Learn how to soften cream cheese with this easy tutorial! This post covers three ways to quickly get your cream cheese to room temperature!

A block of cream cheese on a white plate. A box of Philadelphia cream cheese is sitting next to the plate.

Have you ever walked into the kitchen ready to tackle a cheesecake or make a batch of cream cheese frosting, only to realize you forgot to sit your cream cheese out?

Even though I bake multiple times a week, this has happened to me more often than I care to admit. But when it comes to baking, it’s important that your cream cheese is at room temperature so that it blends together evenly and you don’t end up with lumps.

So today I wanted to cover a few different methods that I use to soften cream cheese quickly when I need it for a recipe!

An overhead view of an opened package of cream cheese.
An overhead view of an opened package of cream cheese that's been cubed into several small pieces.

How To Soften Cream Cheese

At Room Temperature

When it comes to letting cream cheese soften at room temperature, you have two options – soften the whole block or cube it into small pieces.

To soften the whole block: Remove the package of cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Cubing method: To speed up the process, open the package of cream cheese and cube it into smaller pieces. Allow the cubed cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.

An overhead view of a sealed package of cream cheese in a small container filled with warm water.

With Warm Water

When I’m in a rush to soften cream cheese quickly, this is my favorite method!

If your cream cheese package is completely sealed, you can place it in a bowl or small container of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes.

If you’ve opened the package, place the cream cheese in a ziplock bag, and seal it shut before placing it in the water.

An overhead view of a block of cream cheese on a white plate.
A plate with a block of cream cheese sitting inside of a microwave.

In The Microwave

This is probably my least favorite method because you run the risk of melting the cream cheese. However, it’s also the fastest method which is great if you’re in a hurry!

To soften cream cheese in the microwave, make sure to remove it completely from the wrapper and place it on a microwave-safe plate.

Place the plate with the cream cheese in the microwave and microwave it in 5 second bursts, flipping the cream cheese to the other side each time. I will typically microwave mine for a total of 20 seconds, flipping it three times.

A block of cream cheese on a white plate. A box of Philadelphia cream cheese is sitting next to the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best kind of cream cheese to use?

When it comes to baking, I always recommend sticking with brick-style cream cheese.

Spreadable and whipped cream cheese typically have extra ingredients added to thin them out and make them easier to spread. These typically result in a runny frosting or a super thin cheesecake batter.

How long can cream cheese sit out?

I don’t recommend letting cream cheese sit out for longer than 2 hours.

Can you freeze cream cheese?

Absolutely! If your cream cheese is close to expiring, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to use the cream cheese, just place it in the fridge overnight to thaw it.

How long does cream cheese last?

If the package is unopened, then it’s a good idea to go by the best-by date on your cream cheese.

If the package has been opened, then cream cheese will typically stay good in the fridge for up to one week after opening.

A single slice of no-bake cheesecake on a white plate topped with whipped cream and fresh raspberries.

Different Ways To Use Cream Cheese

You can find all of my cream cheese recipes here, but these are a few of my favorites ways to use it:

A block of cream cheese that's been opened and is sitting on the wrapper.

How To Soften Cream Cheese

5 from 1 rating
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Learn how to soften cream cheese with this easy tutorial! This post covers three ways to quickly get your cream cheese to room temperature!
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Ingredients

Servings: 8 servings
  • 1 (8-ounce) package brick-style cream cheese

Instructions
 

AT ROOM TEMPERATURE

  • To soften the whole block: Remove the package of cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Cubing method: Open the package of cream cheese and cube it into 12 to 15 small pieces. Allow the cubed cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.

WITH WARM WATER

  • Place the sealed package of cream cheese in a bowl or small container of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the package is opened, place the cream cheese in a ziplock bag, and seal it shut before placing it in the warm water.

IN THE MICROWAVE

  • Remove the cream cheese completely from the wrapper and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
  • Place the plate with the cream cheese in the microwave and microwave in 5 second bursts, flipping the cream cheese to the other side each time. This should take 15 to 25 seconds, depending on your microwave.
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Danielle Rye
Did you make this recipe?Mention @livewellbakeoften on Instagram or tag #livewellbakeoften.