Ube Pancakes: The Best Recipe For The Fluffiest Filipino Pancake

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Why use Ube, and what makes these pancakes so delicious?

Well, the vibrant purple yam, known as “ube,” lends not only a striking color but also a sweet and nutty flavor to your pancakes.

The ube puree, made from this unique ingredient, is the star of our show, and it adds a creamy, dreamy texture that perfectly compliments the fluffiness of the pancake itself.

But it’s not just the taste that makes these pancakes unique – it’s the ease of preparation.

You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to whip up a batch of these purple delights. I’m going to you through every step of the process to ensure your breakfast is perfect.

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history of ube and its association with pancakes.

Ube, or Dioscorea alata, is a type of yam that has been cherished in Filipino cuisine for generations.

Its vibrant hue and natural sweetness have made it a beloved ingredient in desserts, pastries, and yes, pancakes.

In the Philippines, ube is often used to create a range of delightful treats, including the famous “ube halaya” and, of course, our beloved “ube pancakes.”

These pancakes are not just a delightful breakfast choice; they’re a reflection of a rich and diverse culinary heritage.

So, join us as we blend the best of Filipino flavors with a dash of international charm in a relaxed and professional manner. It’s time to make your mornings memorable with these delicious Ube Pancakes!

What Flavor is Ube?

The flavor of ube is really hard to compare to anything else, as it’s distinctive and original. It’s not as bold as some other yams, and it doesn’t have that starchy heaviness. Instead, it’s subtly sweet with a hint of coconut in the background, making it versatile for sweet and savory dishes.

What Ube Tastes Like

Ube is a flavor that’s truly unique and captivating, and I’ve had the pleasure of savoring it in various Filipino-inspired dishes.

From my personal experience, ube has a delightful, sweet, and nutty profile. It’s not overly sugary, but it has a natural sweetness complemented by earthy, almost vanilla-like undertones.

Imagine a dessert that’s not overly sugared but satisfies your sweet tooth with its mild, comforting, and slightly nutty taste. That’s the magic of ube, precisely what makes ube pancakes such a delightful breakfast treat.

Flavor Profile of Ube

1. Sweetness: Ube has a natural sweetness, which is not overly sugary but provides a pleasant, gentle sweetness to dishes.
2. Nuttiness: Ube has subtle nutty undertones that add depth and complexity to its flavor.
3. Creaminess: Ube often has a creamy texture, especially when used in puree form, which contributes to a luscious mouthfeel.
4. Earthiness: There is an earthy quality to ube that gives it a well-rounded and grounded taste.
5. Coconut: Ube sometimes exhibits a faint coconut-like flavor, which enhances its overall appeal.
6. Mildness: Ube is not overpowering; it offers a mild, approachable flavor that can be enjoyed by a wide range of palates.

The combination of these elements creates a truly unique and delightful flavor that is distinctively ube.

Grab Everything You Need:

Before starting the ube pancake recipe, it’s a good idea to gather the necessary tools and kitchen equipment to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Here’s a list of the essential tools you’ll need:

• Large Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for mixing the pancake batter.
• Whisk: To combine the wet and dry ingredients in the pancake batter and ensure a smooth consistency.
• Saucepan: For making the ube puree, if you’re preparing it from scratch.
• Griddle or Skillet: A griddle or a large non-stick skillet is used for cooking the pancakes. Make sure it’s large enough to cook multiple pancakes simultaneously.
• Spatula: A thin, wide spatula is handy for flipping the pancakes and transferring them to a serving plate.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Use measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure the ingredients.
• Ladle or Scoop: A ladle or a large scoop helps you portion out the pancake batter onto the griddle evenly.
• Cutting Board and Knife: If you’re working with fresh ube and need to peel and chop it
• Small Saucepan (optional): If you plan to heat some additional ube puree for drizzling over the pancakes.
• Oven: If you want to keep the cooked pancakes warm while you make more, you’ll need an oven set to a low temperature, around 200°F (93°C).
• Cooking Spray or Butter: You’ll need cooking spray or butter to grease the griddle or skillet before cooking the pancakes.
• Plates and Utensils: Plates for serving the pancakes, utensils for flipping and serving, and forks or knives for enjoying your delicious pancakes.

Remember that kitchen equipment can vary. Gather all these items before you start the recipe to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

Check Out the Best Pans To Cook Pancakes

What Is Ube Made From?

Ube is an extraordinary creation of nature, and every time I encounter it, I can’t help but feel excited about the vibrant purple magic it brings to the culinary world.

Ube is made from a unique and exotic root vegetable called “purple yam,” scientifically known as Dioscorea alata. This root is nature’s canvas, painted with a captivating purple hue that is as bold as enchanting.

When you peel away the earthy exterior of the purple yam, you reveal a flesh that’s not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor.

It has a natural sweetness that’s gentle and inviting, with a hint of nuttiness that adds a touch of intrigue. There’s an earthiness to it, too, a grounding quality that makes it versatile and complementary to various dishes.

What makes ube even more exciting is its potential to transform ordinary recipes into extraordinary ones. From velvety ube halaya to fluffy ube pancakes, this yam is a critical ingredient in countless Filipino-inspired delicacies, each a celebration of its exceptional qualities.

So, when you use ube in your kitchen, you’re not just cooking; you’re embarking on a flavorful adventure with a remarkable ingredient that’s as intriguing as it is delicious.

Ube adds a touch of magic to your dishes, and with every bite, you’re savoring a bit of nature’s wonder.

Ube Pancakes: The Healthier Choice

Ube pancakes offer a healthier choice over many traditional pancake recipes for several reasons:

1. Natural Sweetness: Ube’s natural sweetness means you can use less added sugar in your pancake batter. This reduces the overall sugar content, making your pancakes a healthier option.
2. Nutrient-Rich: Ube is a great source of essential nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. These nutrients contribute to a healthier diet and provide various health benefits.
3. Lower in Fat: Ube pancakes can be made with less fat compared to recipes that use excess butter or oil, contributing to lower calorie content.
4. Reduced Sugar Toppings: When served with a drizzle of condensed milk or a modest amount of sweet toppings, ube pancakes are still a healthier choice compared to pancakes drowned in maple syrup or chocolate sauce.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Ube can be used in gluten-free pancake recipes for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, making it a suitable alternative to wheat-based pancakes.
6. Antioxidants: Ube contains antioxidants that can help combat oxidative stress and promote overall health.
7. High-Quality Ingredients: When preparing ube pancakes, you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose high-quality, fresh, and natural components, further enhancing the overall nutritional value.

*FUN FACT*
While Ube Pancakes can be a healthier choice than traditional pancakes, it’s essential to consider the overall balance of your diet, including portion sizes and how you top and enjoy your pancakes. Making conscious ingredient choices and keeping an eye on added sugar can help you make them a delicious and nutritious part of your breakfast or brunch.

Ube pancakes are sure to become a favorite in your breakfast repertoire. The sweet, nutty flavor of ube combined with the fluffy texture of pancakes is a fantastic way to start your day.