Ube Pancakes: A Flavorful and Colorful Breakfast Delight

If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and spotted a plate of gorgeous, purple-hued pancakes, chances are you were looking at ube pancakes. Made from ube halaya (purple yam jam) or ube extract, these vibrant pancakes aren’t just a treat for the eyes—they’re a deliciously sweet and nutty way to start your morning.

Originating from the Philippines, ube has taken the global culinary scene by storm, finding its way into everything from ube desserts to breakfast favorites like pancakes. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes ube pancakes special, how to make them at home, the best toppings, health benefits, and much more. Whether you’re a longtime ube fan or trying it for the first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Now, let’s start by understanding what ube pancakes are and why they’ve become a breakfast sensation.

What Are Ube Pancakes?

The Origin of Ube and Its Use in Desserts

Ube, pronounced “ooh-beh”, is a vibrantly purple yam native to the Philippines. Unlike sweet potatoes, ube has a naturally sweet, nutty, and slightly vanilla-like flavor, making it a popular ingredient in Filipino desserts like ube halaya, ube ice cream, and ube cake.

For decades, Filipinos have used ube in various traditional sweets, but its popularity surged globally as social media showcased its stunning color and unique taste. Today, you can find ube in everything from bubble tea to mochi, and now, in delicious ube pancakes!

What Makes Ube Pancakes Unique?

So, what sets ube pancakes apart from regular pancakes? It’s all about flavor, color, and texture! Here’s what makes them stand out:

• Naturally Sweet & Nutty Flavor – Unlike plain pancakes, ube pancakes have a subtle sweetness, making them delicious even without syrup.
• Beautiful Purple Color – Thanks to ube extract or ube halaya, these pancakes boast a striking purple hue that makes them Instagram-worthy.
• Soft & Moist Texture – Adding ube to the batter results in fluffier and moister pancakes compared to regular buttermilk pancakes.
• Versatile Pairings – Ube pancakes pair exceptionally well with coconut, condensed milk, and cream cheese, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert.

The Growing Popularity of Ube in Western Cuisine

The demand for ube-based recipes has exploded worldwide, with cafes and bakeries incorporating this purple yam into pastries, lattes, and even savory dishes. Thanks to its natural sweetness and vibrant color, ube appeals to both adventurous foodies and health-conscious eaters looking for a natural alternative to artificial food coloring.

In Western countries, brands like Trader Joe’s have embraced the ube craze by launching ube-flavored pancake mixes, ube ice cream, and even ube butter! This accessibility has made it easier than ever to whip up homemade ube pancakes and enjoy this Filipino favorite from the comfort of your kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Ube Pancakes

Essential Ingredients: Ube Halaya, Ube Extract, and More

To make the best ube pancakes, you’ll need a few special ingredients that give these pancakes their signature purple color and rich, nutty-sweet flavor:

• Ube Halaya (Ube Jam): This traditional Filipino jam is made from boiled and mashed ube mixed with sugar and milk. It gives pancakes an authentic ube taste and a soft, moist texture.
• Ube Extract: If you want that deep purple color, ube extract is essential. It enhances both the color and flavor of your batter.
• All-Purpose Flour or Mochiko Flour: Regular pancakes use all-purpose flour, but for ube mochi pancakes, substitute mochiko flour (glutinous rice flour) for a chewy, stretchy texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps your ube pancakes rise and stay fluffy.
• Milk or Coconut Milk: Coconut milk enhances the tropical sweetness of ube, while regular milk provides a more neutral taste.

Choosing the Right Flour for Perfect Pancakes

The type of flour you use can make or break your pancakes! For classic ube pancakes, go with:

• All-Purpose Flour: Best for light and fluffy pancakes.
• Cake Flour: Makes pancakes extra soft and tender.
• Gluten-Free Flour Mix: A great alternative for those with dietary restrictions.

For ube mochi pancakes, swap in mochiko flour for a delightfully chewy texture!

