Sweet. Fluffy. Purple. And totally unforgettable.
These ube waffles are soft, crispy on the edges, and have that beautiful natural purple color that just makes breakfast feel a little extra special.
And when you pour over the macapuno syrup—sweet coconut strings in a rich, sticky glaze? Game over. It’s so good.
These come together pretty easily, and they’re a fun twist on the usual waffle morning. Perfect for weekends, brunch with friends, or honestly… a random Tuesday.
What You’ll Need
For the Ube Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 1 tbsp ube extract
For the Macapuno Syrup:
- 1 cup macapuno (sweet coconut strings in syrup)
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp water
- Pinch of salt
Why I Love This Recipe 💜
Okay, this one takes me right back to Sunday mornings in my auntie’s kitchen. That smell of ube in the waffle maker? Instant comfort.
- It’s a fun, colorful twist on classic waffles
- The ube and coconut combo is perfection
- It’s rich and satisfying without being too sweet
- You can freeze extras for later (and they toast up great!)
- That macapuno syrup is something I’d eat with a spoon—no shame
Servings & Time
Servings: 4 large waffles
Prep + Cook Time: 25 minutes
Macros (per serving):
- Calories: 412
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 55g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Ube halaya adds moisture and a creamy texture while boosting flavor
- Ube extract brings out the vibrant color and enhances the yam taste
- Baking powder gives the waffles a nice lift, keeping them light and fluffy
- Macapuno syrup is rich and balances the earthiness of ube with sweet coconut
Meal Plan Ideas
- Weekend Brunch: Pair with bacon and scrambled eggs
- Sweet & Savory: Add a side of fried chicken for a Filipino-style twist
- Dessert: Top with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes
Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix the waffle batter—just stir until combined. Lumps are okay!
- Let the batter sit for 5 minutes so it fluffs up better in the waffle iron.
- Use cooking spray or brush oil on the waffle iron to avoid sticking.
- Warm your macapuno syrup gently before serving so it pours easier.
- Freeze leftover waffles between parchment paper for quick reheating.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Waffle maker
- Saucepan
- Spatula or spoon
- Ladle
Substitutions and Variations
- No ube halaya? Use mashed purple sweet potato and up the extract
- Dairy-free? Swap milk for almond milk and butter for coconut oil
- No macapuno? Use regular sweetened coconut and add a bit of cornstarch to thicken
- Want a crunch? Add chopped toasted macadamia nuts to the batter
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix the dry ingredients and store them in a jar ahead of time
- Macapuno syrup can be made 3 days in advance and kept in the fridge
- Cook waffles and freeze—they toast beautifully
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Mix wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, ube halaya, and ube extract until smooth.
3. Combine wet and dry
Pour the wet mix into the dry and stir until just combined.
4. Cook the waffles
Preheat waffle iron, spray with oil, and pour in batter. Cook until crisp and golden.
5. Make macapuno syrup
In a small saucepan, combine macapuno, condensed milk, water, and a pinch of salt. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes until syrupy.
6. Serve
Top waffles with warm macapuno syrup and a few extra coconut strands. Dig in!
Leftovers & Storage
- Store waffles in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months
- Reheat in a toaster or oven for best crispiness
- Macapuno syrup stays good in the fridge for up to 5 days—microwave before serving
Common Mistakes
- Using too much batter in the waffle iron – it overflows!
- Skipping the rest time – letting the batter sit helps it puff
- Using cold syrup – warm it up for the best drizzle
- Overmixing – makes the waffles chewy instead of fluffy
What to Serve With
- Crispy bacon
- Scrambled or fried eggs
- Fried chicken for a sweet-savory twist
- Fresh mango or sliced banana
- Coconut whipped cream
FAQ
What’s ube halaya?
It’s a sweet Filipino purple yam jam—super creamy and flavorful.
Can I use regular syrup?
Sure, but the macapuno syrup really takes it to another level.
Is it super sweet?
Nope—just the right balance. The waffles themselves aren’t too sugary.
Where can I buy ube halaya and macapuno?
Most Asian or Filipino grocery stores carry them, or you can find them online.
You’ve Got This 💜
These ube waffles with macapuno syrup are the perfect way to bring a little joy to the breakfast table. Whether you grew up with ube or are trying it for the first time, I hope this recipe becomes one of your new favorites.
Let me know how it goes in the comments—especially if you made any fun twists. I’d love to hear from you!
