• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Search
    • Recipe Index
    • Bars & Brownies
    • Breakfast
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Frosting
    • Fruit Desserts
    • Muffins
    • One Bowl Desserts
    • Pies & Tarts
  • About Me
  • Food Photography
    • Work with Me
    • Classes and Workshops
  • Shop

Frosting & Fettuccine

Home » Recipe Search » Decorating Tutorials

Dec 14, 2022

How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly

BySam Adler
Jump to Recipe

Have a recipe that needs softened cream cheese but you’re short on time? Learn How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly so that you can get back to baking in no time. Theres a few ways to do it, and for one you don’t even need a microwave!

Cold cream cheese on a white plate on a blue background.

Cream cheese is a delicious addition to both savory and baked goods. It adds a rich, creamy texture to cakes and muffins and a tangy flavor to dips, spreads, and sauces. But most of the time, in these recipes, the cream cheese must be softened an hour beforehand to make the recipe properly.

This is not always possible because we’re all busy! As a trained pastry chef, I love using time-saving tricks and tips for when you don’t have time to wait for things to come to room temperature.

Sometimes I want to (NEED to) make cream cheese frosting, brownies with cream cheese frosting, chocolate cream cheese frosting, or even a caramel cheesecake and don’t have an extra hour to spare. 

Luckily, you can soften not only cream cheese but also soften butter quickly when you’re in a time crunch in these fast and easy ways!

What is Softened Cream Cheese?

Softened cream cheese means that the cream cheese was brought to room temperature and is no longer as cold as it was being used straight from the fridge. A lot of recipes call for room temperature cream cheese which would mean you would have to leave the cream cheese out for at least an hour to warm up to room temperature.

With the tips below, you can soften cream cheese in just 15 seconds!

Why does it need to be soft?

Softened cream cheese works best when it’s soft because it will cream much better into the batter of baked goods, or melt easier into savory recipes.

For example if you want to make a cheesecake, you need softened cream cheese because if cold cream cheese is used it wont blend smoothly and will leave lumps in the batter.

Room temperature Cream Cheese

Room temperature cream cheese is at a temperature of around 70°F. It should still feel slightly cold to the touch but would allow for an indentation when you press it with your finger or a spoon.

It should NOT be melted, or feel slimy, or allow your finger to press all the way through. At that point the cream cheese is more on the melted side and could use a minute or two in the fridge to firm up a little.

If you used melted cream cheese in your recipe, the results could be different than from what you’re expecting.

How To Soften Cream Cheese In The Microwave

  1. Unwrap the cream cheese: The first step is incredibly easy: unwrap the cream cheese. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and only one at a time.
  2. Microwave for 15 seconds: Set the timer for fifteen seconds and start the microwave.
  3. Add time if needed: If the cream cheese is not fully softened, microwave again for 8 seconds. If it’s microwaved any longer, it will melt too much!
Soften creamed cheese on a plate with a spoon cutting into it.

Softening Cream Cheese With Warm Water (No Microwave)

  1. Prepare a bowl: Add warm, not hot, water to a large bowl enough to fit the cream cheese.
  2. Add the cream cheese: Keep it wrapped in the wrapper and place it in the bowl for 10 minutes.
  3. Flip the cream cheese: Once the 10 minutes is up, flip the cream cheese to soften the other side until the cream cheese is fully ready.
Cream cheese in its wrapper in a bowl of water.

How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly At Room Temperature

  1. Remove from the wrapper: Carefully unwrap the cream cheese.
  2. Cut into cubes: Cut the cream cheese into small cubes using a knife.
  3. Wait 20 minutes: Let the cream cheese sit out for 20 minutes.

Expert Baking tips

  • Store desserts made with cream cheese in the fridge unless the recipe card says otherwise.
  • Follow the recipe you are using exactly to get the results you want.
  • To soften eggs quickly you can place them in a bowl of warm water and wait 5 minutes.

FAQ

How long can cream cheese stay at room temperature?

Cream cheese should stay at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours for it to stay safe from bacteria. After that, it’s best to refrigerate or freeze the cream cheese.

Can you leave cream cheese out overnight to soften it?

No, cream cheese contains a high percentage of fat and water, which can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria if left out at room temperature for too long. It’s best to refrigerate or freeze the cream cheese after two hours.

How long does it take for cream cheese to soften?

This depends on the method you use to soften the cream cheese. For example, in the microwave, it takes 15 seconds; with warm water, it takes 10 minutes; and at room temperature, it takes 20 minutes. Just left alone in the wrapper at room temperature, cream cheese will take about 1 hour to soften.

Now that you know how to quickly and easily soften cream cheese, you can get back to baking in no time! Just remember, always start with room temperature ingredients when baking for the best results. Enjoy making all sorts of delicious recipes with your perfectly softened cream cheese!

