Light as Air Citrus Soufflé

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A delicate, cloud-like dessert that melts on the tongue, featuring zesty lemon and orange infusions for a refreshing finish. This desserts-inspired desserts (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes layers egg whites, granulated sugar, lemon zest 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 185 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Desserts cuisine 185 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter four 6-ounce ramekins and dust with 1 tbsp flour, tapping out excess.
  2. Step 2: In a stand mixer, beat egg whites on medium-high until foamy. Gradually add 1 tbsp sugar and beat until soft peaks form, then add lemon zest, orange zest, and vanilla.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold in remaining 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp flour until no streaks remain, using a spatula to lift and fold until glossy.
  4. Step 4: Divide batter evenly among ramekins, smoothing tops. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until puffed and golden around the edges.
  5. Step 5: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, with a side of fresh berries for brightness.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Light as Air Citrus Soufflé take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Light as Air Citrus 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 Light as Air Citrus 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 Light as Air Citrus 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.

Is Light as Air Citrus Soufflé gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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