March 5, 2026 · Recipe
Ube Pancakes Recipe: Fluffy Purple Pancakes for Breakfast
Transform your boring breakfast into a purple party - these fluffy ube pancakes are as delicious as they are photogenic.
Imagine waking up to a stack of naturally purple, vanilla-scented pancakes that taste like a dessert but are actually packed with antioxidants. That's exactly what ube powder pancakes deliver - and they're ready in just 25 minutes.
Whether you're meal-prepping for the week, impressing brunch guests, or making breakfast fun for kids, this recipe is your new go-to. Let's make them.
Updated on
Quick answer
Key Takeaways
- 25 minutes total, from-scratch recipe
- Naturally purple - no food coloring
- Vanilla-biscuit flavor, naturally sweet
- Works with gluten-free flour
- Freezer-friendly: make a batch and reheat all week
- Kids' absolute favorite breakfast
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Total time
- 25 min
- Servings
- 11 pancakes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Dietary
- Vegan option · Gluten-free option
Why Ube Pancakes Are a Game Changer
Regular pancakes are great. But they're, well, regular. Ube pancakes take the same easy breakfast staple and transform it into something extraordinary - visually and flavor-wise.
The purple color is completely natural, coming from anthocyanins in the ube. These are the same powerful antioxidants found in blueberries and acai, meaning your breakfast is genuinely more nutritious than standard pancakes. The flavor adds warm vanilla and toasted biscuit notes that make the pancakes taste naturally sweet - many people skip the syrup entirely.
For kids, the purple color is pure magic. For adults, it's a sophisticated breakfast that photographs beautifully and tastes even better. For meal preppers, these freeze and reheat perfectly for busy weekday mornings.
Ingredients
Optional toppings: whipped cream, maple syrup, fresh berries, toasted coconut, ube halaya
🥞 Ube Pancakes - Makes 10-12 Pancakes
- • Dry:
- • 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- • 2 tablespoons ube powder
- • 2 tablespoons sugar
- • 2 teaspoons baking powder
- • ½ teaspoon salt
- • Wet:
- • 1 cup (240ml) milk (any kind)
- • 1 large egg
- • 2 tablespoons melted butter
- • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ube powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure the ube powder is evenly distributed - no clumps.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy - overmixing makes pancakes tough.
- Rest the batter: Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate and makes fluffier pancakes.
- Heat your pan: Set a non-stick pan or griddle over medium-low heat. Add a thin layer of butter or oil. The pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles gently (not violently).
- Cook: Pour ¼ cup of batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2-3 minutes). Flip gently and cook 1-2 more minutes until golden on the bottom.
- Keep warm: Place finished pancakes on a wire rack in a 200°F (95°C) oven while cooking the rest. This keeps them warm without steaming.
- Serve: Stack high, top with your favorites, and serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tip: Medium-low heat is crucial. Higher heat browns the outside before the inside cooks, which masks the purple color. Low and slow = vibrant purple, perfectly fluffy.
Best Topping Combinations
🍯 Classic Stack
Whipped cream + maple syrup + fresh berries. The syrup's caramel notes pair beautifully with ube's vanilla warmth.
🥥 Tropical
Coconut whipped cream + toasted coconut flakes + mango slices. A Filipino-inspired combo that's pure sunshine.
🍫 Indulgent
Nutella + sliced bananas + crushed hazelnuts. The biscuit amplifies ube's natural biscuity notes.
💜 Full Ube
Ube halaya spread + whipped cream + ube powder dusting. Maximum purple energy.
Variations
- Gluten-free: Replace flour with 1:1 GF blend. Same quantities, same method.
- Vegan: Use plant milk, replace egg with 1 mashed banana or flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Protein boost: Add 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder. Reduce flour by 2 tablespoons to compensate.
- Extra fluffy: Separate the egg. Mix yolk with wet ingredients. Whip white to stiff peaks and fold in last.
- Ube waffles: Same batter works in a waffle iron. Slightly crispier exterior, same fluffy interior and purple color.
Meal Prep & Freezing
Ube pancakes are perfect for batch cooking:
- Freezing: Cool pancakes completely, then stack with parchment paper between each. Store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Microwave 30-45 seconds, or toast in a toaster on low setting for a slightly crispy exterior. Oven at 350°F for 5 minutes also works.
- Batter storage: The batter keeps overnight in the fridge. Pancakes may be slightly denser but still delicious.
More Ube Recipes
Ube Pancakes: A Taste of Filipino Heritage
Ube, known botanically as Dioscorea alata, is a purple yam indigenous to the Philippines. Its name, ube (pronounced OO-beh), is derived from Tagalog. The vibrant purple hue of ube is entirely natural, attributed to anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants found in the yam. When prepared, UBE NOLIA powder imparts a distinctive biscuit and vanilla flavor profile to these fluffy pancakes.
The culinary journey of ube in the Philippines is rich and storied. While yams have been a staple for centuries, the creation of dishes like ube halaya (ube jam), from which the Spanish-derived word jalea originates, became popular with the 20th-century introduction of condensed and evaporated milk. Ube is a cornerstone in iconic Filipino desserts such as halo-halo and sapin-sapin, and its unique appeal has recently propelled it onto the global culinary stage, making it a beloved ingredient in modern recipes like these pancakes.
