Cheesecake, Soufflé and Flan: 9 Airy Desserts to Try
Whether you’re a fan of classic French desserts like soufflés and meringues or you prefer something a little more modern, there’s a light, airy dessert calling your name.
Diets be warned—our bakers pulled together 9 delicious, easy-to-make recipes, perfect for whipping up this weekend. From silky smooth custards to delicate soufflés, get ready to elevate your dessert game.
Hungry for more? Explore our recipe library for ideas and inspo for your next gathering!
How to Make Desserts Light & Airy
It’s all about the egg, baby.
Eggs create the structure needed for these delicate desserts to rise and hold their shape. When eggs are whipped or beaten, they create tiny air bubbles that get trapped in the mixture. When the dessert is baked or cooked, these air bubbles expand, creating a light and airy texture.
For example, in a classic soufflé, egg whites are whipped until stiff peaks form, and then folded into a base mixture of egg yolks, sugar and flavorings. The whipped egg whites create the light, airy texture of the soufflé, while the egg yolks provide richness and flavor.
Similarly, in meringue-based desserts like pavlova and macarons, egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form and then combined with sugar to create a stiff and glossy mixture that is piped into the desired shapes. The meringue bakes in the oven, creating a light and crispy shell with a marshmallow-like interior.
Eggs also play a crucial role in custard-based desserts like crème brûlée and flan. In these desserts, the egg yolks act as a thickening agent, helping to set the custard and give it a silky-smooth texture.
MINI WHITE CHOCOLATE FLANS
A delightful twist on a classic flan, this recipe calls for adding creamy white chocolate to the rich egg custard. Each bite is more delicious and indulgent than the last.
GOAT CHEESE AND CITRUS CHEESECAKE WITH HONEY
What sets this cheesecake apart is the use of goat cheese, which pairs beautifully with lemon and orange zest, topped with a drizzle of honey for the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the tart.
STRAWBERRY SOUFFLÉS WITH COINTREAU WHIPPED CREAM
A perfect example of how classic flavors can be elevated to new heights, these soufflés are sweet, fragrant, airy and delicate. But the Cointreau whipped cream might be our favorite addition yet.
Get the Strawberry Soufflés with Cointreau Whipped Cream Recipe!
LEMON CURD LINZER COOKIES
Almond flour gives these cookies a nutty flavor and a tender, crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with the smooth zest of lemon curd. A powdered sugar dusting adds a touch of sweet elegance to a truly delightful treat.
DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
A sophisticated dessert that’ll satisfy any chocolate lover’s craving, this recipe’s rich and velvety texture is achieved through a careful blend of premium dark chocolate, eggs and heavy cream. The chocolate’s deep, complex flavor is beautifully complemented by the mousse’s light, airy texture, making it a truly special indulgence.
BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE SOUFFLÉS WITH VANILLA CUSTARD SAUCE
Transport your palate to a Parisian bistro with a soufflé bursting with rich chocolate flavor and drizzled in a creamy, delicate custard. While soufflés can be intimidating to make, this recipe makes it all too easy to impress your guests.
Get the Bittersweet Chocolate Soufflés with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe!
VANILLA CRÈME BRÛLÉE
Surprise your guests by serving one of the most popular desserts, and no one needs to know how simple it really is. A smooth, creamy custard with that iconic caramelized sugar crust never loses its appeal.
WHITE CHOCOLATE-LIME CRÈME CARAMEL
Whether you call it flan, crème caramel or crème renversée, it’s hard to resist a creamy custard turned upside down and served in a pool of liquid caramel.
ITALIAN MERINGUE
A must-try for anyone who loves light, fluffy treats, this recipe starts with a simple syrup made from sugar and water, which is then whisked into a fluffy cloud of egg whites. It’s the perfect topping for pies, cakes and tarts, or served on its own with fresh strawberries.
Get the Italian Meringue Recipe!
Hungry for more? Explore our recipe library for ideas and inspo for your next gathering!
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