Description
These holiday soufflés are a pastry chef’s secret weapon, combining a light, airy texture with a rich vanilla flavor, perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1/3 cup (65 g) sugar
- 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp (15 g) melted butter
- 4 egg whites
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Crème de Menthe (optional)
- Chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease four individual ramekins with pan spray or butter, then dust them with an even coating of sugar to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup milk and 1/3 cup sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk and the vanilla bean over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and let it steep for a few minutes.
- Remove the vanilla bean and slowly whisk in the milk-sugar mixture, followed by the flour, until smooth. Return to heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until pale and thick. Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 2 tbsp of sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
- If using, add the Crème de Menthe to the base and fold in chocolate chips.
- Gently fold the meringue into the yolk mixture in three additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared ramekins. Run a thumb around the edge of each ramekin to help the soufflés rise evenly.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the soufflés are puffed and lightly golden. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The soufflé base can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to simply mix the meringue and bake when ready.
- For a holiday twist, add a tablespoon of Crème de Menthe and chocolate chips.
- Ensure ramekins are well-greased and sugared to prevent sticking.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 soufflé
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 150