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5 from 2 votes

Chocolate Soufflé​

This light and decadent European dessert claims to be intimidating, but with a few tricks, you'll be able to turn this into a no-fail recipe that you can prepare in advance and impress all your guests. 
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Lori Vaughn

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz dark chocolate*
  • 1 TB cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 3 egg whites
  • ½ tsp cream of tartar
  • cup granulated sugar, + 4 TB for ramekins
  • 1 TB butter, for ramekins

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Grease ramekins by taking 1 TB melted butter and brushing the whole interior and tops (you can also use a paper towel if you don't have a pastry brush). Then dust over the butter with sugar, about 1 TB of sugar per ramekin.
  • Chocolate Base: Melt the chocolate, and set aside.
  • Heat heavy cream on medium-low over the stove, then add cocoa and whisk together well. Set aside.
  • Separate egg yolks and whites. You will have one extra yolk - you can save in the fridge to use later or toss. Add about half of the sugar to the yolks and whisk together to thicken. Then add vanilla and salt, and mix again.
  • Add a drizzle of the hot cream to the egg yolks to temper, or "shock" the eggs. Then add the yolks to the remaining cream and cocoa in the saucepan. Whisk well the entire time to prevent eggs from scrambling.
  • Stir in the melted chocolate to the yolk mixture over low heat until thickened. Set aside to cool.
  • Meringue: While the chocolate cools, make the meringue. Start by using a mixer to beat 3 egg yolks on low until frothy. Then add cream of tartar. Turn speed up to medium and gently add in remaining sugar. Turn up speed to high and beat for about 5 minutes, until stiff peaks form.
  • Take about 1/4 of the meringue and add it to the cooled chocolate base. This will help lighten up the base to make it easier to fold into the rest of the meringue without deflating it.
  • Assembly: Once that portion is mixed together well, add remaining meringue and FOLD (not mix) together.
  • Put the mixture in the 4 small ramekins. Fill till it's almost to the top.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes. Don't open the oven door until time is up. Doing so will cause your souffle to fall.
  • Serve immediately with powdered sugar, ice cream, or freshly whipped cream.

Notes

*I prefer dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao. 
**Souffles are best eaten at time of being baked, but they will last for a few days wrapped or stored in an air tight container. It still taste delicious next day, especially if you heat it right before eating.