Light and fluffy, rich and decadent, this easy Chocolate Souffle Recipe is the perfect special occasion dessert made in 30 minutes. Ultra chocolaty with a creamy milk chocolate center, this fancy dessert is a lot less difficult than you think....
Just don't tell people that it's actually pretty darn easy to make. If you're looking for something special to do for Valentines Day, this easy chocolate souffle recipe is it!
And it's definitely not reserved for Valentines Day. Think birthdays, anniversaries, getting out of trouble, getting into trouble, or my personal favorite...wait for it...Netflix binges. You guys knew I would go there.
Plus it's super awesome that you can make them in advance, freeze them and then cook them straight from the freezer when ready! That's my favorite part.
If you're a chocolate lover or know someone who is, try these easy Homemade Dark Chocolate Truffles or these Mexican Chocolate Shortbread Cookies.
Jump to:
- What Exactly is a Souffle?
- What is The Difference Between a Souffle and a Lava Cake?
- Why This Recipe Works
- The Ingredients
- Step By Step Instructions
- Cook's Tips
- How Do You Know When Souffle is Done?
- Why Did My Souffle Fall?
- Can This Souffle be Prepared in Advance?
- Tools Used
- More Souffles From Went Here 8 This:
- Recipe
- 💬 Comments
What Exactly is a Souffle?
A souffle is a dish made with eggs that puffs up when you cook it to become light and airy. They can be either sweet or savory. For a fun savory souffle, check out this Roasted Asparagus and Gruyere Souffle recipe.
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What is The Difference Between a Souffle and a Lava Cake?
It's all based on consistency. A chocolate souffle is light and fluffy in the middle due to the whipped egg whites, while a lava cake has a molten chocolate center. The cake in a lava cake tends to have a richer, denser texture than a souffle.
Why This Recipe Works
Using a high quality chocolate results in a rich, decadent flavor.
Whipping the egg whites to the proper consistency results in a light, airy souffle when baked.
Gently folding the egg whites into the chocolate batter helps keep the souffle light and fluffy when baked.
Placing a little piece of milk chocolate in the center of the souffle makes for an extra decadent and delicious souffle.
The Ingredients
You really want to use the best, richest chocolate you can find for the best results. Always use dark, unsweetened chocolate. The egg whites will lighten up the chocolate flavor, and the sugar adds the perfect sweetness.
To enable the egg whites to whip properly, use room temperature whites. The cream of tartar also help the egg whites get the right consistency.
Step By Step Instructions
Start by pre-heating the oven to 400F degrees. Generously butter 6 ramekins and sprinkle with granulated sugar. This prevents the batter from sticking to the ramekins to allow the souffle to rise up above the edges.
Add milk and cornstarch in a saucepan and whisk over medium heat until brought to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, until thick, about 1 minute. Pour over chocolate pieces.
Whisk it until the chocolate has all melted.
Whisk the egg yolks, whipping cream and vanilla extract into the chocolate mixture.
Using a hand or a stand mixer, beat the egg whites until they become frothy. Add the cream of tartar. Add the sugar, a little at a time while beating, until stiff glossy peaks form.
It is important your egg whites reach the right consistency for your soufflé to come out fluffy. The key to this light, airy souffle is ensuring your egg whites are beaten to glossy peaks. If your egg whites are not peaking, your souffle will not have the right consistency.
Gently fold in the egg whites - be careful not to overmix or your souffle will not rise properly. The batter should be light and fluffy and still full of the air bubbles from the egg whites.
Fill each ramekin halfway full with the batter. Add a piece of the milk chocolate in the center of each (this step is optional but I love it). Top them off with the remaining batter.
Place the ramekins on a baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven and and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the souffle rises. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to account for any uneven oven temperatures.
Insert a toothpick to determine doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean it is done. If not, bake another couple minutes and test again.
Dust with a little powdered sugar and serve immediately. The souffle will start to fall after about 5 minutes.
Cook's Tips
Always generously grease the ramekins before adding your batter. If the ramekins are not greased, the batter may stick to the edges and not rise as intended when baking.
It is important your egg whites reach the right consistency for your soufflé to come out fluffy. The key to this light, airy souffle is ensuring your egg whites are beaten to glossy peaks.
For a super clean look, run a knife edge across the top of the ramekin to smooth the batter. I like my souffle to have a slightly messier "rustic" look, so I skip this part.
Be sure to fold in the egg whites very gently. Over mixing can cause your souffle to deflate quickly or not rise at all.
Always bake souffles on the bottom rack of the oven.
How Do You Know When Souffle is Done?
The easiest way to check doneness is to stick a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean it is done. If there is still batter on it, it needs to be cooked longer.
If it still has batter on it, you may need to cook it another 2-3 minutes. In addition, typically a souffle will have risen about 1-2" above the edges of the souffle dish/ramekin when it's done.
Why Did My Souffle Fall?
