You've ordered your first pouch of ube powder and you're wondering where to start? Ube Powder is an extraordinarily versatile ingredient: it colors, it lightly perfumes, and it fits almost anywhere. At Ubedia we work with the Kinampay variety from the Visayas in the Philippines — a delicately vanilla-scented purple yam, dried and milled with no additives. This article brings together 12 simple, tested ways to use Ube Powder day to day, from breakfast to dessert, taking in hot drinks and savory recipes along the way. You don't need to be a pastry chef or keep a cupboard of rare ingredients: most of these ideas call for basic products and a teaspoon of powder. Our goal: that your pouch of Ube Powder empties fast, in the best possible way.
The ground rules for using Ube Powder
Before the ideas, a few useful principles. Ube Powder prefers moderate temperatures: avoid a long boil so the color holds. It dissolves best in a hot (but not scalding) liquid after a light whisking. As a rule, count one teaspoon for a latte, one tablespoon for two pancakes, two tablespoons for a family-sized cake. For a precise per-recipe dosage guide, see our dedicated dosage article. The powder can be added to any liquid, batter, mousse or cream. Now, our 12 ideas.
1. The ube latte, hot or iced
The great classic. One teaspoon of Ube Powder dissolved in a little hot water, topped up with plant-based or dairy milk and a touch of maple syrup or honey. For the iced version, blend it all with ice. The vanilla version gives an even rounder, more indulgent result. Full recipe in our dedicated ube latte guide.
2. Purple morning porridge
Cook your oats in plant-based milk, add a teaspoon of Ube Powder at the end of cooking and a little maple syrup, then top with banana, nuts and chia seeds. A breakfast that breaks up the routine and puts you in a good mood.
3. Purple pancakes
Fold two tablespoons of Ube Powder into your usual pancake batter, for around 6 to 8 pancakes. The color comes out as they cook and the texture stays soft. Find our full ube pancake recipe.
4. The purple smoothie
Banana, plant-based milk, ice, one teaspoon of Ube Powder, a little honey. Blend. Done. For more elaborate versions with mango or coconut, see our collection of 5 purple smoothies.
5. Yogurt, dusted or stirred through
On plain yogurt or in Greek yogurt, dust or stir in a teaspoon of Ube Powder with a drizzle of honey. A quick snack — pretty and satisfying. Add berries, granola or coconut flakes if you like.
6. Purple cookies
Add two tablespoons of Ube Powder to your classic cookie dough. The cookies keep their crunch while taking on a superb pastel color. Even better with white chocolate chips, which contrast beautifully.
7. A soft ube cake
A loaf or plain cake with three tablespoons of Ube Powder gives an impressive lavender-purple crumb. Topped with a cream cheese frosting, it's a showstopper for dessert. Full recipe in our ube cake guide.
8. No-bake cheesecake
Cream cheese, whipped cream, a little sugar, two tablespoons of Ube Powder: blend, pour over a biscuit base and let it set in the fridge. Stunning. See our no-bake ube cheesecake recipe.
9. Homemade purple ice cream
In a no-churn base of cream and sweetened condensed milk, fold in three tablespoons of Ube Powder. You get a silky, colorful ice cream, perfect for summer. The coconut version adds a tropical note.
10. Purple rice pudding
At the end of cooking a classic rice pudding, add one tablespoon of Ube Powder. The color spreads through and ube's vanilla-like taste pairs perfectly with rice pudding. A winter dessert that will surprise your guests.
11. Purple mochi
For fans of Asian baking, add Ube Powder to your glutinous rice flour mochi mixture. The dough turns purple and the result is spectacular.
12. Purple whipped cream or mousse
Whip very cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and one teaspoon of Ube Powder. The cream takes on a lavender shade and a delicate aroma. Perfect alongside a fruit tart or on top of a hot chocolate.
Bonus: a few savory ideas
Ube powder can surprise you in savory cooking too. Add a touch to hummus (mauve color guaranteed), to a homemade mash (a change from the classic potato), or to homemade gnocchi. It's still a rare use in France but well worth exploring.
Storage and good habits
To preserve the beautiful purple color and the aromas of your powder, always reseal the pouch and store it away from light and moisture. Our detailed storage guide has all the tips.
Where to buy Ube Powder
To try these 12 ideas, choose a quality powder with no additives. At Ubedia, our plain Ube Powder 100 g is the perfect size to start with. Want to try the flavored versions? Explore our shop and treat yourself to cherry, mango, coconut, vanilla or hazelnut. Happy purple cooking.
Going further
Before you dive in, browse our Ube Powder buyer's guide to choose the right size. You can also fine-tune the dosages and look after the storage of your powder. Ready to cook purple? The Ube Powder 200 g is our most versatile size.