Recipes using cream cheese

  • Strawberry cream cheese frosting
  • Lemon cream cheese frosting
  • Cream cheese frosting without butter
  • Red Velvet Bundt Cake
  • Cream Cheese Brownies
Soften creamed cheese on a plate with a spoon cutting into it.

How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly

Have a recipe that needs softened cream cheese but you're short on time? Learn How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly so that you can get back to baking in no time. Theres a few ways to do it, and for one you don't even need a microwave!
No ratings yet
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Kosher
Keyword: how to soften cream cheese, how to soften cream cheese at room temperature, how to soften cream cheese quickly, how to soften cream cheese with warm water
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 1 minute
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 0.4kcal
Author: Sam Adler

Equipment

  • 1 Microwave
  • 1 Medium sized bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 block Cream Cheese refrigerated

Instructions

How To Soften Cream Cheese In The Microwave

  • Unwrap the cream cheese: Unwrap the cream cheese. Place it on a microwave-safe plate only one block at a time.
  • Microwave for 15 seconds: Set the timer for fifteen seconds and start the microwave.
  • Add time if needed: If the cream cheese is not fully softened, microwave again for 8 seconds. If it's microwaved any longer, it will melt too much!

How To Soften Cream Cheese With Warm Water (No Microwave)

  • Prepare a bowl: Add warm, not hot, water to a large bowl enough to fit the cream cheese.
  • Add the cream cheese: Keep it wrapped in the wrapper and place it in the bowl for 10 minutes.
  • Flip the cream cheese: Once the 10 minutes is up, flip the cream cheese to soften the other side until the cream cheese is fully ready.

How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly At Room Temperature

  • Remove from the wrapper: Carefully unwrap the cream cheese.
  • Cut into cubes: Cut the cream cheese into small cubes using a knife.
  • Wait 20 minutes: Let the cream cheese sit out for 20 minutes. It should be softened and ready to go! If not, wait a few more minutes.

Notes

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIP: Cream cheese contains a high percentage of fat and water, which can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria if left out at room temperature for too long. It’s best to refrigerate or freeze the cream cheese after two hours.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly
Amount Per Serving (8 piece)
Calories 0.4
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.04g0%
Saturated Fat 0.03g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.001g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.01g
Cholesterol 0.1mg0%
Sodium 0.4mg0%
Potassium 0.2mg0%
Carbohydrates 0.01g0%
Sugar 0.01g0%
Protein 0.01g0%
Vitamin A 2IU0%
Calcium 0.1mg0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I love when you share my recipes!!

3 shares

Filed Under: Decorating Tutorials Tagged With: Cheese

About Sam Adler

Sam Adler is a Le Cordon Bleu professionally trained pastry chef, Saveur Blog Award winner, food photographer, and food blogger over on FrostingandFettuccine.com. She has been featured in numerous online and in-print publications including Taste of Home Magazine, Saveur Magazine, The Feed Feed, and Food Blogger Pro. Sam lives in Hollywood florida with her husband, two young kids, and french bulldog. When she’s not baking and dancing in her kitchen you can find her at her favorite yoga spot.

Reader Interactions

Leave a comment & rate this recipe Cancel reply

Do you love this recipe? If so, I would be so grateful if you left a star rating with your comment! Star ratings help other people find my recipes so they can make them too. Thank you for your support!

XO, Sam

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search

Hi! Im Sam Adler,

I'm a professionally trained pastry chef and food photographer.
This is a place where you will find easy yet impressive looking desserts. I also share a ton of food photography resources too! What can I say, I love pretty & delicious baked goods! Learn more about me!

As Featured In:

Logo images of media places Sam Adler has been featured in
Saveur Blog award winner for best food Instagram

samadlerphotography

👋🏻 2022! Will be celebrating this year on th 👋🏻 2022! Will be celebrating this year on the couch with this in my lap. No sharing allowed! Those 3 spoons are all mine 😂😂 

🍾🥂HAPPY NEW YEAR 🍾🥂
.
.
.
#newyearseve #2023goals #cookieskillet #skilletcookie #giantchocolatechipcookie #chocolatechipcookies #chocolatechipcookie #cookiephotography #foodphotographyandstyling #foodstylingandphotography #foodphotographer #foodstylist #foodstylists #castironbaking #castironskillet #castiron @lodgecastiron
Recap of all the cookie boxes!!! This year’s @ta Recap of all the cookie boxes!!! This year’s @taylorswift theme has got to be my fave (see my last reel for the explanation of each cookie!) but I have so much fun every year making these! Which one is your fave?! 