The air bubbles in the souffle are what cause it to rise in a hot oven. Think like a hot air balloon. Once the souffle starts to cool, it will inevitably fall. Souffles are best served immediately.
Not getting the right consistency for your egg whites can also cause your souffle to not rise correctly, as well as over-mixing the souffle batter. See recipe notes for suggestions on making the best souffle.
Can This Souffle be Prepared in Advance?
To make recipe in advance, make the batter and pour into the greased ramekins per the recipe instructions. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to one day.
Let the souffles sit at room temperature for about 1 hour before baking if possible. Bake according to the recipe instructions.
You can also freeze the chocolate souffles for up to one month. Make the batter and pour into the greased ramekins. Wrap tight with plastic wrap then foil and place directly in the freezer.
Can be baked directly from frozen. Bake the frozen souffles in a 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.
Tools Used
- 6 Ramekins
- Hand mixer - this is my favorite hand mixer! I got it as a gift and just love it.
- Silicon spatula
- Glass mixing bowls
More Souffles From Went Here 8 This:
Meyer Lemon Souffle with Raspberry Sauce
Pumpkin Spice Souffle
Roasted Asparagus and Gruyere Souffle
Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
Did you make this Chocolate Souffle? Follow me on Instagram, post a photo and tag @wenthere8this or #wenthere8this. I love to see what you’re making!
Recipe
Easy Chocolate Souffle Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature
- â…“ cup granulated sugar, plus additional for ramekins
- 3 egg whites, room temperature
- 3 egg yolks, room temperature
- â…› tsp. cream of tartar
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- 5 ½ oz. unsweetened dark chocolate, broken into small pieces
- â…” cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- â…“ cup heavy whipping cream,
- 6 small pieces of milk chocolate
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
Instructions
- Start by pre-heating the oven to 400F degrees. Generously butter 6 ramekins and sprinkle with granulated sugar. This prevents the batter from sticking to the ramekins to allow the souffle to rise up above the edges.
- Add milk and cornstarch in a saucepan and whisk over medium heat until brought to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, until thick, about 1 minute. Pour over chocolate pieces and stir until chocolate is fully melted.
- Combine the egg yolks, whipping cream and vanilla extract in a bowl and whisk. Slowly mix the egg yolk mixture into the chocolate mixture and set aside.Â
- Using a hand or a stand mixer, beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until they become frothy. Add the cream of tartar. Add the sugar, a little at a time while beating, until stiff glossy peaks form. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Gently fold in the egg whites, being sure not to over mix. The batter should be light and fluffy and still full of the air bubbles from the egg whites.
- Fill each ramekin halfway full with the batter. Add a piece of the milk chocolate in the center of each (this step is optional but I love it). Top them off with the remaining batter.
- Place the ramekins on a baking sheet on the bottom rack and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the souffle rises and a toothpick comes out clean. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to account for any uneven oven temperatures.
- Dust with a little powdered sugar and serve immediately. The souffle will start to fall after about 5 minutes.
Expert Tips:
- Read through the recipe before starting so you can move smoothly from the chocolate base to the whipped egg whites.
- Make sure your egg whites are in a clean bowl and beat them until they form stiff, glossy peaks.
- Add the sugar gradually while beating the whites, rather than dumping it all in at once.
- Fold the whites gently into the chocolate mixture to preserve the airy texture.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking, as directed in the recipe card, to help account for uneven oven temperatures.
- Have your serving plates and powdered sugar ready before the soufflés come out of the oven.
Maura W says
This was delicious! Fairly easy to make. Really need to stay on the beating of the egg whites! It took a good 25 minutes or so and I ended up adding a couple shakes more of cream of tarter to get it to match your helpful picture. I didn't have any milk chocolate so put in a couple dark chocolate chips. I can imagine the milk chocolate would be extra special! Thanks for sharing!
Danielle says
So glad you enjoyed it! The egg whites sometimes depend on heat, humidity, elevation, etc, so sometimes take a little longer 🙂
Helene Goldnadel says
Making this chocolate souffle will have my friends and family believe me that I am a master chef.
Danielle says
It totally will 🙂
Stephanie says
I love chocolate souffle - and it's so easy to make! I'll definitely have to try this one out over the weekend.
Danielle says
Hope you love it Stephanie!
Maman de sara says
I love chocolate soufflé and I make it often. Yours looks delicious!
Danielle says
Thanks so much 🙂
Jacqueline Debono says
This chocolate souffle looks amazing! I want to surprise my hubby with it the next time we have a special dinner!
Danielle says
Thanks Jacqueline!
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
This looks so rich and beautiful! I love chocolate and this looks like a perfect treat for a special occasion!
Danielle says
Thanks Ashley!
Mimi says
THE souffle of all souffles! Incredible looks, fantastic flavor and so fun to make! It will be great for the next time to celebrate a special day and a perfect dessert to enjoy on any day of the week!
Danielle says
Thanks so much Mimi!!
April says
I agree - it feels like a fantastic recipe to make that is not difficult at all. But that flavor... that smell! Everything should be so good about it that there is hardly anyone who can say NO to it. Definitely my type of yum.
