Taro Pancakes: An Easy Fusion of Tradition and Modern Taste

Last Updated on March 5, 2025 by Simon

When you think of pancakes, your mind likely wanders to the classic golden-brown, buttery stacks drenched in syrup. But have you ever considered giving your pancakes a new twist? Introducing Taro Flavored pancake recipe – a delightful variation that adds a sweet, earthy flavor and a touch of color to your morning routine. This pancake recipe is a true game-changer, combining the beloved fluffiness of traditional pancakes with the unique taste of taro root.

Taro is a starchy root vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisine, and it brings a subtle nutty flavor to the table. Its natural sweetness and vibrant lavender-pink hue make it the perfect ingredient to elevate the humble pancake. Whether you’re looking for a unique brunch option, a comforting breakfast, or a dessert alternative, these taro pancakes are the perfect choice.

The flavor profile of taro pancakes is subtly sweet with a creamy texture. The taro adds depth without overpowering the other flavors. When paired with maple syrup or even a sprinkle of coconut flakes, these pancakes become a delightful treat. The earthiness of the taro balances the sweetness, creating a pancake experience unlike any other.

Not only are these pancakes a unique twist on the classic, but they are also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a breakfast staple, serve them as a part of a festive brunch spread, or even enjoy them as a dessert when drizzled with condensed milk or topped with fruits. They’re easy to prepare, and their vibrant color will make them a hit at any table.

Why The Taro Flavored Pancake Recipe Works

Taro-flavored pancakes stand out for several reasons. First, the addition of taro root gives them a creamy texture and a natural sweetness that complements the traditional pancake batter. Taro also contains high levels of fiber and antioxidants, which adds a nutritious touch to your breakfast.

What sets this recipe apart from other pancake variations is its cultural significance. Taro is a popular ingredient in many Asian countries, particularly in Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. By using taro, you’re not only experimenting with a new flavor but also embracing a centuries-old ingredient that has been a staple in many households around the world.

The pancake batter for this recipe is simple to make, using standard ingredients like flour, milk, eggs, and sugar. The magic happens when you blend in cooked taro root, giving the pancakes their unique flavor and color. The addition of a pinch of salt enhances the taro’s natural sweetness and brings out the depth of flavor, making each bite a balanced experience.

Customization is another strength of this recipe. You can modify it to fit various dietary preferences. For instance, if you’re looking to make it gluten free, simply swap out the all purpose flour with a gluten free alternative like rice flour or almond flour. You can also make it dairy free by substituting the milk with almond milk or coconut milk. For those who prefer a more savory pancake, you can reduce the amount of sugar and pair the pancakes with savory toppings like avocado or egg.

Finally, the vibrant color of these pancakes makes them a visual treat. The lavender hue of the taro blends beautifully with the golden brown of the pancake, making for a stunning presentation. Whether you’re serving them to guests or enjoying them on your own, these pancakes will definitely stand out.

Ingredients Breakdown of Taro Flavored Pancake Recipe

• 1 medium taro root (about 1 cup of cooked taro puree)
  Taro root is the key ingredient in this recipe. It has a starchy, slightly sweet flavor with earthy undertones. Be sure to cook the taro before adding it to the batter. You can steam or boil it until it’s soft enough to mash. It should be completely cooked before blending to avoid any unpleasant texture.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  This is the base for the pancake batter. All-purpose flour gives the pancakes their soft and fluffy texture. If you prefer gluten-free pancakes, substitute with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
• 2 tablespoons sugar
  A little sweetness goes a long way in this recipe. The sugar balances the slight bitterness of the taro and complements the earthy flavor. You can adjust the amount of sugar based on how sweet you want your pancakes.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
  Baking powder is what makes your pancakes light and fluffy. Don’t skip this ingredient, it helps the pancakes rise as they cook.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the pancakes and helps bring out the natural sweetness of the taro root.
• 1 large egg
  The egg acts as a binder in the batter, giving the pancakes structure and helping them hold together while cooking.
• 3/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  Milk gives the pancakes a creamy consistency. You can use regular dairy milk or plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, depending on your dietary preference.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
  Butter adds richness to the pancake batter and contributes to that perfect golden-brown finish on each pancake. You can substitute with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Vanilla adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs well with the sweet, earthy taste of the taro.
• 1 tablespoon shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
  For a tropical twist, sprinkle some shredded coconut on top of your pancakes. It adds texture and enhances the overall flavor experience.

