Ube Pancakes Coconut Sauce

This vibrant ube pancake recipe transforms ordinary breakfast into a purple paradise with its sweet Filipino-inspired flavors. The combination of ube extract and ube halaya creates stunningly colorful pancakes that taste as magical as they look, while the creamy coconut sauce takes them to an entirely new level of deliciousness.

I first made these pancakes for my niece who adores anything purple, and they've become our special weekend tradition. The way her eyes light up when I pour that vibrant ube sauce over the stack makes the simple effort completely worthwhile.

Ingredients

• Pancake mix: Your favorite brand works perfectly as the canvas for our ube additions
• Ube extract: Creates that gorgeous purple color and authentic ube flavor
• Ube halaya: Also called ube jam, this gives real ube flavor and texture to the pancakes
• Butter: Helps create those perfect golden edges on your pancakes
• Coconut cream: Provides rich tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with ube
• Condensed milk: Adds silky sweetness to the sauce without being overpowering
• Fresh berries: Optional but highly recommended as the tartness balances the sweet sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Base:

Follow your pancake mix instructions to create the base batter, making sure to measure carefully. The right consistency should be pourable but thick enough to hold its shape when ladled onto the griddle.

Add The Ube Magic:

Incorporate the ube extract and ube halaya into your batter, folding gently until the purple color is evenly distributed throughout. Stop mixing as soon as incorporated to keep pancakes fluffy.

Heat Your Surface:

Warm your nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat until water droplets sizzle when sprinkled on the surface. Add a small pat of butter and swirl to coat evenly.

Cook With Patience:

Pour approximately quarter cup portions of batter onto the hot surface, allowing space between each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to set, about 2 minutes.

Perfect The Flip:

Using a thin spatula, confidently flip each pancake in one smooth motion. The second side needs less time, about 1.5 minutes until golden.

Create The Sauce:

Combine coconut cream, condensed milk, and ube extract in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Allow the sauce to warm through until ingredients are fully incorporated.

Serve Immediately:

Stack pancakes on warm plates, drizzle generously with ube coconut sauce, and add optional toppings like fresh berries or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor contrast.

Pin it

The ube halaya is truly the secret ingredient here. I once tried making these with just extract, and while they were pretty, they lacked that authentic depth of flavor and slight texture that real ube jam brings to the pancakes. My Filipino friend's grandmother nodded in approval when I served these, which remains my proudest culinary achievement.

Understanding Ube

Ube is a purple yam native to the Philippines and is different from purple sweet potato or taro. Its naturally sweet, vanilla-like flavor has made it a staple in Filipino desserts for generations. The root vegetable creates that distinctive purple color naturally without any artificial coloring needed. When shopping for ube products, look for those with minimal additives to experience the authentic taste.

Make-Ahead Options

The pancake batter can be prepared the night before and refrigerated in an airtight container. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking in the morning. The ube coconut sauce also stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a sealed container. Warm it slightly before serving as it will thicken considerably when cold. Complete pancakes can be frozen with parchment paper between layers and reheated in a toaster for quick breakfasts.

Customization Ideas

These versatile pancakes welcome creative adaptations based on your preferences. Add a quarter cup of shredded coconut to the batter for added texture. Replace some of the liquid in your pancake mix with coconut milk for an enhanced tropical flavor. For a less sweet option, reduce the condensed milk in the sauce and add a splash of vanilla extract. You can also create a pancake bar with various toppings like sliced bananas, mango pieces, or toasted nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is ube?

Ube is a type of purple yam native to the Philippines. It's known for its sweet, nutty flavor and vibrant purple hue.

→ How can I make my pancakes fluffy?

Avoid over-mixing the batter, as this can develop gluten and make your pancakes dense. Some lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.

→ Can I use fresh ube instead of ube halaya?

Yes, you can use fresh ube if you first cook and mash it. Ube halaya, however, adds extra sweetness and creaminess.

→ What toppings go well with ube pancakes?

Fresh berries, coconut flakes, mint leaves, or even whipped cream pair wonderfully with ube pancakes.

→ Can I store leftover ube coconut sauce?

Yes, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving if needed.