A soufflé is a beautiful balance of indulgence, elegance and timing all in a single dish. Light, airy, and rich in flavour, the Chocolate Orange Souffle is a true showstopper, combining the deep intensity of cocoa with the bright citrusy notes of fresh oranges. It’s a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting—a treat that satisfies without being overly heavy.
The magic of a soufflé lies in its delicate rise, creating a soft and fluffy texture that almost melts in the mouth. There’s a sense of anticipation as it bakes, watching as the mixture gently puffs up in the oven, ready to be enjoyed the moment it emerges. Timing is everything—these soufflés demand to be eaten straight away for the best experience, as they naturally begin to deflate once removed from the oven. But that first spoonful? Pure bliss.
What makes this Chocolate Orange Souffle particularly special is the way the flavours work together. The bitterness of cocoa powder is lifted by the natural sweetness and tartness of freshly squeezed orange juice, while the zest adds a fragrant depth that lingers on the palate. A few drops of orange extract enhance the citrus notes, ensuring every bite bursts with flavour.
The process itself is simple, yet there’s a touch of theatre involved. As the egg whites are whisked to perfection, they create the structure needed for the souffle to rise, giving it that signature lightness. The homemade orange syrup, infused with zest and sugar, brings a touch of natural sweetness that complements the cocoa beautifully. And when everything is folded together, the transformation into an irresistible dessert is almost complete.
Of course, no chocolate orange souffle is complete without a finishing touch. A generous spoonful of half-fat crème fraiche adds a smooth and creamy contrast, balancing the richness with a hint of tang. The result? A dessert that feels sophisticated yet utterly comforting—ideal for a special occasion or simply when the craving for something chocolatey and delightful strikes.
Served straight from the oven, the soufflé is light as air, warm, and inviting. With each spoonful, you experience the harmonious marriage of chocolate and orange—a classic combination that never fails to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned dessert lover or new to soufflés, this one is sure to become a firm favourite.
Chocolate Orange Souffle
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges grated rind and juice
- 75 g caster sugar
- 4 large egg whites free range beaten until stiff
- 25 g cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 5 drops orange extract adjust to taste
- 4 tbsp half-fat crème fraiche
- vegetable oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.
- Lightly grease 6 ovenproof teacups.vegetable oil
- In a small pan, heat the orange rind, juice and caster sugar for 3–4 minutes until syrupy.2 large oranges, 75 g caster sugar
- Pour the syrup over the egg whites and beat for 2 minutes until you can form stiff peaks.4 large egg whites
- Fold in the cocoa and orange juice mixture, then pour into the teacups.25 g cocoa powder, 2 tbsp orange juice, 5 drops orange extract
- Cook in the oven for 5–6 minutes or until risen.
- Serve topped with the crème fraiche.4 tbsp half-fat crème fraiche
Notes
- If you have trouble getting your egg whites to peak properly, add a drop or two of lemon juice to help strengthen the structure of the mixture.
- To get your soufflés to rise, don’t overfold. Instead, gently fold in the whites until the point where the streaks of white disappear.
- Use fresh, room temperature eggs. Whipping cold eggs is harder work and you won’t get as much lift from them.