coconut milk, whole milk, or any other milk of choice.
• Ube Halaya – if you can’t get your hands on this, sub in 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. You will still get some of that ube flavor from the extract.
• Vegetable Oil – instead of using vegetable oil, you can use coconut oil if preferred.

Toppings

The nice thing about pancakes and many breakfast dishes is that there are no rules or limits as to what toppings you can add! Below are a few ideas that would pair well with this ube pancake recipe.

• Chocolate Chips – white or milk chocolate chips
• Coconut Flakes – toasted coconut flakes would be especially delicious
• Honey – to add a different kind of sweetness
• Hot Fudge – for the chocolate lovers
• Whipped Cream – either store-bought or homemade
• Ube Sauce – use in place of maple syrup
• Ube Ice Cream – a delicious way to transform these purple pancakes into a breakfast dessert!
• Macapuno Strings – to add a subtle sweet flavor of coconut

One Last Bite

This ube pancake recipe brings a taste of Filipino cuisine to your breakfast table, offering a sweet treat that’s sure to delight the whole family. With their vibrant purple hue and irresistible flavor, these fluffy pancakes not only brighten up your morning but also provide a wholesome and satisfying way to start the day!

Equipment

No special equipment is needed other than a nonstick pan and a stovetop.

Storage

If you happen to have leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 5-6 days.

Ube Pancake Variations to Try

Another thing that is wonderful about Ube pancakes is the fact that the idea is very flexible. Whether you want to try a specific diet or just want to vary them, which is great, there are many ways how you can do it without sacrificing the beautiful ube flavor. Here are some popular variations that cater to different dietary needs:

Vegan Ube Pancakes:

For my vegan friends, the good news is, you don’t have to miss out on these pancakes! The worst is that it is a real piece of cake to replace eggs and dairy. You can also use any type of plant-based milk as it’s easier to get and prepare the milk than any type of plant-based milk such as almond milk or oat milk.

Egg replacement should include a flaxseed meal that should be combined with water. (Flaxseeds produce a binder similar to an egg: 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal plus 3 tablespoons of water equals 1 egg.) For butter, vegan butter or coconut oil is good enough. Such substitutions make the pancakes vegan and moist while maintaining the taste and lightness at the same time!

Gluten-Free Ube Pancakes:

The question is, would you like it to be gluten-free? It is not a problem! For this one, you just have to replace the oil used with applesauce and the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. However, you find gluten-free flour does not rise in the same way as normal flour; you may need to scale up the baking powder a bit.

This shall allow you to have some of your pancakes with some of that desirable fluffy and airy texture! Making this small change shall let you have pancakes with some of that desirable fluffy and airy consistency.

Adding Other Flavors:

Ever wondering how to enhance the ‘tropical’ fееl of your ube pancakes more? Of course, you can also add other coconut-based products like coconut flour or coconut milk to the batter as well. Ube is amazing with coconut! Variations can also be attempted by adding chunks of fresh fruits for different textures like berries.

If you would like to go extra-tropical you can garnish the pancakes with mangoes which have been sliced and placed on top of the pancakes. and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top. These little twists will turn your pancakes into a breakfast feast!

Ube Pancakes: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making ube pancakes is pretty simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can mess with the result. Trust me, I’ve made them before! To help you avoid these pitfalls and get perfect pancakes every time, let’s go over what to look out for.

Overmixing the Batter

Second of all, and this probably has been said numerous times, it is wrong to whip the batter for pancakes too vigorously. Anyway, excessive kneading forms gluten in the flour, and your Pancakes turn out heavy and compact if you stir the wet and dry combination too much.

For the best wool-like texture you should fold the wet and the dry ingredients in the most careful way possible just enough to get a mix. It is also necessary not to worry about several Appearing lumps — the texture will be the same.

The right way to mix:

The wet mixture is then combined gently with the dry mixture gradually using a spoon or spatula. Once again this mixture ought to have some small lumps in it HOW BIG? A good rule of thumb is that it should take approximately forty claps of your hands to affect the blending of lumps out of the batter.

If you go on doing that until you can no longer see any particles of dry flour then it will have been overworked. Anyway, one or two lumps are okay and they will not cause the final texture to be stiff or tight. What you need is softness in your pancakes.

Underheating the Pan

Some are that the pan in which the batter is poured should not be hot enough for the batter to be trickled in. If the skillet itself is not warm enough then the pancakes do not cook uniformly and in turn, they do not rise.

To check if your pan is ready, try this test: Splashing a small amount of water at different areas of the skillet. If the oil crackles and goes off after a short while then you are ready to put in the batter. If the water just remains or if it does not evaporate quickly, then you heat the pan for some time more.

Not Using the Right Ube

There are different types of ube but the quality of your ube pancakes prepared using it as a key ingredient will depend on the kind of ube you select. There are two main options: fresh ube and ube powder.

The best Ube, it must be noted, is unripe; the freshest has the most potent flavor. For that robust, natural taste of ube, you should better go for a fresh root crop. The only catch? It does take a little more effort to prepare. You will need to cook it until tender and then turn it into a paste that is, which may not be quick.

