01 - Preheat the oven to 390°F. Generously butter two 6.8 oz ramekins and dust them with a little sugar, tapping out the excess to ensure even rising.
02 - Set a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Melt the chocolate, butter, and milk together, stirring until completely smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
03 - In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites with salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while whisking continuously until the meringue becomes glossy and forms stiff peaks.
04 - Stir the egg yolks and vanilla extract into the slightly cooled chocolate mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
05 - Gently fold one-third of the meringue into the chocolate base to lighten the mixture. Carefully fold in the remaining whites until just combined, being mindful not to deflate the airiness.
06 - Divide the soufflé mixture evenly between the prepared ramekins. Run your thumb around the inside rim of each ramekin to create a clean edge, which helps the soufflés rise evenly.
07 - Bake for 12–15 minutes until the soufflés have risen significantly with a slight wobble remaining in the center. They should still be moist inside.
08 - While the soufflés bake, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Do not overwhip.
09 - Immediately dust the warm soufflés with confectioners sugar and serve with a generous dollop of vanilla cream. Serve promptly as soufflés begin to deflate quickly.