How to Soften Cream Cheese (4 Best Ways to Soften Cream Cheese)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure policy.
Wondering how to soften cream cheese when you forgot to take it out of the fridge ahead of time? Many recipes called for softened cream cheese without explaining how to do it. Learn different ways of softening cream cheese quickly and easily for the best results with your recipes!
Many recipes such as cheesecake, cheese dips and frostings call for softened cream cheese to be combined with other ingredients. Softening cream cheese is important for achieving a smooth and creamy texture with no lumps.
However, it can take hours to soften at room temperature if you just leave a brick of cream cheese on the counter. It also won’t taste as fresh after sitting out for so long. Here we show you tips for softening cream cheese fast when you forget to take your cream cheese out of fridge ahead of the time!
What is the best cream cheese for baking
When it comes to choosing the best cream cheese for baking, it’s important to consider the texture and flavor that you’re looking for in your recipe. Here are some popular options:
- Brick Cream Cheese: This firm cream cheese available in brands such as Philadelphia is ideal for baking with a tangy flavor and creamy texture perfect for cheesecake.
- Spreadable Cream Cheese: This softened cream cheese has added water and is generally poorly suited to baking.
- Mascarpone: This Italian cream cheese is used for tiramisu and other delicate desserts. It has a rich and velvety texture.
- Neufchâtel Cheese: This French cheese resembles cream cheese but has a lower fat content. It’s occasionally used in European recipes.
- Greek Yogurt: This is an alternative option that’s becoming popular for baking. It works in recipes like pancakes and muffins.
How to soften cream cheese on the counter and time required
- Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator and remove it from its packaging.
- Place on a plate or a shallow bowl to avoid contamination.
- Wait for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much you’re softening. (You can cut it into smaller pieces if it’s a large brick.)
The cream cheese is now softened and ready to use. (Avoid leaving it out longer than an hour or two, as it could spoil.)
How to soften cream cheese in the microwave
- Remove the cream cheese from the packaging and place it in a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave the cream cheese on 50% power in 10 to 15 second intervals. Inspect each time to see if the cream cheese has reached your desired softness.
- As soon as it’s soft, remove from the microwave and mash with a fork to make it uniform.
- Use as directed in the recipe.
How to soften cream cheese in warm water
Softening cream cheese in warm water is a quick and easy method to achieve the desired consistency for spreading or mixing. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the cream cheese from its packaging and place it in a small bowl.
- Fill a larger bowl halfway with warm water (roughly 130°F).
- Place the small bowl in the warm water so it floats.
- Wait 15 to 20 minutes. Optional: stir the cream cheese halfway through.
- Once the cream cheese is soft, remove from the water and use as directed.
How to soften cream cheese with hands
- Place the cream cheese on the counter and wait 10 to 15 minutes to warm slightly.
- Cut it into 1-inch cubes. Wash your hands and dry with a kitchen towel.
- Massage the pieces between your thumb and forefinger until they become pliable and soft. This may take several minutes.
If the cream cheese is still too firm, you can always microwave it in 10-second intervals to speed things up, inspecting after each interval.
How to soften cream cheese for cheesecake
There are a few different methods for softening cream cheese for cheesecake:
- Counter: The easiest, but slowest way is to place it on the kitchen counter to warm for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Microwave: A quick method is microwaving in 10 to 15 second intervals (with packaging removed) and then mash until uniform. It will be ready in minutes.
- Oven: Unwrap the cream cheese and place on a plate. Warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until soft.
How to soften cream cheese for spreading
There are several ways to soften cream cheese for spreading:
- Put it out on the counter for 30 to 60 minutes to soften.
- Microwave it in 10 to 15 second intervals until soft.
- Cut into pieces and beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft.
- Warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until soft.
Note that if you see liquid seeping out of the cream cheese during softening, it’s totally normal and should be added to the recipe along with the softened cream cheese.
How to soften cream cheese for frosting
There are several options for softening cream cheese for icing or frosting:
- Put it out on the counter for 30 to 60 minutes to soften.
- Place it in a small bowl in a warm water bath for 10 to 15 minutes until soft.
- Cut into pieces and beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft.
- Microwave it in 10 to 15 second intervals until soft. This is my last resort, since it can modify the texture, which is so crucial for frosting.
How to tell whether cream cheese is softened?
To check whether the cream cheese is soft enough, simply press into it with the back of a spoon. If it gives slightly, the cream cheese is soft and ready for use.
Can I leave cream cheese out overnight to soften?
No, you should not leave cream cheese out overnight to soften. The USDA states it should not sit more than two hours at room temperature to avoid bacterial growth.
How long does it take to soften cream cheese at room temperature?
This depends on the amount of cream cheese and your fridge temperature. An 8-oz brick of cream cheese will take 1-2 hours at room temperature to reach a spreadable consistency.
FAQ
How long can cream cheese sit out?
Cream cheese can sit out for up to 2 hours. Any longer and it should be discarded due to the risk of spoilage.
What is the quickest way to soften cream cheese?
The quickest way to soften cream cheese is by removing the packaging and microwaving on 50% power in 10 to 15 second intervals. It will usually soften within minutes unless it’s one pound or more. Check in between each interval and stop as soon as it’s soft.
How to bring cream cheese to room temperature quickly
The fastest ways to bring cream cheese to room temperature:
- One-two minutes: Remove from packaging and place on a microwaveable plate. Microwave in 10 to 15 second intervals on 50% power. Inspect each time and stop as soon as soft.
- 15 to 20 minutes: Place the cream cheese in a small bowl. Fill a large bowl with warm water and place the small bowl in it. Wait until it reaches room temperature.
Recipes using softened cream cheese:
Watch video: how to soften cream cheese
How to Soften Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, regular or light*
Instructions
Microwave Method
- Unwrap the cream cheese and put it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Place in the microwave. Then microwave on full power for 15 seconds.
- Check the cream cheese. If it’s not soft enough, microwave for 5 seconds more. Repeat until fully softened.**
Hot Water Bath Method
- If the cream cheese is sealed in foil, use it as is. Otherwise, wrap the cream cheese tightly in plastic wrap to seal.
- Fill a medium bowl with hot tap water.
- Submerge the cream cheese in the water, using a paper weight or mallet to hold it down.
- Let it sit submerged for 5-10 minutes until soft.
Countertop Method
- Unwrap the cream cheese and cut into long strips about ½-inch (12 mm) wide.
- Arrange the strips on a plate with space in between.
- Let rest for 15-20 minutes until soft.
Notes
- * Light or low-fat cream cheese may not soften as smoothly due to its reduced fat content. If needed, whip it with a whisk to make it completely smooth after softening.
- ** It may take longer depending on the strength of your microwave oven.
- It’s normal to have some liquid to seep out of the cream cheese during softening. Add the liquid to the recipe along with the softened cream cheese.
- Softened cream cheese should give in to light pressure from the back of a spoon and have a spreadable consistency. Otherwise it’s still too firm.
- How to defrost cream cheese? If your cream cheese is frozen, let it sit in the refrigerator to thaw overnight or longer before softening.
Please read our nutrition disclaimer.
© TIPBUZZ. Images and text on this website are copyright protected. Please do not post or republish without permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please link back to this post. This post may contain affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.
Such great tips! I’m a fan of the microwave method for softened cream cheese, but sometimes over microwave, and make it too soft.
I never thought of cutting it into thin strips on the counter top instead! Genius!
Hi Micki, Thanks so much for your feedback. The secret to the microwave is intervals to avoid over-softening!