#cookieboxes #cookiebox #cookiegifts #cookiegiftbox #holidaycookies #taylorswift #TaylorSwiftcookies #homemadecookies #customcookies #cookiedecorating #cookiesofinstagram #cookiedesign #cookiephotography #holidaycookiebox #holidaygiftsets #holidaygifts #ediblegifts #swiftie #swiftiesforever #taylornation @taylornation
ARE YOU READY FOR IT?! 2022 Cookie Box is @taylors ARE YOU READY FOR IT?! 2022 Cookie Box is @taylorswift themed!! 
1. “Like a rainbow with all of the colors” sprinkle cookies 
2. “Lover” heart sugar cookies 
3. “Lavender Haze” shortbread (made with lavender and a pearly shimmer powder)
4. “Midnight” cookies AKA my chocolate brownie cookies 
5. “Red lip classic” sugar cookies 
6. More midnight cookies- (dusted with powdered sugar to look like the midnight cloudy sky)
7. “Bejeweled” sugar cookies (Navy bc black fondant was out of stock)
8. @taylorswift famous chai cookies 

Merry Christmas if you’re celebrating and hope you have a happy New Year’s Day!
.
.
.

#cookiebox #taylorswift #taylorswiftcookies #holidaycookiebox #swifties #swiftie #swiftieforever #holidaycookies #cookieseason #cookiedecorating #cookiebox #cookieboxes #taylorswiftlover #taylorswiftlyrics #taylorswiftvideo #sugarcookies #shortbread #browniecookies #christmascookies #christmascookiebox #lavenderhaze
#ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up #ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up from classic sufganiyot to make these fun donut fries! Puffy, golden, and delicious, dip your “fries” into melted chocolate or raspberry jelly and celebrate all week long! @aldiusa makes it super easy with their amazing selection of high quality products at seriously unimaginable prices. Run to your nearest @aldiusa to find all the ingredients you need to make these and have a Happy Chanukah!
Find the recipe below!

#ALDILove
Prep time: 1 hr 45 mins
Cook time: 1 min
Yield: 40 donut fries
2 pack Baker’s Corner Active Dry Yeast
1 1/2 cup warm water
1/3 cup Sugar
2 Simply Nature Grade A Organic Cage Free Brown Eggs
2 tbsp Stonemill Pure Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup Carlini Pure Vegetable Oil
5-6 cups Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour
1 tsp Kosher salt
½ cup Baker’s Corner Powdered Sugar
For Dipping:
1 cup Baker’s Corner Dark or Milk Chocolate Morsels
Simply Nature Organic Raspberry Preserves
Method:
•Mix the yeast with water in a mixer bowl and let stand for 10 mins until frothy. Add the
sugar, eggs, vanilla, and oil to the bowl and mix until well combined.
•Start adding only 5 cups of flour and salt, and knead/mix on medium speed in a stand mixer
fitted with the dough attachment for 5 minutes until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. If the
dough seems sticky, add ¼ cup flour to the dough until it no longer sticks to the bowl when
mixing.
•Let the dough rest in the bowl for an hour to double in size. 
•Punch down the dough and remove it from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface. Using a
lightly floured rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangle. About 18”x 15” and 1/2 of an inch in
thickness. 
•Using a pizza cutter, cut in half vertically. Then slice thin strips horizontally. You want them
thin as they will puff up while frying.
•Let the fries rest for another 15 mins. 
•Meanwhile, using a deep fryer or a large pot, heat your oil to 350 degrees F. Fry the donut
fries 30 seconds per side, then drain on a paper towel.
•Dust the donut fries with powdered sugar and set aside.
•Microwave 1 cup of dark or milk chocolate for 30 seconds at a time until melted. Scoop
jelly into another bowl. Dip the fries in the chocolate or jelly!
Happy birthday @taylorswift 👸🏼 hope it feels Happy birthday @taylorswift 👸🏼 hope it feels like a perfect night and you’re not weepin in a party bathroom. IYKYK
.
.
Also here’s to wishing me getting those tix!
.
.
.
#swiftie #swifties #happybirthday #taylorswift #taylorswifttickets #birthdaycake #birthdaycakes #birthdaycandles #caramelcake #carameldripcake #caramelbirthdaycake #cakephotography #cakephotography📷 #cakedecorating #cakedesign #cakesofinstagram #cakepic #cakepictures
I sure do like these gingersnap cookies babe 😂 I sure do like these gingersnap cookies babe 😂 

.
.
.
#gingersnaps #gingersnapcookies #gingersnap #christmascookies #christmascookie #holidaycookies #holidaycookie #cookierecipes #tinyhands #holidaybaking #cookieseason  #cookiesofinstagram #cookiegram #cookielover
Load more please Follow me on Instagram!

Categories

Archives

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About
  • Web Stories
  • Privacy Policy

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclosure Policy

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work with me

Copyright © 2023 Samantha Adler | Frosting & Fettuccine | Support by Foodie Digital

3 shares