Chocolate Souffles - decadent dessert for the chocolate lovers. It's actually really easy to make and rich in flavor.
So how do you feel about a chocolate souffle? Are you one of those people who shiver at the sound of the name with fear? Or are you one of those people who love challenges and would love to try it? I was both. Souffles are finicky in their nature. You see, they are like magic. Right out of the oven they are gloriously puffed up and you may even hear the angels sing. Confetti might be raining down with fireworks going off.
And then 2.5 seconds later your jaw drops as your souffle deflates. You are thinking: if I were to flip the dish upside down it may come back up, right? Right??!! Well. Let's look at it the other way. Your souffle came out of the oven with a gorgeous high top. And then it slowly falls down trapping all the delicious creamy, light center inside. It's deflated but glorious. And trust me, as soon as you take a first bite your knees will weaken and you will forget about the tall top it had few seconds ago.
See that gorgeous dish I baked my souffle in? Isn't it beautiful? I was sent a set of mini cocottes in Caribbean by the fabulous Le Creuset. My hands were shaking when I was opening the box and I quickly named it mommy's new and precious toy. 🙂 The color is truly breathtaking. I love the gradient of it. The famous concentric rings on the lid are like a signature of quality and durability. These stoneware cocottes are time-less.
Chocolate souffles
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 egg yolks room temperature
- 2 egg whites room temperature
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- dash of salt
- dash of cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Use 1 tablespoon of butter to grease your cocottes. Sprinkle them with cocoa powder, tapping off the excess. Place cocottes on a baking dish and set aside.
- In a double boiler, melt chocolate with the remaining butter. Whisk smooth.
- Set aside to come to room temperature. Add egg yolks, one at a time and whisk well.
- In a clean bowl of your stand mixer, with a clean whisk, beat egg whites with a dash of salt, cream of tartar and sugar on medium speed until frothy. Increase the speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form. Do not over beat. Keep checking the peaks. As soon as you see the stiff peaks form, stop.
- Add 1/3 of the meringue into chocolate mixture. Gently fold in. Add the remaining meringue and fold in until no streaks remain. Do not over fold.
- Spoon the mixture into prepared cocottes. At this point you can cover the dishes and refrigerate the souffles until ready to bake.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Thank you so much for joining me in celebrating the biggest chocolate holiday of the year! I had a blast! Thank you for stopping by everyday and leaving comments and sending emails to say how much you enjoy the recipes and guest posts. It was fun and you are going to see more events like this in the future, here on the Crunchy Creamy Sweet blog.
You can see all of the desserts on our event's Pinterest board.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
xoxo,
Anna
Amy says
My souffles turned out so pretty and the perfect consistency. Thank you for sharing a great recipe. I really enjoy the mini cocottes serving size. The only thing I wanted to point out is that you failed to include when to add the vanilla extract in the directions. Luckily I bake regularly and knew to add it to the chocolate.
Anna says
Thank you so much for trying my recipe, Amy!
Melanie says
Any chance you can replace the egg yolks without something else?
Manny says
The Cobalt is lovely!
Claire says
my favorite color is cherry
Mika says
Oh - I like this souffles recipe if only because it doesn't call for a dozen eggs. Can't wait to try this out!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Yay! Let me know how it goes, Mika! Thank you.
Jennifer says
And my fave color is kiwi!
Jennifer says
Beautiful souffles!
Elizabeth Vogelsberg says
I'm working up the nerve to make a souffle! These look so good.
My favorite color is the blue.
CrunchyCreamySw says
You will be surprised how easy they are to make! Thanks, Elizabeth!
Rebecca says
I go back and forth between Caribbean and Fennel. I love them both.
Kira says
lol and I did all the entries above! 🙂
CrunchyCreamySw says
lol Thanks!
Kira says
Oh and my favorite color is cherry 🙂
Kira says
I can't wait to try this recipe - looks so good! 🙂
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thanks, Kira!
