This strawberries and cream souffle recipe is the perfect dessert for warmer seasons. This light, airy dessert combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of crème anglaise. It's a culinary delight that's sure to impress your guests.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common and easy to find in a standard kitchen. However, the vanilla bean pod may not be readily available in your pantry. It can be found in the spice aisle of most supermarkets but if you can't find it, you can substitute it with 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Ingredients for Strawberries and Cream Souffle
Milk: A staple ingredient in crème anglaise, milk provides a smooth, creamy base.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and creates a velvety texture in the crème anglaise.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crème anglaise and souffle.
Vanilla bean pod: Infuses the crème anglaise with a subtle, aromatic vanilla flavour.
Egg yolks: Thicken the crème anglaise and gives it a custardy texture.
Strawberries: The star ingredient of the souffle, strawberries give a fresh, sweet, and slightly tart flavor.
Lemon juice: Enhances the flavour of the strawberries and balances the sweetness.
Butter: Greases the souffle ramekins to prevent sticking and adds a rich flavour.
Egg whites: Whipped to stiff peaks, they give the souffle its light and airy texture.
Cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites when they’re whipped, helping the souffle rise.
One reader, Korey Mull says:
This strawberries and cream souffle recipe is a game-changer! The souffles turned out light, fluffy, and bursting with strawberry flavor. The creme anglaise added a perfect touch of sweetness. It's a delightful dessert that's sure to impress. Highly recommend trying it out!
Mastering the Techniques Behind Strawberries and Cream Souffle
Prepare the creme anglaise: This involves heating the milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla bean pod, then combining the egg yolks, sugar, and salt, and finally cooking the custard until it coats the back of a spoon.
Make the strawberry puree: This involves cooking the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice, then straining the mixture to create a smooth puree.
Prepare the ramekins: This involves coating the insides of the ramekins with softened butter and sugar, and then filling them with the strawberry-egg white mixture.
Bake the souffles: This involves baking the filled ramekins for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the tops are light brown.
Serve the souffles: This involves pouring the prepared creme anglaise over the souffles just before serving.
How To Make Strawberries and Cream Souffle
This French souffle recipe yields a fluffy and delectable dessert treat, made packed with strawberries and cream, and topped with vanilla creme anglaise!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Creme Anglaise:
- 1cupmilk
- 1cupheavy cream
- ½cupsugar,divided
- ½vanilla bean pod,or 1 tsp vanilla extract, added while cooling, slit down the middle
- 4large egg yolks
- 1pinchsalt
For Strawberry Souffles:
- 1cupstrawberry,hulled and quartered
- ⅓cupsugar,plus 4 tbsp, divided
- 1tsplemon juice
- 1tbspbutter,softened
- 4large egg whites
- ¼tspcream of tartar
- 1pinchsalt
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare an ice bath and place a strainer over a medium bowl. Set nearby.
Creme Anglaise:
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In a small saucepan, heat the milk, heavy cream, ¼ cup of sugar, and the vanilla bean pod over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until it begins to steam. Remove the pan from the heat.
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In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks, remaining ¼ cup of sugar, and the salt and whisk together. Continue whisking and ladle in the milk mixture. Once combined, return the saucepan to medium heat, begin to whisk the milk mixture, and slowly pour in the egg mixture.
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Cook the custard, continuously whisking to ensure the egg yolks don’t cook on the bottom, for about 5 minutes, until it coats the the back of a spoon.
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Set the bowl with the strainer in the ice bath and strain the creme into the bowl. Whisk for about 5 minutes until cooled. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Strawberry Souffles:
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Add the strawberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the lemon juice to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are softened but still vibrant red. Remove the pan from the heat.
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Strain the strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Use a spatula to press the berries through, making a strawberry puree.
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Discard the pulp and set the puree in the refrigerator to cool.
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Set 6 ramekins on a baking sheet and coat the insides with the softened butter. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar among the ramekins and shake each to coat the bottom and sides with sugar.
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Add the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt to a large bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the whites on medium-high speed until foamy.
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Add the remaining ⅓ cup of sugar in small increments, continuing to beat until the whites are stiff and glossy. Using a spatula, carefully fold in the strawberry puree.
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Fill each ramekin with the strawberry-egg white mixture and level off the tops with a butter knife. Run a clean thumb around the inside edge of each ramekin to allow the soufflés to rise properly.
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Bake the soufflés for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops are light brown. Avoid opening the oven prematurely, so the soufflés don’t fall.
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Serve the soufflés immediately with the crème anglaise poured over the top. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 343.87kcal
- Fat: 21.04g
- Saturated Fat: 12.20g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.41g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.21g
- Carbohydrates: 33.53g
- Fiber: 0.51g
- Sugar: 32.42g
- Protein: 6.48g
- Cholesterol: 186.47mg
- Sodium: 124.54mg
- Calcium: 92.93mg
- Potassium: 193.65mg
- Iron: 0.48mg
- Vitamin A: 241.36µg
- Vitamin C: 15.46mg
Insider Technique Tip for Achieving Souffle Perfection
When making your strawberries and cream souffle, it's crucial to avoid over-beating your egg whites. Over-beating can cause them to become dry and they won't rise properly. The perfect consistency is reached when the whites form stiff peaks but still have a glossy sheen. Also, when incorporating the strawberry puree into the egg whites, be sure to fold gently to maintain the airiness of the mixture. This will ensure your souffle rises beautifully and has a light, airy texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Delightful Dessert
Prep ahead: Make the crème anglaise and strawberry puree a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.
