Learn How to Soften Cream Cheese with a few easy steps. Try 3 easy methods for softened cream cheese to make the best desserts.
Softened cream cheese is important when it comes to baking. It’s easier to blend together into a smooth lump free mixture.
Whether you are making Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake, Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting for cupcakes or Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe, these easy steps will help make the perfect dessert.
Table of contents
Why We Love This
Choose from 3 different techniques to soften cream cheese. From the traditional method to other options, there is something for every situation. You will always have perfectly softened cream cheese for 59 Delicious Cream Cheese Desserts.
Ingredients
- Block Cream Cheese. This is brick-style cream cheese.
How To Soften Cream Cheese
Traditional Method
- Step 1. Allow the cream cheese to sit on the counter at room temperature until it’s soft to the touch.
- Step 2. The countertop method can take 1-3 hours. You can dice the into smaller pieces to soften it quicker at room temperature.
Water Bath Method
- Step 1. Leave the cream cheese in the foil wrap.
- Step 2. Place the cream cheese black in a large bowl of warm water and dip until covered.
- Step 3. This should take 15-20 minutes total time for it to soften. Flip over every 5 minutes to help it soften faster.
Microwave Method
Step 1. Unwrap the cream cheese from the foil packaging.
Step 2. Dice the cream cheese into small cubes.
Step 3. Place in a microwave safe bowl or dish for the cube method.
Step 4. Microwave on high in 10-second increments until the cream cheese is softened but not melted. Check the cream cheese regularly after 10-second intervals with this method as it’s easy to accidentally melt your cream cheese in the microwave.
Different Ways to Use Cream Cheese
- Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
- Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars
- Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
- Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Frequently Asked Questions
Block style cream cheese is recommended to use in baking. Cream cheese in the containers that is meant to be spreadable and whipped typically have extra ingredients. This can result in the final product of baked goods having a different texture.
While the microwave is the quickest way to soften your cream cheese block, it is the riskiest. This is due to how easy it is to melt the block of cream cheese. You do not want to turn it into liquid.
Cream cheese should not sit out longer than 2 hours.
Yes, it is perfectly fine to freeze cream cheese up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
More Kitchen Tips
How to Soften Cream Cheese
Materials
- 1 Block Cream Cheese 8 ounces
Instructions
Traditional Method:
- Let the cream cheese sit on your countertop at room temperature until it’s soft to the touch.
- This can take 1-3 hours. You can dice the cream cheese into smaller pieces to soften it quicker at room temperature.
Water Bath Method:
- Leave the cream cheese in the foil wrap.
- Place the cream cheese black in a large bowl and cover it with warm water.
- This should take 15-20 minutes for the cream cheese to soften. Flip the cream cheese over every 5 minutes to help it soften faster.
Microwave Method:
- Unwrap the cream cheese from the foil packaging.
- Dice the cream cheese into small pieces and place in a microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave on high in 10 second increments until the cream cheese is softened (not melted).
- Check the cream cheese regularly with this method as it’s easy to accidentally melt your cream cheese in the microwave.