Step by Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Taro Purée: If using fresh taro, boil ½ cup of diced taro root for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain, mash until smooth, and set aside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the taro purée, mixing until fully incorporated. If desired, add taro extract for a more intense flavor.
4. Prepare the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, some lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
5. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, syrup, or whipped cream for the perfect finish.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Taro for Better Texture
   Fresh taro yields the best results. While you can find frozen taro, the texture may not be as smooth, which could affect the overall texture of your pancakes. If using frozen taro, be sure to fully thaw it and drain any excess water.
2. Adjust the Sweetness to Taste
   The sweetness of taro varies depending on the source and freshness, so feel free to adjust the sugar level in the batter. Start with the recommended 2 tablespoons, and taste the batter before cooking. You can always add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter pancake.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter
   Overmixing pancake batter can result in dense pancakes. Stir the ingredients until they’re just combined, and remember that it’s okay to have a few lumps in the batter. Gentle mixing ensures the pancakes stay light and fluffy.
4. Cook Over Medium Heat
   It’s tempting to cook pancakes over high heat to speed up the process, but cooking over medium heat ensures even cooking without burning the outside. A well-heated griddle will give you golden-brown pancakes every time.

Variants of the Taro Flavored Pancake Recipe

One of the most exciting aspects of this Taro flavored pancake recipe is its versatility. While the traditional recipe is delicious as is, there are several ways you can customize it to fit your taste, dietary preferences, or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few variants to consider:

Vegan Taro Pancakes

For those following a plant-based diet, this recipe is easily adaptable. Simply swap the egg and dairy milk with vegan alternatives to make a delicious vegan taro pancake.

Gluten-Free Taro Pancakes

If you’re sensitive to gluten, you can easily turn this recipe into a gluten-free version without sacrificing the pancake’s texture or flavor.

Taro and Coconut Pancakes

For an even more tropical twist, add some shredded coconut directly into the pancake batter. Coconut complements the creamy texture of the taro, adding a sweet, nutty flavor that elevates the dish. You can also top your pancakes with toasted coconut flakes for an added crunch.

Savory Taro Flavored Pancake

If you’re in the mood for something savory, try creating savory taro pancakes by incorporating green onions, sesame oil, and soy sauce into the batter. These pancakes would make a wonderful side dish to a protein-based meal or a great savory breakfast option.

Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve made your delicious taro pancakes, it’s time to consider how to serve them. These pancakes can be a versatile addition to your breakfast or brunch spread, and there are plenty of ways to elevate their presentation and flavor profile.

1. Tropical Toppings: As mentioned earlier, shredded coconut, fresh mango, or passion fruit make excellent tropical additions to taro pancakes. Consider a fresh fruit salad on the side to bring even more color and vibrancy to your meal.
2. Maple Syrup and Butter: For the traditional pancake experience, drizzle a generous amount of maple syrup on top and finish with a pat of butter. The richness of the syrup perfectly complements the subtle sweetness of the taro pancakes.
3. Yogurt or Whipped Cream: For a creamy topping, serve your pancakes with a dollop of Greek yogurt or homemade whipped cream. You can also add a sprinkle of granola for some crunch.
4. Ice Cream: If you want to make this a dessert dish, consider serving the pancakes with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. The warm pancakes combined with cold ice cream create a delightful contrast that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
5. Side Dishes: Pair these pancakes with savory sides like scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or crispy bacon for a balanced breakfast. For a lighter side, opt for a spinach and avocado salad or a fruit smoothie.

Recipe Card

Taro Flavored Pancake Recipe

Recipe by SimonCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Delightful, fluffy pancakes infused with the rich, earthy flavor of taro—perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)

• 1/2 cup taro puree (see preparation notes for how to make)

• 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)

• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)

• 2 tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free option)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp taro extract (optional, for an extra boost of flavor)

Directions

• Prepare the Taro Puree:
  If you don’t have store-bought taro puree, start by boiling 1/2 cup of diced taro root for about 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and mash until smooth. Set aside.
• Mix the Dry Ingredients:
  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Combine Wet Ingredients:
  In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add in the taro puree and mix until fully incorporated. For extra taro flavor, add the taro extract at this stage.
• Make the Batter:
  Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently to combine. Do not overmix—it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.
• Cook the Pancakes:
  Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter.
• Serve:
  Serve the pancakes hot with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, syrup, or whipped cream.

Notes

• Taro Puree: You can either use fresh taro root (boiled and mashed) or canned taro puree, which can be found in some Asian grocery stores.
• Storage: Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
• Vegan Adaptations: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based milk and butter for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly version.

FAQs about Taro Flavored Pancake Recipe

Final Thoughts

Taro flavored pancake recipe is a delightful and creative twist on the traditional pancake breakfast. The unique flavor of taro, combined with the fluffiness of the pancakes, creates a breakfast dish that is comforting. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, these pancakes will definitely impress your guests.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to experiment with the different variants to make it your own. From vegan versions to savory twists, the possibilities are endless. And when you do try it, we’d love to hear how it turned out!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out other unique dessert recipe, like our French Jelly Beignets, for more inspiration.