Danielle says
Right? I just love the smell of baking chocolate - so yummy!
Eileen Kelly says
A fantastic dessert for any day! The souffle is absolutely gorgeous! I have not made many and your instructions are so helpful! I will be making this recipe with my niece, she is my junior baker!
Danielle says
Thanks so much Eileen! I hope you guys enjoy it!
Lathiya says
This is such a gorgeous souffle..It's so tempting. Thank you for sharing all the details to make a good souffle.I loved you ramekins
Danielle says
Thanks so much Lathiya!
Stine Mari says
I love chocolate soufflé, perfect for Valentine's Day! I appreciate all your tips for making this a fool proof recipe.
Danielle says
Thanks Stine!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
This looks like the perfect fancy dessert for that special someone on Valentine's Day. I know my kids would be so happy to find this treat after dinner!
Danielle says
Right? Thanks Karen!
Dannii says
This is always our go-to dessert for a diner party. Pretty easy to make once you master it.
Danielle says
Right? And everyone is always impressed!
Luci says
This recipe really is easy to do. I never made souffle before because I was too intimidated.
Danielle says
It's def not as hard as it seems!
Valentina says
Beautiful! This looks so incredibly decadent and rich and really . . . perfect! Gorgeous photos, as always. Happy Valentine's Day! 🙂
Danielle says
Thanks so much Valentina! Happy V-day to you too 🙂
Tilly says
The batter looks so rich and creamy. I'm not sharing any of this!
Danielle says
I don't blame you!!
Tammy says
Ahh who doesn't love chocolate souffle?! I've never made one before but I love them...yours looks delightful! <3
Danielle says
Right? Thanks Tammy!
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
Perfect timing for Valentine's Day! I love the tip to add a little extra chocolate to the middle of the dessert. I can't wait to give these a try for Thursday!
Danielle says
Hope you love them Ashley!
Mahy Elamin says
This recipe was perfection! My soufflé rose and was light and rich! I will make this again. GREAT recipe and super tips for success!
Thankyou!!!!
Danielle says
So glad you enjoyed it Mahy!
Emmeline says
Mmm this looks yummy!! I've been wanting to try my hands at a souffle for some time now, but been a bit scared by all the fails on Masterchef 😉 You make it look so easy though so now I might just dare try it!!
Danielle says
I find even if it falls it still tastes good too LOL!
Byron Thomas says
You had me a chocolate! I'm always nervous about making souffles, but you've made this one just way to easy to pass up. And, the fact that I can make them ahead and freeze them means they're already a winner in my books! Thank you!!
Danielle says
Right? Making them ahead is so convenient!
Gloria says
Souffles always look so fancy. Perfect for entertaining with. What a great way to impress you dinner guests.
Danielle says
Definitely! Perfect for entertaining.
Kelly Anthony says
I've never attempted to make a souffle but your easy to follow directions have given me the confidence to give this a try. My husband will be impressed for sure!
Danielle says
I hope you give it a shot Kelly!!
Amanda says
We're planning on having a nice night in and cooking for Valentine's Day, so this soufflé looks absolutely perfect! Can't wait to make this and thanks for sharing such a perfectly decadent recipe for the holiday!
Danielle says
I much prefer to have a night in for valentine's day! Hope you guys enjoy this 🙂
Helen of Fuss Free Flavours says
All that chocolately gooeyness, it looks divine. Souffles have such a reputation for being difficult to make, and yet they are so easy. A perfect pudding for the love of your life.
Danielle says
Totally! Thanks Helen 🙂
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
You have really set the bar high for me this Valentine's Day -- but I'm up for the challenge because I definitely want to dip my spoon into this luscious chocolate souffle. It looks perfect.
Danielle says
LOL! Thanks so much Lisa - they really are pretty easy to make 🙂
Noelle says
This looks delicious! Can't wait to try
Danielle says
Thanks Noelle - hope you love them!
Zainab says
These souffles were light, fluffy, and just what I needed when craving something chocolatey!
Danielle says
Thanks Zainab!
Natalie says
I love chocolate souffle! Looks so delicious and perfect for Valentine's day ♥
Danielle says
Thanks Natalie!
danielle says
Oh my - totally trying this!
Danielle says
Hope you love it 🙂
Ann Sivels says
Spot on with this write-up, I really think this web site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the info!
Kitty says
The first time I made a souffle I was about 14. It was a cheese souffle that I made for my parents. I remember it was a special occasion, Valentines day or maybe their anniversary... that was also the only time I've made a souffle. Maybe I'll try it again. Thanks for the tips!
Danielle@wenthere8this says
Cheese souffle is delicious, I'll bet your parents were so happy! If you try it I'd love to hear how it turns out.
Kathy says
I'm making this, looks so good!
Danielle@wenthere8this says
It's a great recipe, and it is not hard to make. Just make sure your egg whites are beaten right, and it should turn out great!