You know those slow weekend mornings when the sunlight streams in and you finally have the time to make something a little special? That’s the energy these ube pancakes bring to your table.
Light, airy and vibrantly purple, these pancakes are more than just a visual treat. They are made with real ingredients and their subtly sweet, nutty flavor makes them a standout at any breakfast or brunch. The star of the show? Ube extract—a concentrated purple yam essence that captures all the charm of this beloved Filipino ingredient without the hassle of sourcing and preparing the tuber itself.
In this guide, we will show you how to make these pancakes from scratch and share tips for maximizing flavor, texture and nutritional value. We’ll also look into how to use ube extract in other creative ways for anyone looking to brighten up their kitchen routine.
What Is Ube?
Ube (pronounced oo-beh) is a purple yam native to the Philippines. Known for its naturally vibrant hue and sweet, almost vanilla-like flavor, it’s traditionally used in desserts like halaya (ube jam), ice creams, and pastries. It’s become a sensation globally, not just because of its color, but for the richness it brings to both flavor and texture.
Fresh ube can be difficult to find outside Southeast Asia and often requires boiling, mashing and straining. That’s why ube extract is an excellent alternative—it’s convenient, shelf-stable, and can be used in both sweet and savory applications.
One particularly well-known option is Dolce Flav Ube Extract, which is water-soluble, naturally colored, and doesn’t rely on artificial dyes or overpowering sweeteners.
Enjoy 20% off with code DFLAV20 when you purchase Dolce Flav Ube Extract!
Ingredients for Ube Pancakes (Serves 2–3)
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk (whole, almond, oat, or your preferred choice)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dolce Flav Ube Extrac
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the egg, milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, and ube extract. Mix until smooth.
Pro Tip: A high-quality extract like Dolce Flav’s Ube Extract helps achieve a bold purple color and a naturally sweet, nutty aroma without overpowering other flavors.
3. Combine and Rest
Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until combined. Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps the flour absorb liquid and results in fluffier pancakes.
4. Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Flip once bubbles form on the surface and cook until golden on both sides.
Why Use Ube Extract?
Ube extract provides more than just color. When made with care, it can:
- Enhance flavor complexity
- Reduce the need for added sugar
- Maintain consistency across recipes
Dolce Flav’s version is particularly appreciated by culinary hobbyists for its balance of color and flavor intensity. Use code DFLAV20 for 20% off your first order!
Interested in its kitchen applications? Explore Dolce Flav’s Ube Extract here
Toppings and Pairings
Ube pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides:
- Sweetened coconut or macapuno
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced bananas or strawberries
- Toasted nuts or granola
- A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup
To enhance the purple theme, serve your pancakes with butterfly pea tea or a smoothie bowl with purple berries.
Other Uses for Ube Extract
If you are investing in a quality ube extract, it’s worth exploring its versatility. Here are a few easy ways to use it beyond pancakes:
- Ube cheesecake or ube flan
- Ube mochi or rice cakes
- Ube ice cream or frozen yogurt
- Milk teas or lattes
- Frostings and glazes for donuts or cupcakes
Use code DFLAV20 to get 20% off Dolce Flav Ube Extract and keep the creativity flowing in your kitchen.
Nutritional & Culinary Benefits
Cooking with ube extract offers several advantages:
- Lower sugar usage: Because of its naturally sweet notes, you can reduce additional sweeteners.
- Antioxidant-rich color: The purple pigment (anthocyanins) found in ube is associated with health benefits.
- Diet flexibility: Ube recipes can easily be adapted for gluten-free, dairy-free or low-glycemic diets.
Learn more about flavor-focused cooking tools like Dolce Flav Ube Extract here
Final Thoughts
Incorporating global ingredients like ube into everyday meals is a fun way to experiment with color, culture and creativity. With the right extract on hand, you can explore countless recipes that are both beautiful and satisfying.
Whether you are cooking for a crowd or simply treating yourself to a cheerful plate of pancakes, this guide makes it easy to get started.
For home cooks seeking consistent flavor and vibrant presentation, Dolce Foglia Ube Extract continues to be a widely trusted ingredient. View more details here
Disclaimer: Flavor Horizons is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality extracts and flavorings for culinary and creative applications. All proceeds support our mission to enhance flavor experiences while maintaining our commitment to quality and innovation.