Sweeteners and Toppings That Enhance Ube Flavor

Since ube is naturally sweet, ube pancakes don’t need much sugar. However, adding:

• Condensed milk for extra creaminess
• Maple syrup or honey for a subtle sweetness
• Coconut flakes or macapuno (sweetened coconut strings) for a tropical twist

How to Make Ube Pancakes at Home

Step-by-Step Ube Pancake Recipe

Ready to make ube pancakes from scratch? Follow this easy recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ube halaya (or 2 tsp ube extract)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or mochiko flour for a chewy texture)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk (or coconut milk for extra flavor)
• 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Combine the dry ingredients by whisking flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Prepare the wet ingredients – In another bowl, mix ube halaya, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. If using ube extract, add it here.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients – Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Stir until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable.
4. Warm a non-stick pan over medium heat, then lightly coat it with butter or oil before cooking the pancakes. Spoon approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake.
5. Flip when bubbles form – After 2-3 minutes, when bubbles appear on the surface, flip the pancakes and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Serve warm – Stack the pancakes and top with condensed milk, coconut, or whipped cream!

Pro Tips for Fluffy and Moist Ube Pancakes

• Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing makes pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
• Use room-temperature ingredients – Cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing.
• Let the batter rest for 5 minutes – This helps the flour absorb moisture, resulting in softer pancakes.

Alternative Ingredients for a Healthier Version

If you want a healthier version of ube pancakes, consider these swaps:

• Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lower-carb option.
• Swap coconut sugar for white sugar for a natural sweetness.
• Replace whole milk with oat or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
• Use applesauce or mashed banana instead of butter for a lower-fat alternative.

With these tweaks, you can enjoy ube pancakes guilt-free!

Variations of Ube Pancakes

Ube Mochi Pancakes: A Chewy Delight

If you love the chewy, stretchy texture of mochi, you have to try ube mochi pancakes! These pancakes use mochiko flour (glutinous rice flour) instead of regular flour, giving them a slightly crisp outside and a chewy, satisfying bite.

How to Make Ube Mochi Pancakes:

• Swap all-purpose flour for mochiko flour in your pancake batter.
• Use coconut milk instead of regular milk to enhance the tropical flavors.
• Add tapioca pearls or a drizzle of ube syrup for extra chewiness.

These pancakes pair wonderfully with sweetened condensed milk or shredded coconut for an extra indulgent treat!

Gluten-Free Ube Pancakes: A Healthier Twist

Want to enjoy ube pancakes while keeping them gluten-free? It’s easy! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free pancake mix or almond flour.

Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Ube Pancakes:

• Use 1:1 gluten-free flour for a close texture to regular pancakes.
• Add extra baking powder for fluffiness.
• Mix in chia seeds or flaxseed meal for added nutrition.

These pancakes are just as fluffy and flavorful as traditional ones, but they’re perfect for those with gluten sensitivities!

Stuffed Ube Pancakes with Cream Cheese or Coconut

Take ube pancakes to the next level by stuffing them with cream cheese or sweetened coconut. The contrast between the creamy filling and the fluffy pancake makes every bite irresistible.

How to Stuff Ube Pancakes:

1. Cook pancakes on one side until bubbles form.
2. Add a spoonful of cream cheese or coconut to the center.
3. Cover with a bit more batter and flip carefully.

This variation is perfect for brunch or dessert!

Best Toppings and Syrups for Ube Pancakes

Classic Toppings: Coconut, Condensed Milk, and Maple Syrup

The right toppings can make ube pancakes even more delicious. Here are some classic and must-try toppings:

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: A popular Filipino topping that adds extra sweetness and creaminess.
• Coconut Flakes or Macapuno Strings: These enhance the tropical flavors of ube.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: A classic choice that complements the nutty-sweet taste of ube.

Homemade Ube Syrup Recipe

Want to make your ube pancakes even better? Try this easy ube syrup recipe!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup ube halaya (ube jam)
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp ube extract

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients over low heat.
2. Stir continuously until smooth and warm.
3. Drizzle over pancakes and enjoy!