Gina Dalla Riva says
and the caribbean color has to be my favorite!
Gina Dalla Riva says
these are so beautiful! i love your pictures!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Aww, thanks, Gina!
GK says
I love the blue color! Matches my school's colors, too! 🙂
GK says
These look delicious! I actually like how this seems reasonable enough for a grad student to whip up in little time, and actually bake something that will taste good!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Yes! I hope you will give them a try, GK! Thank you.
ardeth says
It is a toss up between the flame red and the deepest blue. Sigh. Love them. Love this opportunity, thank you!
Kim McCallie says
Looks beautiful! I love the new quince line.
Holly says
Oh how hard to choose-- the flame or cherry might be my favorites but they are all beautiful!
Shanna says
Gorgeous souffles! The Caribbean and the Kiwi are my favorite colors!
gerryspeirs says
These are too cool and I need them!! Without trying to sound selfish 🙂
CrunchyCreamySw says
🙂 Thanks, Gerry!
Hanna says
All the colors are so beautiful!! My personal favorite is cherry 🙂
Amanda says
My aunt has always told me souffles are tricky. I think I am about ready to give them a try, but I want my to look EXACTLY like yours in a pair of beautiful caribbean blue mini cocottes 🙂
CrunchyCreamySw says
🙂 Yes! Please, try them and let me know how it goes. Thanks for entering, Amanda!
Lindsey says
Oh goodness and I forgot about that cookbook! i would LOVE that too! 🙂
Lindsey says
I'm absolutely loving the MARSEILLE! I would probably cook up some delicous yummy treats and meals with that baby!!!
Michelle Tornquist Stephens says
I love the color Fennel 🙂
Laura Dodge says
I'm having trouble deciding between Cherry and Caribbean!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Deflation or not, I need these souffles stat! And thanks for the awesome giveaway. I've been in need of this cocottes for a while now! My favorite color is the new quince. It's absolutely gorgeous, and really brightens up my kitchen.
CrunchyCreamySw says
I love it too! Happy to be in the contest with you. 🙂
Kim Catapano says
I did all of the entries above.
Kim Catapano says
I've always loved the Cassis color but I'm gravitating towards the Fennel color.
Megan A De Renzis says
I would love to have these, I need to practice making souffles!
CrunchyCreamySw says
lol Thanks for entering, Megan!
justonecookbook says
Hi Anna! What an awesome giveaway! I have these so I won't enter for the giveaway and others have more chances to win. But I bookmarked the recipe! Your souffle shot is amazing. You make me want to try this very soon... hope you had a nice Valentine's Day and the long weekend! 🙂
CrunchyCreamySw says
Aww, thank you so much, Nami! It means a lot.
Kelly M says
I'm partial to flame and spinach!
Amanda Thompson says
My current favorite Le Creuset color is Ocean!
Serena B says
Oh my goodness I am so jealous! I love Le Creuset and the color is incredible! You lucky girl! Your souffle looks amazing! Wish we were neighbors I would have been right over for a bite! Have a sweet week my friend!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thanks, Serena!
Ekanem says
I adore the flame color! 🙂
marisa says
I love the Le Creuset range!!!
wearenotmartha says
These souffles look beautiful!! And I think they look extra special since they're in beautiful Le Creuset!!
Sues
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thank you so much, Sues!
Mary says
Sounds delish anyway you look.
kelkel says
The color is gorgeous, indeed!
Alicia says
I just received the 3.5 qt French oven and the tea kettle in Caribbean. It's my favorite of all their colors!
Sarah says
Caribbean blue ... Nice. 🙂
Lea's Cooking says
I love yellow color bake ware.
Roxana GreenGirl says
You made two for me? Oh My Anne, they look so goof I don't think I could share. Delicious!
Thanks for sharing and thank youf or the lovely comment left on my guest post on Jen's blog
CrunchyCreamySw says
They are hard to share 🙂 And so easy to eat! Thanks, Roxana! 🙂
jennifer says
I love the eggplant purple color!
