Cloud Light Vanilla Soufflé
An airy, delicate dessert that floats on the palate, made with vanilla and lemon zest. This soufflé is as light as a sunbeam. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 38 minutes layers large egg whites, tablespoons sugar, teaspoon vanilla extract into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 80 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease 4 ramekins and dust with a little flour.
- Step 2: Beat 4 large egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest, beating until stiff peaks form and sugar dissolves.
- Step 3: Gently fold in 1/4 teaspoon all-purpose flour until just combined. Divide mixture evenly among ramekins, smoothing tops. Bake for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cloud Light Vanilla Soufflé take to make?
Total time is about 38 minutes (20 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Cloud Light Vanilla Soufflé?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cloud Light Vanilla Soufflé?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cloud Light Vanilla Soufflé for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cloud Light Vanilla Soufflé?
French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
