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

How To Soften Cream Cheese

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Learn how to soften cream cheese with this easy tutorial! This post covers three ways to quickly get your cream cheese to room temperature!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword baking basics
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Author Danielle Rye

Ingredients

  • 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.