Petra says
I love the Caribbean color. I actually just ordered a Dutch oven in that same color. It's so pretty!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Right? 🙂 Thanks for entering, Petra!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Oh, and the carribean is my fav color.
CrunchyCreamySw says
Yay! Thanks for entering, Jennie!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
I'm getting weak in the knees just looking at these sweet soufflés. Yummo!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Awww, thank you so much, Jennie!
Katherine D says
love the cherry color!
Melissa says
Marseille is my favorite. It is timeless and would just love to have any piece from them. Thanks for the opportunity
Natalie S says
I love the white color!
Leah says
Ocean is probably my favorite, but it's so hard to choose!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Now that sounds delish! Thanks, Laura!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thank you so much, sweet Danielle! Hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day too! xo
Sherri Lynn says
Soooo I just found you:) Your website is now added to my desktop (thats how I like it, easy to find) sharing space with Martha Stewart and my absolute favorite P.W.:)
CrunchyCreamySw says
*thud* Fainted... blushing....:) You are a sweetie, Sherri! Thank you so much and welcome to CCS!
Beth Cato says
I love the spinach color.
Sherri Lynn says
Ocean all the way, its BEAUTIFUL:)
The Joy of Caking says
I love Ocean!
Naomi says
I love the French blue color.
Anita at Hungry Couple says
Souffle is on my culinary bucket list. And these mini cocottes are on my hearts desire list. I like all the colors but linen is particularly stunning.
CrunchyCreamySw says
Love your lists, Anita 🙂 Thanks for entering!
Katie Sapp says
I love all the Le Creuset cookware and bakeware. I have a tourquois dutch oven and a blue round french oven. I would love a smaller round french oven in the green, orange or red color, but really, they are all so amazing, any would be awesome.
Sarah says
Cherry will always have a soft spot in my heart since thats what my mom has, but Marseille is absolutely gorgeous as well!
CrunchyCreamySw says
LOL One more reason to make them at home! 🙂 Thanks so much, Colette!
Georgia The Comfort of Cooking says
Such lovely souffles and a great giveaway! I love the French blue color, Marseille, it's a beauty.
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thank you, Georgia! Marseille is gorgeous!
AnnaZed says
Oh I clicked because I couldn't not click, but I already know that my favorite Le Creuset color is 'Cherry'. Plus your souffles are so beautiful and would be beautiful in the red dishes.
Rafflecopter name: Margot Core
Lizzy Do says
I think my color is retired...but I'd be delighted with cherry!
JoannaW39 says
I love the caribbean color. Thanks for the souffle recipe, can't wait to try it!
Wendy says
Your recipe looks deceptively easy (I'm one who quakes at the word souffle) but so delicious that I will throw caution to the wind and bake 🙂 Thanks!
CrunchyCreamySw says
I hope you do try it, Wendy! LKM how it goes! Thank you for your comment.
Angie says
I did all the entries to get an extra entry..thanks!!
Anne B says
Definitely the best for last Anna! That souffle is gorgeous! I once made a peach souffle in the summertime. When I opened the oven door they were stunning! I took them out and grabbed my camera and they had deflated! But you are right...the flavor and texture is still all there! These Le Creuset pots are such a pretty color and a beautiful contrast to your lovely chocolatey dessert! : )
CrunchyCreamySw says
Aww, thank you so much, Anne 🙂 Your peach souffle sounds amazing!
Angie says
I love Cassis but I really like Truffle too!!
Khanh says
So hard to decide, since they're all beautiful, but I guess I would go with the Cherry color! And your souffles look just scrumptious!!!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Aww, thank you so much, Khanh!
Averie Cooks says
Ocean & Caribbean but they have a new pale yellow exclusive to Williams Sonoma that's gorgeous!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Oh, I know 🙂 Stay tuned... 🙂
Lillian Russo says
Okay...maybe I can make this! It doesn't seem so bad when it's in those cute little pots! I just LOVE the truffle color Le Creuset!
