Description

We may think of soufflés as a fancy dessert that we have to preorder in an elegant restaurant because it takes time and is certainly not something we could possibly make at home and serve. But this recipe for a vanilla dessert soufflé may change your mind.

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350 F.
2. Gather the ingredients.
3. Butter a large soufflé dish and sprinkle in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, tilting the dish to make sure the entire interior surface is covered.
4. Set aside the prepared soufflé dish.
5. Bring 1 cup of the milk to just steaming in a medium saucepan set over low-medium heat.
6. In a bowl, stir together 5 tablespoons of the granulated sugar, the all-purpose flour, and the remaining 1/3 cup milk until it forms a smooth batter.
7. Slowly whisk half of the hot milk into the batter, making sure to combine the ingredients until they are completely smooth—this is called tempering.
8. Add the tempered batter back to the hot milk in the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Stir and cook the mixture until it has thickened, about 1 minute.
9. Stir the unsalted butter into the mixture until combined.
10. Allow batter to cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then stir in the vanilla extract.
11. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until they become foamy, and then add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Continue beating the egg whites at high speed until they hold stiff, glossy peaks.
12. Gently stir 1/3 of the egg whites into the vanilla mixture, then carefully fold in the remaining whipped egg whites. The vanilla mixture should be evenly colored and light and bubbly, without egg white streaks or marbling.
13. Spoon the soufflé mixture into the prepared dish and allow it to rest, covered, for up to 30 minutes (or you can bake it right away).
14. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes (slightly longer at high altitudes) until the soufflé has risen and has a crusty exterior.
15. Serve the soufflé with a dusting of confectioners' sugar and a few plump berries, if desired. Enjoy.