This syrup adds a bold ube flavor that enhances every bite.

Creative Toppings to Elevate Your Ube Pancakes

If you want to get creative, try these unique toppings:

• Ube ice cream – A cold and creamy contrast to warm pancakes.
• Crushed graham crackers – Adds a bit of crunch and a subtle caramel taste.
• Chopped nuts – Almonds or cashews bring a nice crunch and balance the sweetness.

With the right toppings, your ube pancakes will become the highlight of your breakfast or brunch table!

For more delicious recipes, check out our pancake recipe without eggs if you’re looking for more creative pancake ideas!

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value of Ube Pancakes

Is Ube Healthy? Nutritional Breakdown

You might be wondering: Are ube pancakes healthy? The good news is that ube itself is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. This vibrant purple yam is rich in:

• Vitamin C and Vitamin A – Boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin.
• Dietary Fiber – Aids digestion and keeps you full longer.
• Anthocyanins – Powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

However, the overall health benefits of ube pancakes depend on how they are made. If you use whole ingredients like coconut milk and natural sweeteners, they can be a nutritious breakfast option.

Comparing Ube Pancakes to Traditional Pancakes

When it comes to ube pancakes vs. regular pancakes, there are a few key differences:

• More Nutrients – Thanks to ube, these pancakes have extra vitamins and fiber.
• Lower in Sugar – Ube has natural sweetness, so you don’t need as much added sugar.
• Richer in Antioxidants – Unlike plain flour pancakes, ube pancakes contain anthocyanins, which fight free radicals.

That said, if you load them with condensed milk and sugary syrups, the calorie count can rise. To keep them healthy, try using honey, Greek yogurt, or fresh fruit as toppings!

How to Make a Healthier Version Without Sacrificing Flavor

Want to enjoy ube pancakes guilt-free? Try these swaps:

• Use almond flour instead of white flour for fewer carbs.
• Replace white sugar with coconut sugar or honey.
• Opt for oat milk or almond milk instead of dairy.
• Cook with coconut oil instead of butter for a lighter option.

With these simple tweaks, you can enjoy a nutrient-packed, flavorful breakfast without compromising on taste!

Where to Buy Ube Pancakes or Ingredients

Best Online and Local Stores to Buy Ube Halaya

Finding ube ingredients is easier than ever, thanks to growing demand. You can buy ube halaya (ube jam), ube extract, and ube flour from:

• Asian Grocery Stores – Stores like H Mart and Seafood City often carry fresh ube and ube halaya.
• Online Retailers – Amazon, Walmart, and specialty sites like FilStop offer ube products.
• Local Farmers’ Markets – Some markets sell fresh ube, especially in areas with large Filipino communities.

If you prefer ready-made ube pancakes, check out Filipino bakeries or restaurants that serve them fresh!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Cracker Barrel Pancake Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Pancakes at Home

Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancake Mix: Is It Worth It?

Trader Joe’s has jumped on the ube trend with its Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix. But is it any good?

Pros:

• Easy to make – Just add water, and you’re set!
• Chewy and fluffy texture – Thanks to the mochiko flour.
• Delicious ube flavor – Slightly sweet with a nutty, vanilla-like taste.

Cons:

• Limited availability – It sells out quickly!
• Less control over ingredients – Some prefer to make their own healthier versions.

If you’re new to ube pancakes and want a quick fix, Trader Joe’s mix is a great start! But if you love making things from scratch, homemade is always better.

How to Store Ube for Long-Term Use

If you buy fresh ube or make your own ube halaya, here’s how to store it:

• Fresh Ube: Keep in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Ube Halaya: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer shelf life.
• Ube Extract: No need to refrigerate—just keep it in a cool, dark place.

With these storage tips, you can have ube pancakes anytime you crave them!

For more delicious recipes, check out our What Are Small, Thick Pancakes Called?

Frequently Asked Questions