Decadent Chocolate Soufflé for Beginners
This delightful chocolate soufflé, inspired by Mark Bittman’s genius, provides a perfect starting point for those venturing into the world of soufflés. Celebrated for its airy texture and rich chocolate flavor, this recipe guides you through each step with ease. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, it yields two individual soufflés or one stunning larger soufflé that is sure to impress friends and family. Whether you’re an aspiring chef or simply looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, this dessert combines the elegance of classic French cuisine with accessibility, making it a must-try!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 tablespoon (for greasing the dish)
Sugar
1/3 cup (plus additional for dusting the dish)
Eggs
3 (separated into yolks and whites)
Bittersweet chocolate
2 ounces (melted)
Salt
1 pinch
Cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 2-cup soufflé dishes or one 4-cup deep baking dish by thoroughly buttering the insides. Dust the buttered surfaces with sugar, tapping out any excess to ensure a non-stick finish.
2
In a mixing bowl, vigorously beat the egg yolks with all but 1 tablespoon of the sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, reaching a texture where it falls in a thick ribbon from the beater. Stir in the melted bittersweet chocolate until everything is well combined, then set this aside.
3
In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and the cream of tartar. Continue beating until soft peaks form, then gradually add the remaining tablespoon of sugar, beating until the whites become stiff and glossy.
4
Carefully take a large spoonful of the beaten egg whites and incorporate it into the chocolate-yolk mixture to lighten it. Then, gently fold in the remaining egg whites using a rubber spatula, being cautious not to deflate the mixture.
5
Once your soufflé batter is ready, transfer it into the prepared soufflé dish(es). At this point, you can cover and refrigerate your soufflé mix if you want to prepare it in advance.
6
When ready to bake, place the soufflé in the preheated oven. Bake until the center is set but still slightly wobbly, about 20 minutes for individual soufflés and 25-35 minutes for a larger soufflé. Serve immediately, savoring the beautiful rise and luscious chocolate flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Decadent Chocolate Soufflé for Beginners.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Mark Bittman's cooking techniques.
Is this recipe suitable for people new to baking?
Yes, it is specifically designed to provide a perfect starting point for those venturing into the world of soufflés.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How many soufflé dishes do I need?
You can use two 2-cup soufflé dishes or one 4-cup deep baking dish.
How should I prepare the baking dishes?
Thoroughly butter the insides and dust them with sugar, tapping out any excess.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 6 ingredients.
What kind of chocolate is required?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of melted bittersweet chocolate.
How many eggs are used?
The recipe uses 3 eggs, separated into yolks and whites.
How should the egg yolk mixture look after beating?
It should be light, fluffy, and fall in a thick ribbon from the beater.
What is the role of cream of tartar in this recipe?
It is added to the egg whites to help them reach stiff and glossy peaks.
How do I incorporate the egg whites into the chocolate mixture?
First lighten the mixture with a large spoonful of whites, then gently fold in the rest using a rubber spatula.
Can I make the soufflé batter in advance?
Yes, you can cover and refrigerate the soufflé mix if you want to prepare it ahead of time.
How long do individual soufflés take to bake?
Individual soufflés typically take about 20 minutes to bake.
How long does a larger single soufflé take to bake?
A larger soufflé requires between 25 and 35 minutes in the oven.
How do I know when the soufflé is finished baking?
The center should be set but still slightly wobbly.
When should the soufflé be served?
It should be served immediately to enjoy its beautiful rise and texture.
What are the primary flavor and texture characteristics?
It is known for its airy texture and rich chocolate flavor.
What occasion is this dessert best for?
It is perfect for romantic dinners, special occasions, or satisfying a sweet tooth.
What type of cuisine does this recipe represent?
It combines the elegance of classic French cuisine with modern accessibility.
How much sugar is used in the batter?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of sugar, minus one tablespoon reserved for the egg whites.
Is salt used in this chocolate soufflé?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the egg whites before beating.
What is used to grease the dish?
One tablespoon of butter is used for greasing the dish.
Why is sugar dusted on the buttered surface?
Dusting with sugar ensures a non-stick finish and helps the soufflé climb the sides of the dish.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is preheating the oven and preparing the baking dishes.
What tool is used to combine the ingredients gently?
A rubber spatula is used to fold the egg whites into the mixture.
Should the egg whites be beaten to soft or stiff peaks?
They are first beaten to soft peaks, then sugar is added to reach stiff, glossy peaks.
What is the suggested serving size?
The recipe yields two individual servings or one larger serving.
Can I use milk chocolate instead?
The recipe specifically calls for bittersweet chocolate for a rich flavor profile.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chocolate, soufflé, dessert, baking, easy recipe, beginner, and French cuisine.