Fluffy Purple Pancake Delight

This vibrant purple pancake recipe transforms ordinary breakfast into a magical experience that will delight both children and adults alike. The natural ube flavor combined with sweet toppings creates a perfect balance between novelty and comfort food that has become a weekend tradition in my kitchen.

I discovered these purple pancakes when looking for creative ways to introduce my niece to new flavors. What started as a one time surprise has turned into our special Saturday morning ritual, complete with giggles and purple mustaches.

Ingredients

• Ube flour: provides the gorgeous purple color and subtle sweet flavor that makes these pancakes extraordinary
• Baking powder: ensures your pancakes rise beautifully with the perfect fluffy texture
• Sugar: enhances the natural sweetness of the ube without overpowering it
• Egg: acts as a binding agent giving structure to your pancakes
• Milk: creates the ideal batter consistency for tender pancakes
• Olive oil: in the batter keeps the pancakes moist inside while allowing crisp edges
• Blueberries: add freshness and complement the purple theme wonderfully
• Chocolate sauce: creates decadent contrast against the purple backdrop
• Pink sprinkles: bring playfulness and extra texture to each bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Ingredients:

Begin by measuring all ingredients accurately to ensure perfect pancake consistency. Having everything ready before starting makes the process seamless and prevents overmixing later.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

Combine the egg, milk, and oil in a bowl, whisking until fully incorporated. This creates the liquid base that will hydrate the flour and create a smooth batter without lumps.

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the ube flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly distributed. This prevents clumping and ensures the leavening agent works properly throughout your batter.

Heat Cooking Surface:

Warm your skillet over medium heat until it reaches the proper temperature. Test by sprinkling a few drops of water which should dance and evaporate quickly. Apply a light coating of oil using a brush for even coverage without excess grease.

Create Batter:

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently folding just until combined. Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are incorporated even if small lumps remain. Overmixing develops gluten which results in tough pancakes.

Cook First Side:

Scoop approximately two tablespoons of batter per mini pancake onto the skillet, leaving space between each for easy flipping. Wait patiently until the edges become defined and small bubbles form on the surface, typically 2 to 3 minutes.

Flip Pancakes:

Using a thin spatula, gently slide under each pancake and flip with a quick, confident motion. The second side will cook faster than the first, usually only requiring 1 to 2 minutes until golden.

Serve and Garnish:

Transfer the hot pancakes to plates, arranging them in an appealing stack. Drizzle with chocolate sauce, scatter fresh blueberries around and on top, then finish with a sprinkle of pink sprinkles for a whimsical presentation.

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My absolute favorite moment with these pancakes was during my daughter's birthday breakfast when her eyes widened seeing the purple stack appear. Now we call them "princess pancakes" and they mark every special occasion in our home.

Finding Ube Flour

Ube flour can be found in Asian grocery stores or specialty food markets where Filipino ingredients are sold. If you cannot locate it locally, many online retailers offer this specialty flour with reasonable shipping times. The investment is worthwhile as the flour stores well in an airtight container and can be used for many other baked goods beyond these pancakes.

Perfect Pairings

These vibrant purple pancakes pair beautifully with coconut whipped cream which enhances the tropical undertones of the ube. For a more substantial breakfast, serve alongside crispy bacon which provides a savory contrast to the sweet pancakes. Fresh tropical fruits like mango or kiwi complement the exotic nature of ube while adding nutritional value to the meal.

Storage Solutions

Store leftover pancakes by cooling completely then placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer safe container separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep for up to three months. Reheat frozen pancakes in a toaster or microwave without thawing for a quick breakfast option that maintains their fluffy texture.

Ube Cultural Significance

Ube is a purple yam deeply rooted in Filipino cuisine and culture. Traditionally used in desserts like halaya and ice cream, this vibrant root vegetable has gained international popularity for its naturally beautiful color and subtle sweet flavor. By incorporating ube into western breakfast classics like pancakes, you participate in a delightful culinary fusion that honors traditional ingredients in contemporary ways.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What is ube flour?

Ube flour is made from purple yam, a starchy root vegetable with a vibrant purple color and mildly sweet flavor. It’s commonly used in desserts and baked goods.

→ Can I make this without ube flour?

Yes, you can use a basic pancake mix and add ube powder or ube extract to achieve a similar flavor and color.

→ How do I know when to flip the pancakes?

Flip the pancakes when the edges are set, or bubbles form on the surface. This ensures even cooking.

→ What toppings go well with purple pancakes?

You can use blueberries, chocolate sauce, pink sprinkles, or even whipped cream to enhance both the flavor and appearance of the pancakes.

→ How can I avoid overmixing the batter?

Gently stir the dry and wet ingredients until they’re just combined and no streaks of flour are visible. Overmixing can cause dense pancakes.