Lemon Curd Soufflé
A delicate, airy soufflé made with lemon curd that rises like light waves in a sunny kitchen. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers large egg whites, granulated sugar, cream of tartar 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 180 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
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/4 cup lemon curd
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease four 6-ounce ramekins and dust with sugar.
- Step 2: Beat 4 large egg whites and 1/4 tsp cream of tartar in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup granulated sugar while beating until stiff peaks form.
- Step 3: Gently fold in 1/4 cup lemon curd and 1/4 tsp lemon zest until no streaks remain. Divide mixture evenly among prepared ramekins.
- Step 4: Place ramekins in a baking dish and fill with hot water to halfway up sides. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden, with a slight jiggle in center.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Curd Soufflé take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Lemon Curd 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 Lemon Curd 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 Lemon Curd 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 Lemon Curd 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
- ★★★★★
This soufflé was perfection! The lemon curd cut through the richness perfectly, and it rose beautifully for my dinner party.
- ★★★★★
The brightness of the lemon curd made it feel refreshing after a heavy meal. My kids even asked for seconds!
- ★★★★☆
The soufflé had great rise, but the curd was slightly tart for my taste—next time I'd add a touch more sugar.
