Romantic Chocolate Soufflé Delight (Print Page)
An airy chocolate dessert with a molten center, perfect for sharing on romantic occasions.
# What You Need:
→ Chocolate Base
01 - 2.1 oz bittersweet chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), chopped
02 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
03 - 1 tbsp heavy cream
→ Soufflé Mixture
04 - 2 large eggs, separated
05 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
06 - 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt
→ For Coating
08 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Generously butter two 8-ounce ramekins and dust with granulated sugar, tapping out the excess.
02 - Set a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Melt the chocolate, 1 tbsp butter, and heavy cream together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks with vanilla extract until thick. Stir into the cooled chocolate mixture.
04 - In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add 2 tbsp sugar while beating, until stiff, glossy peaks form.
05 - Gently fold one-third of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Then carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until just combined.
06 - Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared ramekins. Run your thumb around the inside edge of each ramekin to help the soufflés rise evenly.
07 - Bake on a baking tray in the center of the oven for 12-15 minutes, until the soufflés have risen and the tops are set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
08 - Serve immediately, dusted with powdered sugar or accompanied by whipped cream if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- When you want dessert to feel like an occasion but only have thirty minutes on a Tuesday night
- The contrast between the airy exterior and that warm, gooey center is pure chocolate magic
02 -
- Opening the oven door during baking causes immediate collapse. Trust the timer and resist the urge to peek.
- Soufflés begin deflating the moment they leave the oven, so have your spoons and plates ready before you start baking.
03 -
- A completely clean bowl and beaters are essential for egg whites to reach proper stiffness. Any trace of fat prevents them from whipping.
- Orange liqueur or espresso added to the chocolate base creates subtle variations that feel sophisticated without being fussy.