CrunchyCreamySw says
You definitely can make this, Lillian! LMK how it goes. Thank you!
Carrie Vibert says
Caribbean is gorgeous, but I'm also partial to fennel. 🙂
Karen Lynch says
I like the truffle color.
Natasha says
Can't wait to try! So nervous, but I'm up for the challenge!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Yay! Thanks, Natasha!
Jeeun says
Red or the blue in the contest--can't decide!
Christi says
I am hoping to make this for my hubby tonight, it looks amazing! Is there a substitute for the cream of tartar, I don't seem to have that on hand. Oh, and Cherry color is my favorite 🙂
CrunchyCreamySw says
Hi Christi! You can skip the cream of tartar. I tried this way too and it will work! Good luck and enjoy! Thank you for entering the giveaway!
Tammy Northrup says
I love the caribbean but the cherry goes with my kitchen. What a great looking soufle even if it did deflate.
CrunchyCreamySw says
Awww, thank you so much, Tammy! 🙂
JC says
Very touch choice, but I think Indigo is my current Le Creuset fave color. Thank you for this offer!
Dianne Shaw says
I collect the cherry colored Le Creuset.
Valerie says
Oh, tough choice...I think my fav, colour (atm!) is cassis.
CrunchyCreamySw says
Yay! Thank you for entering, Valerie!
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
These are beautiful, Anna! I love chocolate souffle!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Yay! Thank you so much, Cassie!
JulieD says
These souffles look so lovely! Pinning them right no!
I love their bakeware in Marseille blue!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Ooooh, the Marseille is so beautiful!! Thank you so much, Julie!
CrunchyCreamySw says
It's beautiful! Thanks for entering, Aimee!
daisy says
I love your souffles. They look delicious, even if they weren't baked in those gorgeous mini cocottes. I'd take any of those colors, but especially the flame ones.
CrunchyCreamySw says
Aww, thank you so much, Daisy! I just wish they wouldn't deflate before I took the pics! 🙂
Kara D says
I love the pretty purple Cassis!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Great choice! Thanks for entering, Kara!
jan says
YUM! I can't wait to make these souffles... they look amazing!!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Aww, thank you so much, Jan!
Margaret says
Classic black is beautiful! I love these souffles!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thank you, Margaret!
Heather Kinnaird says
so hard to choose - Caribbean and Ocean
CrunchyCreamySw says
I know! 🙂 Thanks for entering, Heather!
Betty Ann @Mango_Queen says
What a great recipe for 2 and I love your giveaway. Hope I win so I can recreate the gorgeous souffles you baked here.
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thank you so much, Betty Ann! Thanks for entering!
Stacy says
What beautiful souffles!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thank you, Stacy!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
Gorgeous souffle Anna! And beautiful pics
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thank you so much, Paula!
Jessica says
Marseille is my favorite. . .but I'd take any of them that had these souffles in them!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Awww, thanks, Jessica 🙂
Heidi Pi says
I plan on collecting Le Creuset one piece at a time! Lovely prize!! I am mixing and matching....white and carribbean are my favorites!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Yay! Thanks for entering, Heidi!
Juli V says
Love the cassis color! Such a pretty purple.
CrunchyCreamySw says
Yes, it is! Thank you for entering, Juli!
curryandcomfort says
My hats off to Anna!! What a spectacular dessert for Valentine's Day!! I love the le creuset pots you baked them in too. What a impressive giveaway. 🙂
CrunchyCreamySw says
Awww, thank you so much, Ramona 🙂
Tina says
A wonderful prize!!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thanks, Tina!
Leslie says
Marseille is my favorite.
CrunchyCreamySw says
It's gorgeous! Thanks for entering, Leslie!
Katy says
There isn't a color I don't like but the Caribbean is beautiful!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Isn't it? 🙂 Thank you for entering, Katy!