Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pancakes are soft, light, and full of flavor while adding a pop of color to your breakfast table. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and can be naturally colored using wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply want a unique breakfast, Purple Pancakes are sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Milk
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Mashed purple sweet potato, ube halaya, or blueberry purée
- Purple food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant color)
- Butter or oil, for cooking
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the mashed purple sweet potato, ube, or blueberry purée until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- If desired, add a few drops of purple food coloring to intensify the color.
- Heat a lightly greased nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to set, about 2–3 minutes.
- Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people (makes about 8–10 pancakes).
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Blueberry Purple Pancakes: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
- Ube version: Use ube extract and ube jam for a rich, authentic flavor.
- Purple Sweet Potato: Replace the purée with cooked mashed purple sweet potato.
- Protein-packed: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the batter.
- Chocolate twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the pancakes before flipping.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze them with parchment paper between each pancake for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster, skillet, microwave, or oven until warmed through.
FAQs
What makes pancakes purple?
Purple pancakes can be colored naturally with purple sweet potatoes, ube, blueberries, or butterfly pea flower, or with a small amount of purple food coloring.
Can I make these pancakes naturally purple?
Yes. Purple sweet potato, ube, and blueberry purée all provide beautiful natural color.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes. Frozen blueberries can be blended into a purée or folded directly into the batter.
Why are my pancakes not very purple?
Natural ingredients can produce softer shades. A few drops of purple food coloring can create a brighter color if desired.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Can I freeze Purple Pancakes?
Absolutely. They freeze well for up to 2 months.
How do I keep the pancakes fluffy?
Avoid overmixing the batter and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking.
What toppings pair well with Purple Pancakes?
Maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, yogurt, honey, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes all pair beautifully.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to cook the batter shortly after mixing, although it can rest in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours.
Are Purple Pancakes suitable for kids?
Yes. Their colorful appearance makes them especially fun and appealing for children.
Conclusion
Purple Pancakes are a fun, colorful twist on a breakfast classic. Whether made with naturally purple ingredients or enhanced with a touch of food coloring, these soft and fluffy pancakes are as delicious as they are eye-catching. Perfect for family breakfasts, celebrations, or weekend brunches, they’re sure to brighten up any table.
PrintPurple Pancakes
Purple Pancakes are vibrant, fluffy, and naturally colorful pancakes made with ingredients like purple sweet potatoes, ube, or blueberry purée. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these fun pancakes are soft, flavorful, and sure to brighten any table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Milk
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Mashed purple sweet potato, ube halaya, or blueberry purée
- Purple food coloring (optional)
- Butter or oil, for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the mashed purple sweet potato, ube, or blueberry purée until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add a few drops of purple food coloring if a more vibrant color is desired.
- Heat a lightly greased nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form and the edges begin to set.
- Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use purple sweet potato, ube, or blueberry purée for natural color.
- A few drops of purple food coloring can enhance the color if desired.
- Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking for fluffier pancakes.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a toaster, skillet, microwave, or oven until warmed through.
- Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, yogurt, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg