Decadent Chocolate Bliss Soufflé

1. Prepare Soufflé Dish

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and position the rack on the lower-middle level. Grease a 2-quart soufflé dish with 1 tablespoon of softened butter, then dust it with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Refrigerate the dish until you’re ready to use it.

2. Melt Chocolate and Butter

Melt the chocolate with 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth. Once melted, add a splash of liqueur, a dash of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the chocolate mixture. Incorporate these ingredients well.

3. Beat Egg Yolks and Sugar

Beat the egg yolks with 1/2 cup of sugar using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and pale. Gently fold this yolk mixture into the chocolate mixture.

4. Whip Egg Whites

In a separate, clean, and dry bowl, whip the egg whites with a touch of cream of tartar. Start on medium-low speed until the whites become foamy, then increase to medium-high and whip until stiff peaks form, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

5. Fold Egg Whites into Chocolate Mixture

Stir a quarter of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then carefully fold in the remaining whites with a rubber spatula. Pour the mixture into the prepared soufflé dish, clean the rim, and trace a circle in the batter with your finger.

6. Bake Soufflé

Bake the soufflé in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. To check if it’s done, use two spoons to gently open the top and peek inside; the interior should be slightly loose and creamy while the exterior is fully risen and set. Serve immediately and enjoy.