Pear Souffle
A light and airy pear souffle featuring sweetened egg whites and smooth pear puree, perfect for a delicate dessert that appeals to those seeking a subtle, fruity treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl of mixer at high speed, beat egg whites until foamy.
- Add sugar, vanilla extract, and a dash of salt.
- Beat until egg whites stand in stiff, glossy peaks.
- Gently fold in the jarred pears with a rubber spatula.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart souffle dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until puffed and browned.
- Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the mixing bowl is completely clean and dry to achieve maximum volume in the egg whites. If you don't have junior pears, you can substitute with fresh pears, peeled and diced. Just adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more sugar if needed. Be gentle when folding in the pears to maintain the airy texture of the souffle.
Serving Suggestions
Dust the finished soufflé with confectioners' sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche for added richness. For a delightful contrast, serve alongside a refreshing Maple Salad Dressing For Fruit to balance the dessert's sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
This soufflé is best served immediately, as it tends to deflate quickly. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through, but it may lose its original puffiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear Souffle contains roughly 58 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1172mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soufflé ahead of time?
While the soufflé is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the pear mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just whip the egg whites right before baking to maintain the fluffy texture. Keep in mind that the soufflé will not puff as much if made ahead.
What can I use instead of junior pears?
If junior pears aren't available, fresh ripe pears work well as a substitute. You can also try canned peaches or apples if you want to experiment with different flavors. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
Why did my soufflé collapse?
A soufflé can collapse for several reasons, such as overmixing the egg whites or not baking it long enough. Ensure the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks and fold in the pears gently. Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause sudden temperature changes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).