Fluffy Vanilla Soufflé Delight

Fluffy Vanilla Soufflé Delight is an elegant and airy dessert that’s lightly sweetened and rich in vanilla flavor. Its soft, cloud-like texture melts in your mouth, making it a perfect end to any meal. This classic French-inspired dessert is surprisingly simple to make and absolutely stunning to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its lightness and pure vanilla flavor. Despite its fancy appearance, it’s made with just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s an impressive yet approachable dessert that’s ideal for dinner parties, special occasions, or whenever you want something a little extraordinary.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Whole milk
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs (separated into yolks and whites)
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • Butter (for greasing ramekins)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter the inside of your ramekins thoroughly and dust with granulated sugar.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until just warm; do not boil.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, flour, cornstarch, and a bit of sugar until smooth.
  4. Slowly pour the warm milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to combine.
  5. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a smooth custard.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the remaining sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  8. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the custard base in three additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
  9. Spoon the mixture into the prepared ramekins, smoothing the tops.
  10. Run your thumb around the inside edge of each ramekin to help the soufflés rise evenly.
  11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the soufflés have risen and are golden on top.
  12. Serve immediately, dusted with powdered sugar.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 individual soufflés.
Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and baking time is approximately 12-15 minutes.

Variations

  • Add a splash of Grand Marnier or another liqueur for an adult twist.
  • Incorporate a touch of lemon or orange zest for a citrusy note.
  • Substitute vanilla with almond or coconut extract for different flavor profiles.
  • Add a small spoonful of fruit preserves at the center before baking for a surprise filling.
  • Serve with a fresh berry compote or chocolate sauce for added indulgence.

storage/reheating

Soufflés are best enjoyed immediately after baking, as they begin to deflate quickly. However, if you must store them, keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that reheating will not restore their original fluffiness, but you can gently warm them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

What causes a soufflé to rise?

The whipped egg whites create tiny air bubbles that expand during baking, causing the soufflé to rise.

How do I prevent my soufflé from collapsing?

Serve immediately after baking and avoid opening the oven door while baking.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake soufflés immediately after preparing the batter for optimal rise and texture.

Can I use a different flavor instead of vanilla?

Yes, you can substitute with almond extract, citrus zest, or even cocoa powder for variety.

What type of ramekins should I use?

Use straight-sided ramekins, about 6 ounces in capacity, to help the soufflé rise uniformly.

Why is my soufflé not rising properly?

Possible causes include overmixing the batter or not whipping the egg whites to the correct stiffness.

Can I freeze soufflé batter?

No, freezing affects the structure of the egg whites and will prevent a proper rise.

What is the best way to serve a soufflé?

Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately, optionally with a sauce like crème anglaise or chocolate ganache.

Can I make a dairy-free version?

Yes, substitute plant-based milk and butter alternatives, but results may vary slightly.

Is it normal for a soufflé to deflate a little after baking?

Yes, soufflés naturally begin to deflate once removed from the oven, but they should retain a light and airy texture.

Conclusion

Fluffy Vanilla Soufflé Delight is a show-stopping dessert that combines simplicity and sophistication. With its light, airy texture and pure vanilla flavor, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your craving for something special. Serve it fresh from the oven for the ultimate experience!

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Fluffy Vanilla Soufflé Delight

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Fluffy Vanilla Soufflé Delight is a light and airy dessert with a rich vanilla flavor, perfect for an elegant finish to any meal.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for dusting the ramekins)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for egg whites)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter and coat with granulated sugar, tapping out the excess.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth and thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Allow to cool slightly, then whisk in the egg yolks one at a time until fully incorporated.
  4. In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
  5. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  6. Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it, then carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until no streaks remain.
  7. Spoon the mixture into the prepared ramekins, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
  8. Run your thumb around the inside edge of each ramekin to help the soufflés rise evenly.
  9. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until puffed and golden.
  10. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Serve the soufflés right out of the oven for the best presentation.
  • Be gentle when folding the egg whites to maintain the batter’s lightness.
  • Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or orange for a twist.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 soufflé
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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