Organize ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to cook to streamline the process.
Use an electric mixer: Utilize an electric hand mixer to beat the egg whites and sugar to stiff peaks more efficiently.
Multi-task: While the crème anglaise is cooling, prepare the strawberry puree to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Butter ramekins in advance: Prepare and coat the ramekins with butter and sugar ahead of time to expedite the soufflé assembly process.
Practice folding: Familiarize yourself with the folding technique for incorporating the strawberry puree into the egg whites to save time and ensure a consistent texture.
Substitute Ingredients For Strawberries and Cream Souffle Recipe
- strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries have a similar tartness and sweetness to strawberries, and they will work well in this souffle recipe.
- heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can provide a rich and creamy texture similar to heavy cream, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor that complements the strawberries.
- sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness while also bringing a unique flavor to the souffle, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert.
- vanilla bean - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla bean, providing the same aromatic vanilla flavor to the creme anglaise.
- lemon juice - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice can add a citrusy brightness to the strawberry mixture, similar to lemon juice, while also offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Elevate Your Presentation of Strawberries and Cream Souffle
Elevate the crème anglaise: Gently pour the crème anglaise into a small, delicate porcelain pitcher to allow guests to drizzle the luscious sauce over their soufflés with precision and elegance.
Garnish with fresh strawberries: Adorn the soufflés with a few ripe strawberries that have been meticulously hulled and sliced, adding a pop of vibrant color and a burst of fruity flavor to the plate.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the soufflés with a fine sprinkle of powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve, creating a beautiful contrast against the golden-brown tops of the soufflés.
Present on a classic white plate: Showcase the soufflés on a pristine white porcelain plate to accentuate the vibrant colors of the strawberries and crème anglaise, allowing the dish to take center stage.
Accompany with a sprig of mint: Place a small, fresh mint sprig alongside the soufflés, adding a touch of aromatic freshness and a visually appealing element to the plate.
Add a touch of edible gold leaf: For an extra touch of luxury, delicately place a few shimmering edible gold leaf flakes on the plate, adding a hint of opulence and sophistication to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Crafting the Perfect Souffle
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, and cooking food.
- Strainer: A kitchen tool with a perforated surface used for separating solid particles from liquid.
- Medium bowl: A bowl of moderate size used for mixing ingredients or holding food.
- Small saucepan: A smaller version of a saucepan, used for heating or cooking small amounts of food or liquid.
- Fine-mesh sieve: A fine, closely-woven mesh strainer used for sifting dry ingredients or straining liquids.
- Ramekins: Small, individual-sized ceramic or glass dishes used for baking and serving single portions of food.
- Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking, roasting, or cooking foods in the oven.
- Electric hand mixer: A handheld kitchen appliance with rotating beaters used for mixing, whipping, and blending ingredients.
- Butter knife: A small knife with a blunt edge, used for spreading butter or other condiments.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
Surprising Trivia About Strawberries and Cream Souffle
The souffle is a classic French dessert that is known for its light and airy texture. It is traditionally served immediately after baking, as it tends to deflate quickly. This delicate dessert requires precise timing and careful handling to achieve the perfect rise and consistency.
Evaluating the Cost-Effectiveness of Homemade Strawberries and Cream Souffle
The cost-effectiveness of this strawberries and cream souffle recipe is moderate. While the ingredients like strawberries and cream can be affordable, the use of vanilla bean and heavy cream may increase the overall cost. The indulgent nature of this dessert may not make it the most cost-effective option for a household. However, the exquisite flavors and elegant presentation make it a delightful treat for special occasions. On a scale of 1-10, this recipe rates a solid 8 for its taste and visual appeal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30.
Is This Decadent Dessert Healthy or Unhealthy?
This strawberries and cream souffle recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- High sugar content: The recipe calls for a significant amount of sugar in both the creme anglaise and the souffle itself, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues.
- Heavy cream and whole milk: These dairy products are high in saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease when consumed in excess.
- Butter: Although used in small amounts, butter is another source of saturated fat in this recipe.
- Refined carbohydrates: The sugar used in this recipe is a refined carbohydrate, which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain and other health problems when consumed regularly.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the overall sugar content by using less sugar in the creme anglaise and the souffle. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract to lower the calorie and carbohydrate content.
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or evaporated skim milk, to decrease the amount of saturated fat in the recipe.
- Use a smaller amount of butter or substitute it with a healthier option like coconut oil or a light cooking spray to coat the ramekins.
- Incorporate more strawberries or other fresh fruits into the recipe to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Serve smaller portions of the souffle and pair it with a side of fresh berries or a light salad to create a more balanced and nutritious dessert.
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Strawberries and Cream Souffle Recipe
The combination of the delicate strawberry soufflés and the rich crème anglaise creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The process of making the crème anglaise is well-explained, ensuring a smooth and creamy result. The addition of the strawberry puree to the soufflé mixture adds a refreshing and vibrant twist. The careful instructions for folding in the egg whites and baking the soufflés will help achieve a light and airy texture. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and elegant dessert experience that is sure to impress.
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Why trust this Strawberries and Cream Souffle Recipe:
This strawberries and cream souffle recipe offers a delightful blend of fresh strawberries and rich creme anglaise. The step-by-step instructions ensure a foolproof preparation, while the use of vanilla bean and lemon juice adds depth of flavor. The incorporation of cream of tartar guarantees a light and airy texture, resulting in a heavenly dessert. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the meticulous attention to detail, and you'll be rewarded with a delectable souffle that will impress and delight your guests.
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