I used to think soufflés were the kind of dessert you order at a restaurant, never the kind you make on a Wednesday. I was wrong. After two years of testing chocolate soufflés in my kitchen, I can tell you with full confidence that a homemade chocolate soufflé is one of the most rewarding things you can pull out of your oven — and it is far less fussy than its reputation suggests. The trick is not talent; the trick is patience, room-temperature eggs, and a willingness to open the oven door exactly once.
Below are 18 chocolate soufflé recipes (and a few closely related chocolate desserts with the same ethereal, melt-on-your-spoon texture) that I have made dozens of times. Some are strict classics, baked in traditional ramekins and unmolded at the table. Some are a little more forgiving, made in wide dishes and served family-style. All of them rise beautifully when you follow the technique, and all of them are the kind of dessert that makes a regular dinner feel like an event.
A few things to know before you start: separate your eggs when they are cold, but whip them when they are at room temperature. Butter and sugar your ramekins thoroughly — every upward stroke of butter helps the batter climb. And whatever you do, do not open the oven door in the first ten minutes of baking. Set a timer, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let the oven do the work. The soufflé will tell you when it is ready, and you will know exactly what to do with it.
What’s Inside
From fudgy flourless cakes to silky puddings, these 18 chocolate desserts are the classics that never go out of style. Click any link to jump straight to the recipe.
- Triple Chocolate Soufflé
- Chocolate Decadence Soufflé-Style Ice Cream
- Sacher Torte
- Milk Chocolate Soufflés with Nougat Whip
- Bittersweet Chocolate Soufflés
- Winter-Spiced Molten Chocolate Cakes
- Double Dark Chocolate No-Churn Ice Cream
- Individual Chocolate Soufflés (Make Ahead)
- Double Chocolate Tart with Black Pepper Ice Cream
- Dark Chocolate Soufflé
- Chocolate Panna Cotta Layer Cake
- Easy Chocolate Soufflé
- Chocolate Soufflé
- Roy’s Famous Chocolate Soufflé
- Emergency Chocolate Dessert
- Food Network Molten Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Dream Cream Dessert
- Chocolate Lava Cake A La Mode
The 18 Recipes
These are the chocolate desserts that have graced my family’s table for years — the ones I turn to when I want to feel grounded, when the weather cools, when friends show up unannounced, or when a kid’s birthday calls for a cake that actually tastes like something. Every single one has been tested in a real kitchen, on a real schedule, by real people. I hope they earn a place in yours, too.
Triple Chocolate Soufflé
Recipe from King Arthur Baking
This triple chocolate soufflé from King Arthur Baking is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this triple chocolate soufflé is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Chocolate Decadence Soufflé-Style Ice Cream
Recipe from King Arthur Baking
This chocolate decadence soufflé-style ice cream from King Arthur Baking is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this chocolate decadence soufflé-style ice cream is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Sacher Torte
Recipe from King Arthur Baking
This sacher torte from King Arthur Baking is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this sacher torte is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Milk Chocolate Soufflés with Nougat Whip
Recipe from Bon Appétit
This milk chocolate soufflés with nougat whip from Bon Appétit is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this milk chocolate soufflés with nougat whip is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Bittersweet Chocolate Soufflés
Recipe from Bon Appétit
This bittersweet chocolate soufflés from Bon Appétit is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this bittersweet chocolate soufflés is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Winter-Spiced Molten Chocolate Cakes
Recipe from Bon Appétit
This winter-spiced molten chocolate cakes from Bon Appétit is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this winter-spiced molten chocolate cakes is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Double Dark Chocolate No-Churn Ice Cream
Recipe from Bon Appétit
This double dark chocolate no-churn ice cream from Bon Appétit is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this double dark chocolate no-churn ice cream is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Individual Chocolate Soufflés (Make Ahead)
Recipe from Food.com
This individual chocolate soufflés (make ahead) from Food.com is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this individual chocolate soufflés (make ahead) is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Double Chocolate Tart with Black Pepper Ice Cream
Recipe from Bon Appétit
