Description
This classic vanilla soufflé is light, airy, and packed with rich vanilla flavor. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in an elegant homemade treat, this French dessert rises beautifully with the right technique.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sugar, divided
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 egg whites
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing ramekins)
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Prepare the Ramekins: Grease each ramekin with butter and coat with a light dusting of sugar. This helps the soufflé rise evenly.
Heat the Milk & Vanilla: In a saucepan, heat the milk with vanilla seeds or extract over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat.
Make the Base: In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, half the sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add the warm milk while whisking continuously.
Cook the Mixture: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat on low, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Beat the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites using an electric mixer. Gradually add the remaining sugar while beating until stiff peaks form.
Fold the Egg Whites: Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the base to lighten it. Carefully fold in the remaining whites, maintaining as much air as possible.
Fill the Ramekins: Spoon the mixture into the prepared ramekins, filling almost to the top. Smooth the surface and run a thumb around the edges for an even rise.
Bake the Soufflés: Place the ramekins on a preheated baking tray in a 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden.
Serve Immediately: Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately, as soufflés begin to deflate within minutes.
Notes
Avoid opening the oven while baking to prevent collapsing.
Use room temperature eggs for better whipping.
Experiment with flavors by adding citrus zest, espresso powder, or liqueurs.
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: ~180
- Sugar: ~18g
- Fat: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~24g
- Protein: ~6g
Keywords: vanilla soufflé, classic French dessert, easy soufflé recipe, baking