Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 cup plus 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 4 cups 1/2-inch-cubed challah (1/2 pound)
  • 6 large egg whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Method

  • In a small bowl, whisk the flour and cornstarch.
  • In a large heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and whole egg with 3/4 cup of the milk and three-fourths of the flour-cornstarch mixture until smooth.
  • Gradually whisk in the remaining flour mixture until smooth.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1 1/4 cups of milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the granulated sugar and bring to a boil, whisking.
  • Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture and whisk constantly until smooth.
  • Whisk in the butter until melted.
  • Add the lemon juice and zest and fold in the challah.
  • Refrigerate until cooled.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 and butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  • Dust with granulated sugar, tapping out the excess.
  • In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
  • Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar in a steady stream and beat at high speed until the whites are firm and glossy.
  • Fold the meringue into the challah custard until no streaks of white remain.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake the souffle in the center of the oven until risen and golden, about 45 minutes.
  • Let rest for 10 to 30 minutes.
  • Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve.