Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Make sure it’s fully warmed up, as this is crucial for the souffle to rise properly. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray, ensuring every corner is covered. This will make it easier to release the souffle after baking.
Line the prepared cake pan with parchment paper, then spray the parchment and sides of the pan again with cooking spray. This double layer ensures that nothing sticks. Take a moment to admire your work so far!
In a medium saucepan, place butter, semisweet chocolate, and peanut butter over medium-low heat. Stir constantly as everything melts together. You could also opt for a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, mixing in between until smooth.
Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in sugar for about 2 minutes. The mixture should become glossy as the sugar dissolves. Then, add the egg yolks one at a time, whisking well in between each addition. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors!
In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg whites on high with a mixer until stiff peaks form. This is the secret to a fluffy souffle! The whites should stand up firmly when you lift the beaters.
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whites; you want to keep that airy texture. Use a spatula to fold them in until just combined. It’s okay if there are some streaks; you don’t want to overmix.
Pour the luscious mixture into your prepared pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula for an even bake. It’s like pouring a little happiness into the pan.
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. You want the center to be slightly underdone; it will continue to cook as it cools. Keep an eye on it and trust your instincts!
Once baked, remove the souffle from the oven and allow it to cool on a rack for about 1 hour. The aroma will be divine! After cooling, refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This step allows the flavors to develop further.
When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or warm it up in the microwave for 30 seconds. I personally love to serve mine with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch of luxury.