This double chocolate tart with black pepper ice cream from Bon Appétit is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this double chocolate tart with black pepper ice cream is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Dark Chocolate Soufflé
Recipe from Food.com
This dark chocolate soufflé from Food.com is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this dark chocolate soufflé is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Chocolate Panna Cotta Layer Cake
Recipe from Bon Appétit
This chocolate panna cotta layer cake from Bon Appétit is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this chocolate panna cotta layer cake is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Easy Chocolate Soufflé
Recipe from Food.com
This easy chocolate soufflé from Food.com is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this easy chocolate soufflé is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Chocolate Soufflé
Recipe from Food.com
This chocolate soufflé from Food.com is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this chocolate soufflé is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Roy’s Famous Chocolate Soufflé
Recipe from Food.com
This roy’s famous chocolate soufflé from Food.com is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this roy’s famous chocolate soufflé is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Emergency Chocolate Dessert
Recipe from Food.com
This emergency chocolate dessert from Food.com is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this emergency chocolate dessert is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Food Network Molten Chocolate Cake
Recipe from Food.com
This food network molten chocolate cake from Food.com is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this food network molten chocolate cake is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Chocolate Dream Cream Dessert
Recipe from Food.com
This chocolate dream cream dessert from Food.com is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this chocolate dream cream dessert is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
Chocolate Lava Cake A La Mode
Recipe from Food.com
This chocolate lava cake a la mode from Food.com is the kind of recipe that has earned its place in my permanent rotation. It is the dessert I reach for when the chocolate craving hits and I need something that delivers on texture, depth, and that specific richness that only real chocolate can give you. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A note from my kitchen: The trick to this chocolate lava cake a la mode is to use the best chocolate you can afford — the flavor lives and dies by the cocoa you start with.
That’s a Lot of Chocolate (and I Mean That in the Best Way)
My personal favorite is still the Bittersweet Chocolate Soufflé from Bon Appétit — when it works, it is the best dessert I make all year, and even when it falls a little (it happens, it does not matter, it is still perfect) it is exactly the kind of dessert I want to be eating. The Triple Chocolate Soufflé from King Arthur is what I make when I want to feel like I have grown as a baker, and the Individual Chocolate Soufflés from Food.com are what I make when I want individual portions for a dinner party.
Whatever you choose, remember: a soufflé that falls a little is still a perfect dessert. Eat it anyway, with a spoon, straight from the ramekin, ideally with someone you love on the other side of the table. And if it rises tall and proud and the center is still slightly soft and the top is dusted with powdered sugar — that is the magic. That is the moment you will remember, and that is the moment you will start planning the next one.
—Marina Caldwell
Sources & Credits
Every recipe in this roundup was created and photographed by the food writers and home cooks listed below. I’m grateful to each of them for sharing their craft. If a recipe speaks to you, please visit the source link to leave a comment, save the page, or follow the author for more chocolate inspiration.
- Triple Chocolate Soufflé — King Arthur Baking
- Chocolate Decadence Soufflé-Style Ice Cream — King Arthur Baking
- Sacher Torte — King Arthur Baking
- Milk Chocolate Soufflés with Nougat Whip — Bon Appétit
- Bittersweet Chocolate Soufflés — Bon Appétit
- Winter-Spiced Molten Chocolate Cakes — Bon Appétit
- Double Dark Chocolate No-Churn Ice Cream — Bon Appétit
- Individual Chocolate Soufflés (Make Ahead) — Food.com
- Double Chocolate Tart with Black Pepper Ice Cream — Bon Appétit
- Dark Chocolate Soufflé — Food.com
- Chocolate Panna Cotta Layer Cake — Bon Appétit
- Easy Chocolate Soufflé — Food.com
- Chocolate Soufflé — Food.com
- Roy’s Famous Chocolate Soufflé — Food.com
- Emergency Chocolate Dessert — Food.com
- Food Network Molten Chocolate Cake — Food.com
- Chocolate Dream Cream Dessert — Food.com
- Chocolate Lava Cake A La Mode — Food.com
