Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup sugar, plus extra to line the ramekins
  • 6 ounces semisweet chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso granules
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 6 large egg whites, room temperature
  • Soft butter to grease ramekins
  • Chocolate sauce and whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to serve

Method

  • Preheat oven to 375 °F.
  • Generously butter six 8-ounce ramekins and sprinkle them with sugar. Place the dishes on a baking sheet.
  • Chop the chocolate and melt it in a double boiler set over a pan of simmering water. When the chocolate is melted, remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks, instant coffee, vanilla, and salt.
  • While the chocolate is melting, whip the egg whites in a stand mixer until foamy. With the mixer running, slowly stream in the sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
  • Stir one third of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it up. Gently fold in the rest of the egg whites (a few streaks are okay) and neatly divide the mixture between the prepared ramekins. If any souffle batter gets on the rims of the dishes, wipe it away with your finger.
  • Bake until the tops are set and beginning to brown, but the centers jiggle slightly, 15 to 20 minutes. Resist the urge to open the oven and peek to see if your souffles are rising, the quick change in temperature can cause your souffles to fall. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.