Orange Soufflé (1877)

From Buckeye Cookery and Practical Housekeeping (1877)
Recipe contributed by Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, Melrose, Massachusetts

A refreshing 19th-century dessert, this Orange Soufflé blends the bright citrus flavors of fresh oranges with a delicately sweet custard and airy meringue topping. Elegant yet simple, it reflects the era’s love for refined fruit-based puddings served in glassware. This chilled, layered dish would have been a showstopper at afternoon teas or special family dinners.

Ingredients

• 6 oranges, peeled and sliced
• Granulated sugar (for layering and meringue) – approx. ½ cup total, divided (or to taste)
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 pint milk (2 cups)
• Grated orange peel (about 1 tsp)
• 3 egg whites

Instructions
In a high glass dish, layer the sliced oranges with sugar — one layer of oranges, then one of sugar, continuing until all the oranges are used. Let stand for 2 hours to develop flavor and create syrup. Meanwhile, make a soft-boiled custard by gently cooking the egg yolks, milk, sugar to taste, and grated orange peel. Stir constantly over low heat until the mixture thickens slightly, then remove from heat and let cool enough to avoid cracking the glass dish. Pour the custard over the layered oranges. Beat the egg whites to a stiff froth, add sugar to sweeten, and spread the meringue over the top of the dish. Serve chilled.

Notes
This dessert highlights the Victorian fascination with fruit-forward puddings and elegant glass presentation. Known for its balance of bright citrus and creamy custard, it was a popular offering for special dinners or ladies’ luncheons. The addition of a whipped meringue topping added visual drama and a soft, sweet finish.

📌 Serving suggestion: Present in a footed glass trifle bowl or deep glass serving dish. Garnish with additional orange zest curls or candied orange peel for a decorative Victorian touch.

Source
Originally published in Buckeye Cookery and Practical Housekeeping (1877).
Public domain recipe contributed by Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, Melrose, Mass.