Coffee Soufflé — French coffee soufflé
A coffee soufflé is a baked French dessert: a coffee-and-egg base lightened with whipped egg whites and baked in individual ramekins until risen tall and slightly wobbly. Served immediately, the centre is still soft and almost liquid; the outside is set.
i. Origin & history
Soufflés are one of the great French dessert categories — the technique reportedly perfected by Antonin Carême in the early 19th century. The coffee version is a Parisian fixture.
ii. Ingredients
Makes 6 servings · scroll the side panel to adjust
- 3 tbsp strong espresso
- 30 g unsalted butter
- 30 g plain flour
- 250 ml whole milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 egg whites
- 100 g caster sugar
- Pinch salt
- Extra butter and sugar for the ramekins
- Icing sugar to dust
iii. Method
- Heat oven to 200 °C. Generously butter 6 ramekins; dust thoroughly with sugar; tap out excess.
- Make base: melt butter; whisk in flour; cook 1 min. Whisk in milk gradually; cook to a thick smooth roux. Off heat, stir in coffee. Cool slightly.
- Whisk in yolks one at a time.
- Whip whites with salt to soft peaks; add sugar gradually; whip to stiff glossy peaks. Fold a third into the coffee base, then fold in the rest gently.
- Spoon into ramekins to the rim; level the top.
- Bake 12-14 min until risen 4 cm above the rim and just-set on top.
- Dust with icing sugar; serve immediately.
iv. Tips & common mistakes
- Use the freshest ingredients you can. The recipe relies on them.
- Read the method through first. Several steps must be ready in advance.
- Season patiently. Sweetness and salt are tuned at the end, not the start.
v. Variations
Mocha soufflé combines coffee and chocolate. Espresso soufflé uses double-strength espresso. Chocolate soufflé swaps coffee for melted chocolate.
vi. Common questions
What is coffee soufflé?
Coffee Soufflé is french coffee soufflé, from french cuisine. Served immediately, the centre is still soft and almost liquid; the outside is set
Where is coffee soufflé from?
Coffee Soufflé is from the french dessert tradition; the recipe and history are detailed above.
How long does coffee soufflé keep?
See the storage note in the Quick facts panel: Eat immediately.