Botanical Name
Dioscorea alata
Origin
Philippines (Dagupan, Urdaneta)
Flavor Profile
Biscuit & vanilla
Natural Pigment
Anthocyanins
Common Pancake Pitfalls & Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pancakes are flat and dense. | Overmixing the batter develops gluten, making pancakes tough. | Mix until just combined; lumps are okay. Rest batter for 5-10 minutes. |
| Pancakes burn quickly or cook unevenly. | Pan is too hot or not evenly heated. | Use medium-low heat. Preheat pan for 2-3 minutes before adding batter. |
| Pancakes stick to the pan. | Insufficient fat or pan not properly seasoned/non-stick. | Ensure pan is truly non-stick or add a small amount of oil/butter between batches. |
| Pancakes are raw in the middle. | Heat is too high, cooking the outside too fast. | Reduce heat. Cook longer on the first side until many bubbles form before flipping. |
10+ Ways to Enjoy Ube Pancakes
Breakfast & Brunch Ideas
- Serve with fresh mango slices and a drizzle of coconut syrup.
- Stack high with a dollop of ube halaya (ube jam) and a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
- Pair with crispy bacon or Filipino longganisa for a sweet and savory contrast.
- Create mini pancake skewers with berries and a light cream cheese glaze.
Dessert & Snack Creations
- Transform into a pancake cake by layering with whipped cream and fruit.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve as a dipper for melted white chocolate.
- Use as a base for an ice cream sandwich with ube ice cream.
- Make pancake tacos filled with sweetened cream cheese and ube powder.
Flavor Pairings & Toppings
- Top with condensed milk and a dusting of UBE NOLIA powder.
- Add a swirl of cream cheese frosting and a few purple sprinkles.
- Drizzle with maple syrup infused with a hint of vanilla extract.
- Garnish with fresh blueberries or blackberries to complement the purple hue.
Creative Culinary Applications
- Form into smaller pancakes for a unique twist on a pancake cereal.
- Use leftover batter to make thin crêpe-like ube wraps for sweet fillings.
- Incorporate into a breakfast charcuterie board with various fruits and spreads.
- Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a warm spice note.
What Are Ube Pancakes?
Ube pancakes are a vibrant, naturally purple breakfast staple, reimagining classic pancakes with the distinct flavour and colour of ube (Dioscorea alata). Originating from the Philippines, these pancakes are a popular choice for breakfast or merienda, offering a unique twist on traditional Filipino pancake recipes. The ube imparts a delicate biscuit and vanilla flavour profile, distinguishing them from ordinary pancakes.
The striking purple hue of ube pancakes comes directly from the ube itself. When made with 100% pure ube powder, such as Ube Nolia, no artificial colours are needed. The natural pigments within the ube create a deep, inviting purple that is both visually appealing and authentic. This ensures a genuine ube experience, free from synthetic additives.
To achieve the deepest purple colour and richest ube flavour without compromising batter consistency, a ratio of 15-20 grams of pure ube powder per 200 grams of dry pancake mix is recommended. This amount ensures the natural pigments are prominent and the distinctive biscuit and vanilla notes of ube are well-balanced, resulting in fluffy, moist pancakes that are perfectly purple.
Ube Pancake Variations
Explore diverse ways to enjoy ube pancakes with these tailored recipes, each designed to highlight the unique qualities of ube while catering to different dietary preferences and culinary styles.
Extra Fluffy Buttermilk Ube Pancakes
- Use 200g all-purpose flour, 15g Ube Nolia powder, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp baking soda for dry ingredients.
- Whisk together 240ml buttermilk, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar for wet ingredients.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently; cook on a griddle over medium heat until golden brown and puffed.
Japanese Souffle Style Ube Pancakes
- Separate 2 large eggs; whisk yolks with 60ml milk, 15g Ube Nolia powder, and 60g cake flour until smooth.
- Whip egg whites with 40g granulated sugar to stiff peaks for meringue.
- Gently fold meringue into the ube batter; cook in ring molds on a griddle with a splash of water and cover to steam.
Vegan / Dairy-Free Ube Pancakes
- Combine 200g all-purpose flour, 15g Ube Nolia powder, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Whisk 240ml plant-based milk (e.g., oat or almond), 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp melted coconut oil, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined; cook on a lightly oiled griddle until bubbles form and edges are set.
Ube Protein or Oat Pancakes
- Blend 150g rolled oats into a fine flour, then combine with 15g Ube Nolia powder, 30g vanilla protein powder, 1 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Whisk 1 large egg, 180ml milk (dairy or plant-based), 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Combine mixtures, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then cook on a non-stick griddle over medium heat until cooked through.
FAQs: Ube Pancakes
Less than a coffee. Better than a matcha.
With the 5-pack you get 165 ube lattes at home. Cheaper than a café, delivered to your door.
This recipe is made with ube powder from Ube Nolia, the #1 natural ube brand from the Philippines. Discover our buy ube powder, 100% pure: no coloring, no additives, no added sugar. One 100 g pouch makes 33 ube lattes.
Looking for ube powder? Ube Nolia sells 100% pure ube from the Philippines, with no coloring, no additives and no added sugar.
New to purple yam? Read our complete guide: What is ube? - origin, taste, benefits and how to use Ube Nolia ube powder.