In its powder formulation, ube is even more convenient and most often comes pre-sweetened, which is half the work right there. The compromise is that it lacks a little of the intensity of flavor fresh ube provides. When using ube powder, you must observe proper procedures set down on the use of the product to achieve the right texture and sweetness.

How to Serve and Enjoy Ube Pancakes

Once your ube pancakes are cooked to perfection, it’s time to add those final touches. Sure, ube pancakes are delicious on their own, but the right toppings can elevate them to something special. Whether you go for something sweet, creamy, or a little bit of both, these extras will take your pancakes from great to amazing.

Ube Pancake Toppings

Simply, syrup is the traditional accompaniment with pancakes although ube pancakes have their special taste and flavor; any topping should not suppress this taste but rather complement it.

• Ube Syrup: Here are some other ideas for serving pancakes that are more ube-tastic than the ube on top of the pancakes: Make the ube syrup. They contain ube purée, sugar, and a little water for the syrup, which is easy to make because you just need to heat it and pour it over your pancakes. That is effective if you want to enhance the power of the Ube flavor.
• Fresh Fruit: Heed the advice: a dash of sweetness in the form of tropical sting blurs the line between a boy and a man, effectively. I prefer using mango slices or strawberries. The blend of the two gives the recipe a refreshing twist from the earth-toned ube which is so nutty and delicious.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: Coconut whipped cream will work wonders if you want that creaminess but not at the expense of the dairy. It is very fluffy and tastes great when matched with the softness of the ube pancakes, to my preferences. To add a little crisp, garnish with coconut or you may even use chopped nuts.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: To state the obvious for those people with a sweet tooth, sweetened condensed milk is sweet over and above being thick. All you have to do is pour it over your pancakes, you’re in for a very tasty and rich experience.

Pairing Ube Pancakes with Other Breakfast Dishes

Yep, it’s the most fabulous pancake you could ever wish for, but ube pancakes aren’t just a breakfast delight in itself— it can easily be part of a fantastic breakfast spread. Here are a few ideas for complementary dishes that work wonderfully with your pancakes:

Scrambled Eggs and Sausages: The bland and slight undertaste of scrambled eggs and sausages complement the aromatic, sweet, and creamy – or ‘melancholy’ – ube pancakes. It is quite basic but it does offer a wholesome meal that one can easily get satisfied and have something wholesome with.

Smoothie Bowls: For anything new and nutritious, then nothing is as fitting as a fruit smoothie bowl coupled with ube pancakes. Have it topped with granola, chia seeds, and fresh fruits to give your day a memorable artistic and nutritional kickstart.

Conclusion

It’s not just the bright purple color of the Ube pancakes; they are simply an exciting and palatable version of ordinary pancakes. These wonderful, earthy-sweet pancakes with the smell of Ube and the gorgeous color purple hue can quickly transform any simple breakfast or brunch into something exceptional.

Ube on its own is a rather unique and unassuming ingredient that has been growing in worldwide popularity. It is slightly nutty and tastes, therefore it is perfect to be sourced on sweet preparations.

When added to the pancakes it takes a nice warm nuance and slightly sweet taste making the breakfast very filling and delicious without greatly requiring the addition of syrup or sugar.

Ube pancakes are purple, which gives them a beautiful aesthetic to them and is perfect to grab the attention of a guest or a fun food post. However, it is not just the appearances that make them cute as buttons or dead ringers in the case of pancakes like the one that follows.

In my preparation, the nutty sweetness of Ube is allowed to slightly peek through while enhancing the texture of the pancakes without making them overly sweet.

It is very flexible to change the ingredients of your Ube pancakes to suit specific diets. This recipe is very versatile; if you prefer your cupcakes vegan, gluten-free,e or dairy-free then go ahead and make that change. Though it is a great base, it is very flexible and admittedly inspiring when it comes to the toppings.

FAQ

For even more delicious recipes, you may like these:

Soft Chewy White Chocolate Chip Ube Crinkles Recipe

Easy to Make Ube Flavored Eggless Macaroons Recipe

Creamy Ube Cheesecake Recipe with a Buttery Crust

Ube Pancakes

These ube pancakes are fluffy and easy to whip up in just a few minutes. Their unique flavor and color make these a fun breakfast staple to enjoy all year round!

Print Recipe PIN RECIPE

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:3 minutes mins

Total Time:13 minutes mins

Servings: 5

Author: Melissa Bravo-Almazan

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 1/4 cup milk of choice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ube extract
• 3 tbsp ube halaya

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together egg, vegetable oil, milk, ube halaya, ube, and vanilla extracts. Pour your bowl of dry ingredients into bowl of wet ingredients. Combine well with a spatula.
• Place your pan's heat setting to low heat. Once pan is warm, add about 1/2 tbsp of butter with a bit cooking oil (do this for each pancake that you make).
• Once butter is melted and incorporated with the oil, use a ladle to pour pancake batter onto hot pan. Once you start to see air bubbles forming on top, that will be your cue to flip the pancake over. This will take about 1 1/2-2 minutes. After you flip it, cook for a minute then plate it. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!