Furr's Cafeteria Carrot Souffle Recipe
Craving Furr's Cafeteria carrot souffle? Unlock the recipe for this iconic dish and enjoy homemade comfort in every bite. Dive in now!

- Publisher: Crisp Recipe
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Side Dish
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 250 calories
Furr's Cafeteria Carrot Souffle
Furr’s Cafeteria Carrot Souffle is a classic Southern side dish that brings a delightful balance of sweet, creamy, and subtly spiced flavors to the table. Originating from the beloved Furr’s Cafeteria chain, this carrot souffle has become a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up enjoying its light, fluffy texture and comforting warmth. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a cozy hug from your grandma’s kitchen, perfect for holidays, family dinners, or whenever you want a sweet, vegetable-based treat.
The key to this souffle’s unique flavor lies in its simple yet harmonious ingredients. Freshly cooked, mashed carrots provide natural sweetness and vibrant color, while a smooth custard base made with eggs, sugar, butter, and cream cheese adds richness and creaminess. A touch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives a gentle warming spice, rounding out the profile without overpowering the delicate carrot flavor. Some versions sneak in crushed pineapple or orange zest for an extra layer of brightness and moisture.
When you spoon into Furr’s Carrot Souffle, you’re greeted by a light, airy texture that almost floats on your tongue. It’s sweet but not cloying, with the natural carrot flavor shining through alongside creamy, buttery undertones. The subtle spices add a gentle warmth that makes each bite feel cozy and satisfying, while the souffle’s softness gives it an almost dreamy quality.
This souffle is typically baked until golden on top and served warm, making it a comforting accompaniment to roasted meats or a standalone side that can easily steal the spotlight. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave, preserving that creamy softness. Nutritionally, it’s a great way to enjoy carrots in a delicious, slightly indulgent form, providing vitamins and fiber alongside a moderate dose of fat and protein from the eggs and dairy.
Variations on this classic might include adding chopped nuts for a bit of crunch or a drizzle of honey on top for extra sweetness. What makes Furr’s Cafeteria Carrot Souffle special is its perfect harmony of sweet and savory, light and rich—a Southern comfort food treasure that’s easy to love.
If you’re ready to bring a taste of Southern nostalgia to your kitchen, check out the recipe below—making this carrot souffle at home is as rewarding as it is delicious.
Recipe
Discover the secret to recreating the legendary Furr's Cafeteria carrot souffle at home! Indulge in fluffy perfection with our delectable recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Method Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Boil or steam the carrots until they are very tender. Drain them well and let them cool slightly.
- In a food processor or blender, puree the cooked carrots until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the carrot puree, flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another.
- Beat the egg yolks into the carrot mixture until smooth.
- In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the carrot mixture until just combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the souffle is set and lightly golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Optionally, dust the top of the souffle with powdered sugar before serving.
Recipe Video
This is a video about Furr's Cafeteria Carrot Souffle.
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Recipe Tags: Furr's Cafeteria Carrot Souffle, Furr's Cafeteria Carrot Souffle Recipe, Recipe
Servings
To serve Furr's Cafeteria-style carrot souffle, follow these steps:
- Let it Cool: Allow the carrot souffle to cool slightly after removing it from the oven. This will help it set and firm up a bit, making it easier to serve.
- Portioning: Use a spoon or spatula to carefully scoop out individual servings of the souffle onto plates or into serving dishes. Make sure to maintain the fluffy texture as much as possible.
- Optional Garnish: If desired, you can dust the top of the souffle with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decorative touch and added sweetness.
- Serve Warm: Carrot souffle is best enjoyed while still warm from the oven. Serve it alongside your favorite main dishes, such as roasted chicken, grilled fish, or holiday feasts.
- Pairings: Consider pairing the carrot souffle with complementary sides like green beans, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad to create a well-balanced meal.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Carrots: Opt for fresh, firm carrots for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using pre-cut or baby carrots, as they may not yield the same results.
- Ensure Even Cooking: Make sure to cook the carrots until they are very tender before pureeing them. This ensures a smooth texture and enhances the sweetness of the carrots.
- Proper Pureeing: When pureeing the cooked carrots, aim for a smooth consistency without any lumps. A food processor or blender works well for this step.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Take your time to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter souffle.
- Fold in Egg Whites Carefully: When folding the beaten egg whites into the carrot mixture, do so gently to preserve the volume and airy texture. Avoid overmixing, as this can deflate the egg whites and result in a denser souffle.
- Grease the Baking Dish: Ensure the baking dish is properly greased to prevent sticking and make it easier to serve the souffle later.
- Serve Immediately: Carrot souffle is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while it's still warm and fluffy. Serve it promptly to fully appreciate its light texture and delicate flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to make the souffle sweeter or less sweet. Taste the carrot mixture before adding the eggs to ensure it's to your liking.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add extra flavor depth to the carrot souffle. These warm spices complement the sweetness of the carrots beautifully.
- Storage: Carrot souffle is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Ingredient Substitutes
Furthermore, if you need to substitute ingredients for the carrot souffle recipe, here are some options:
- Carrots: Sweet potatoes or butternut squash can be used as alternatives to carrots. They offer a similar sweet flavor and texture when pureed.
- Butter: Margarine or a non-dairy butter substitute can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
- Granulated Sugar: You can substitute with brown sugar, coconut sugar, or a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust the amount according to taste, as different sugars may vary in sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour substitute is finely ground for best results.
- Baking Powder: If you don't have baking powder, you can use an equal amount of baking soda combined with an acid like lemon juice or vinegar. This will help the souffle rise.
- Vanilla Extract: You can omit the vanilla extract if you don't have any on hand, or substitute with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Eggs: If you're vegan or allergic to eggs, you can try using a commercial egg replacer or make a flaxseed or chia seed "egg" by combining 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg called for in the recipe. Let it sit for a few minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency before using.
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting): This is optional for garnishing the souffle. You can skip it if you prefer or use a powdered sugar alternative.
Remarks
From Furr's Cafeteria to your kitchen, savor the nostalgia of this cherished dish. Whip up a batch and create new memories with every spoonful. Happy cooking!