The smell of freshly baked waffles always takes me back to my childhood, when my grandma would whip up a batch of her famous Ube Mochi Waffles on lazy Sunday mornings. The vibrant purple hue would instantly captivate me, and the mochi-like texture would melt in my mouth, leaving behind a sweet, earthy flavor that was simply irresistible. Even now, as an adult, I find myself craving those nostalgic flavors, and I’m so excited to share this cherished recipe with you.

Why This Ube Mochi Waffles Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Ube Mochi Waffles

What sets this Ube Mochi Waffles recipe apart is the unique blend of ingredients that creates a truly exceptional flavor and texture. By combining the rich, creamy ube (purple yam) with the chewy, mochi-like mochiko (sweet rice flour), we’ve crafted a waffle that’s not only visually stunning but also bursting with a one-of-a-kind taste and satisfying mouthfeel.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 cup ube puree: The star of the show, ube puree lends its signature purple hue and earthy, sweet flavor to these waffles. It’s a must-have for achieving that iconic ube taste.
  • 1 cup mochiko (sweet rice flour): This special flour is the key to the waffles’ mochi-like texture, providing a delightful chewiness that sets them apart from traditional waffles.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar: The perfect amount of sweetness to balance the ube’s natural flavors and complement the mochiko’s subtle notes.
  • 2 large eggs: Serving as the binder, the eggs help create a light and airy waffle while also contributing to the overall texture.
  • 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter, ensuring the waffles come out perfectly fluffy.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Contributes to the waffles’ tender and indulgent mouthfeel.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: The secret to achieving those irresistible crispy edges and light, fluffy centers.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural sweetness and balances the flavors.

Step-by-Step Ube Mochi Waffles Instructions

Preparing Your Ube Mochi Waffles

With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, these Ube Mochi Waffles come together quickly, making them the perfect weekend breakfast or brunch treat. You’ll need a waffle iron, a mixing bowl, and a few simple kitchen tools to get started.

1- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ube puree, mochiko, granulated sugar, and baking powder until well combined. This dry mixture will serve as the foundation for your fluffy waffles.
2- Next, crack the eggs into the bowl and gently whisk them in, ensuring the batter is smooth and free of any lumps. Gradually pour in the milk and melted butter, continuing to whisk until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease the plates to prevent sticking. Once the iron is hot, scoop the batter onto the center of the plates, using about 1/2 cup per waffle.
4- Close the lid and let the waffles cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The vibrant purple hue will shine through, and the aroma of the ube and mochi will fill your kitchen.
5- Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. This will help them maintain their perfect texture.
6- Serve your Ube Mochi Waffles hot, garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or your favorite toppings. Indulge in the heavenly combination of ube, mochi, and the crispiness of the waffle.

Pro Tips for Success

  1. For the best texture, be sure not to overmix the batter. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.
  2. Letting the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking allows the mochiko to fully hydrate, resulting in a more tender and cohesive waffle.
  3. Adjust the cooking time on your waffle iron based on its specific model. Some may require a bit more or less time to achieve the perfect golden-brown color and crispy edges.
  4. If you’d like to add a bit of extra flavor, consider folding in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cinnamon to the batter.

Serving and Storing Your Ube Mochi Waffles

Perfect Pairings for Ube Mochi Waffles

These Ube Mochi Waffles, which yield 6 servings, are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. For a classic pairing, top them with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent breakfast or dessert. To balance the sweetness, serve them alongside a fresh tropical fruit salad or a cup of strong, bold coffee.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Leftover Ube Mochi Waffles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or oven at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through and crispy. For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the waffles. Let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the frozen waffles in the toaster or oven until hot and crispy.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ube Mochi Waffles

Creative Ube Mochi Waffles Variations

  • Ube Mochi Waffle Sandwiches: Stuff your waffles with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of ube halaya (purple yam jam) for a delightful twist.
  • Ube Mochi Waffle Sundae: Top your waffles with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a tropical indulgence.
  • Ube Mochi Waffle Bites: Cut the waffles into bite-sized pieces and serve them as a fun, shareable appetizer or snack.

Making Ube Mochi Waffles Diet-Friendly

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the mochiko with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. To make these waffles vegan, replace the eggs with flax or chia eggs, the milk with a plant-based milk of your choice, and the butter with a vegan butter substitute. For a low-carb twist, you can experiment with using a combination of almond flour and coconut flour in place of the mochiko.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen ube puree instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen ube puree works perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely before incorporating it into the batter.

Q: How can I adjust the recipe if I only have 20 minutes total?
A: No problem! To make these Ube Mochi Waffles in 20 minutes, you can prepare the batter in advance and let it rest for 10 minutes before cooking. This will help the mochiko fully hydrate, resulting in a tender waffle. Then, simply cook the waffles in batches, spending about 5 minutes per batch.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the batter up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good stir before cooking, as the mochiko may settle a bit. This makes for a super quick and easy breakfast or brunch!

Q: How many waffles does this recipe yield?
A: This recipe makes 6 servings of Ube Mochi Waffles. Depending on the size of your waffle iron, you may get anywhere from 6 to 8 waffles total.

Q: My waffles came out a bit dense. What could have gone wrong?
A: If your waffles turned out dense, it’s likely that the batter was overmixed. Be sure to gently fold the ingredients together until just combined, and let the batter rest before cooking. This will help develop the perfect airy and tender texture.

Conclusion

These Ube Mochi Waffles are a true delight, combining the vibrant color and earthy sweetness of ube with the chewy, mochi-like texture of the mochiko flour. Whether you’re serving them for a leisurely weekend brunch or as a special treat, I’m confident this recipe will become a new family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your waffle iron and get ready to indulge in a taste of tropical paradise!