Learn how to soften cream cheese fast for use in recipes calling for softened cream cheese. Which can be a real problem when you need cheesecake now. It should soften naturally by this point. Pro: This is the easiest way to soften cream cheese and doesn't require you to watch it like a hawk. Learn how to soften cream cheese fast for use in recipes calling for softened cream cheese. Microwave on high for 15 seconds. The final option that we will cover today is to simply place your cream cheese into the bowl of a stand mixer and use the paddle attachment to beat the cream cheese for about 60 seconds until softened. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Some cooks prefer to soften their cream cheese by wrapping the slab in plastic wrap and then submerging it in a bowl of hot tap water. If it doesn’t, continue to microwave on high for 8 seconds at a time until cream cheese is softened. Cutting them into smaller amounts allows it to reach a lower temperature much faster. Step 1. Many recipes call for softened cream cheese, but what is the best way to do that? It should feel softer (but not hot). This option works great if you will be adding additional ingredients into the softened cream cheese in a stand mixer anyway. If your recipe calls for cream cheese that is mixed into other things, you can cut your cream cheese into 1-inch cubes. Credit: Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Microwave it 10 seconds at a time, checking the texture and temperature after each interval, for 30 seconds. How to Soften Cream Cheese Fast in the Microwave. If you try this method, just make sure the wrap is completely sealed! Check to see that the cream cheese has softened by gently pressing on it with the back of a spoon. Cut the cream cheese into small pieces (or scoop it out of a container into small blobs) and place them on a plate. Fill a large bowl (or the sink) with warm water. There are several different methods that we will discuss, but the fastest, most efficient way to soften cream cheese is by using the microwave. Place the cream cheese onto a microwave safe plate or dish. You can leave the brick of cream cheese on your countertop for 1 hour. Southern Living is a registered trademark of, These Haircuts Are Going To Be Huge in 2021, 140 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That’ll Steal the Show, 7 Paint Colors We’re Loving for Kitchen Cabinets in 2020, 50 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime. Place the bag of cream cheese in the warm water and submerge it for about 10 minutes, or until the cream cheese is soft. And you can do this step while you prep other ingredients for your recipe.Con: This method isn't as easy if the cream cheese is in a tub rather than a package. Even if you know this already (which you probably do, if you like to bake), that doesn't mean you will remember to take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator so it has time to soften up—ideally for an hour. In some recipes, certain ingredients like cream cheese have to be at room temperature before you can use them. You can then tell when it's the texture or warmth you desire. Or a pound cake, or some carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Here are three quick and easy ways to bring cream cheese up to room temperature. Do not try and beat other ingredients into the cream cheese until it has softened completely or your ingredients may not mix properly. Your email address will not be published. Place the unopened aluminum-foil wrapped cream cheese in a ziplock bag and push all of the air out of the bag before sealing it. Cut the cream cheese into small pieces (or scoop it out of a container into small blobs) and place them on a plate. Delicious desserts are still in your future. Test the middle of the cream cheese with your finger. Pro: No dishes to wash! Sign up to save recipes in you recipe book, write reviews and more! Unwrap the cream cheese and place it on a microwave-safe plate. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Place the brick of cream cheese between two layers of parchment paper, but be warned that the cream cheese will stick and you will have to scrape it off the parchment paper layers.