There are side dishes that fade into the background—and then there’s Carrot Soufflé. This sweet, creamy bake walks the line between vegetable casserole and dessert. With its fluffy texture, warm spice, and golden top, it feels indulgent yet approachable.
Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or just a cozy family dinner, this Carrot Soufflé recipe is simple enough to whip up any time, yet impressive enough to steal the spotlight.
Jump to
What Makes Carrot Soufflé So Special?
Carrot Soufflé isn’t a classic French soufflé, but a softer, creamier cousin. Instead of whipping egg whites, this version relies on pureed carrots, butter, eggs, and baking powder for a light rise. The result is a golden, custard-like dish with a flavor somewhere between pumpkin pie and sweet potato casserole.
Why people love it:
- Combines sweet and savory, making it versatile for side or dessert.
- Easy to prepare—no tricky whipping or folding.
- Perfect way to use up carrots in a crowd-pleasing recipe.
- A holiday classic that feels comforting and festive.
Ingredients for Carrot Souffl
To make this sweet carrot bake, you’ll need:
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
These ingredients yield about 6 servings.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Carrot Soufflé
Cook the carrots
Boil chopped carrots in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well.
Preheat oven
Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
Puree
In a food processor, blend carrots with butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Mix dry ingredients
Add flour, baking powder, salt, sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Blend again.
Bake
Pour mixture into prepared dish. Bake for 45 minutes, until puffed and golden, with a slight jiggle in the center.
Cool briefly
Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm.
Tips for the Best Carrot Soufflé Recipe
- Blend thoroughly. Smooth puree = creamy texture.
- Try roasting. Roasted carrots deepen flavor compared to boiling.
- Taste before baking. Adjust sugar to preference.
- Avoid overbaking. Remove when center jiggles slightly.
- Serve immediately. The soufflé settles as it cools.
Carrot Soufflé Variations
- Mini Carrot Soufflés: Use ramekins, bake 25–30 minutes.
- Gluten-free version: Replace flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend.
- Lower sugar: Cut sugar in half or swap with maple syrup.
- Spice it up: Add ginger, cardamom, or pumpkin spice blend.
- Make ahead: Prepare carrot puree a day ahead, assemble before baking.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Carrot Soufflé shines as a holiday side, but also works as a lighter dessert. Pair it with roasted meats, green vegetables, or even enjoy it solo.
It complements recipes like:
- Carrot Casserole: The Perfect Cheesy Side Dish — savory and cheesy, the opposite cousin of soufflé.
- Carrots Au Gratin Recipe — creamy, cheesy carrots with a golden crust.
- Coriander Roasted Carrots with Parsley — herb-forward, savory carrots to balance the sweetness.
For dessert-style serving, top with whipped cream, crème fraîche, or even mini marshmallows. For savory balance, pair with a sharp salad or tangy cranberry sauce.
Nutrition Snapshot
- Calories: ~285
- Fat: 17.6 g
- Saturated fat: ~10.4 g
- Cholesterol: 123 mg
- Sodium: 194 mg
- Carbs: 29.6 g
- Sugar: 22.8 g
- Protein: 4 g
FAQs
Not in the classic sense, but it’s lighter than most casseroles and delivers a delicate, custardy texture.
The puree can be frozen, but once baked, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reduce sugar and lean into spices. Even half the sugar still produces a tasty dish.
Pecans, walnuts, streusel, or marshmallows all work well. Citrus zest adds brightness.
Yes, substitute plant-based butter and check that your flour blend is dairy-free.
Related Recipes
Looking for more inspiration beyond Carrot Soufflé? Try these from Virile Recipes:
- Carrot Casserole: The Perfect Cheesy Side Dish
- Carrots Au Gratin Recipe
- Coriander Roasted Carrots with Parsley
Carrot Soufflé Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Carrot Soufflé is a sweet and creamy holiday side dish that feels like dessert but pairs perfectly with savory meals. With its fluffy texture, golden crust, and warm spices, it’s a comforting addition to any table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup butter (or substitute)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add carrots and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Cool carrots slightly, then puree with butter, vanilla, and eggs using a food processor or immersion blender until smooth.
- Add flour, baking powder, salt, sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Blend until fully combined.
- Pour mixture into prepared dish and smooth the surface.
- Bake for 45 minutes, until golden and slightly puffed. The center should jiggle a little.
- Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve freshly baked for the best texture. For extra depth of flavor, roast carrots instead of boiling. Mini ramekin versions bake in 25–30 minutes. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22.8g
- Sodium: 194mg
- Fat: 17.6g
- Saturated Fat: 10.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29.6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 123mg
Final thoughts
Carrot Soufflé is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that works both as a holiday side and as a sweet treat. With its creamy interior, warm spices, and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a tradition. Serve it hot, golden, and fluffy—and watch it disappear fast.
Follow us for more drool-worthy comfort food on Pinterest and join the conversation on Facebook.