How to Make a Chocolate Souffle
Impress guests with light and fluffy chocolate desserts that will stand up to scrutiny.
Whether it's Valentine's Day or a regular weeknight dinner, a homemade chocolate souffle will make the meal memorable. A simple chocolate souffle for two doesn't require any special ingredients or equipment, so it's the perfect dessert to whip up on the fly. The next time you want to impress someone special, follow these steps to make a rich and fluffy chocolate souffle for two.
1 Coat Ramekins with Cocoa and Sugar
Prepare two eight-ounce ramekins for the souffles. Coat the inside of each ramekin with butter, then dust with a mixture of cocoa powder and granulated sugar. The butter will prevent the souffles from sticking, while the cocoa powder and sugar will give the soufflé something to grip as it climbs up the walls of the ramekin.
2 Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a small bowl, combine eight ounces of dark chocolate pieces with a half tablespoon of butter and one ounce of heavy cream. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir the ingredients, allowing the residual heat to melt the chocolate pieces as you stir. If the pieces don't completely melt after a few seconds stirring, microwave for 10 more seconds and then stir again.
3 Whisk Yolk into Chocolate
Separate two large eggs. Add the two yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk until a smooth, rich sauce forms.
4 Whip Egg Whites and Sugar
Place the egg whites in a separate large glass or metal bowl, along with 1/8 tsp cream of tartar. Whip the whites until soft peaks form (peaks should droop to one side). Slowly add 1/4 cup granulated sugar to the whites, while whipping, until stiff, glossy peaks form (peaks should stand upright).
5 Fold in Chocolate
Add about 1/3 of the chocolate sauce to the whipped egg whites. Gently fold the two together until they are fairly evenly mixed (a few chocolatey ribbons throughout are okay). Repeat the process until all the chocolate has been folded into the egg whites. Be gentle as you fold and avoid stirring or trying to achieve a perfectly smooth mixture.
6 Fill Ramekins
Fill each ramekin 3/4 of the way full. The souffles will expand considerably while cooking, so avoid filling to the top to prevent overflow. Place the filled ramekins on a baking sheet to make it easier to transport them in and out of the oven. For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few chocolate chips or fresh berries on the souffles and push them slightly down into the batter.
7 Bake
Place the ramekins in a preheated 375 degree oven and bake for 15 minutes. As they bake, the souffles will rise up and out of the ramekins. As soon as they are removed from the oven, they will deflate slightly and settle into a rich, pillow texture, with a sweet crispy crust.
8 Toppings
Sprinkle with a little powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate syrup before breaking into the sugary crust with a spoon.
9 Serve and Enjoy
With an impressive presentation and warm, rich interior, these souffles are guaranteed to impress!
Looking to go gruyere with your souffle? Check out our guide to making cheesy souffles.