Many dishes require you to soften the cream cheese before you add it to the recipe. You can soften cream cheese in a number of ways, which can be used in any recipe. The easiest way is to heat it, especially if you store it in the refrigerator. However, if you want the cream cheese to stay cool, for example for an icing recipe, you can melt it with other ingredients to keep the texture soft.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Soften Cream Cheese at Room Temperature
Step 1. Cut the cream cheese into cubes so you can soften it faster
If you leave the cream cheese in blocks, the outside will soften, but the inside will remain cold, which will slow down the softening process. To prevent this from happening, cut the cream cheese into about 2 inches (5 cm) using a butter knife.
Step 2. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften it
If you have time, soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once it reaches room temperature, the cream cheese will be noticeably softer. If it's still cold to the touch and not yet soft, let it sit for another 20 to 30 minutes.
- You can leave the cream cheese in its original container, or transfer it to a new container.
- If you let it sit for an hour and the cream cheese is still not soft, you may need to mix it with other ingredients, such as lemon juice, milk, or whipped cream to soften it.
Step 3. Mash the cream cheese for about 5 minutes to soften it manually
By spreading it, you can make the cream cheese soft without adding heat. Place the cream cheese in a bowl, then mash the cheese using the back of a spoon. The longer you mash it, the softer the cream cheese will be.
If you have a sitting mixer, beat the cream cheese with the mixer for about 1 minute
Step 4. Spread the cream cheese thinly to soften it faster
For quick results, place cream cheese in the center of two parchment paper, then press down with a rolling pin (wooden round) or the side of a wooden mallet. When spread, the cream cheese will soften quickly.
Remember, you'll need to scrape the cream cheese off the parchment paper when you're done
Step 5. Press the cream cheese with a spoon to check its softness
Once the cream cheese has warmed up, check the cream cheese for the right level of softness. Press the cream cheese with the back of a spoon, either through the wrapper or directly onto the cream cheese. If the cream cheese can be pressed easily, it is soft enough for most recipes. If it's still firm, you may need to warm it up a bit longer.
Step 6. Don't let the cream cheese stay soft for more than 2 hours
Cream cheese can be stored for a long time. Sometimes, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, or 2 months if you put them in the freezer. However, like most dairy products, cream cheese spoils quickly at room temperature. Once warmed up, use the cream cheese as quickly as possible and return the rest to the refrigerator.
Do not leave the cream cheese at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the cream cheese is at room temperature more than that time, you should throw it away
Method 2 of 3: Using Heat to Soften the Cream Cheese
Step 1. Microwave the cream cheese for 15 seconds to quickly soften it
Place the cream cheese in a microwave-safe plate or bowl. On the high power setting, heat the cream cheese in the microwave for about 15 seconds before checking it. If it's still not soft, increase the time by 10 seconds, and check again after that.
- To heat large amounts of cream cheese, increase the time by 10 seconds for every 250 grams of additional cream cheese.
- If it's too soft, place the cream cheese in a cold bowl, then let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. If you want, you can also put it in the refrigerator for 2 minutes.
- If cream cheese is wrapped in aluminum foil, do not microwave the foil.
- If there is a liquid, known as whey, separate the liquid from the cream cheese as you heat it. Add the curd to the recipe along with the solids.
Step 2. Warm the cream cheese gradually by dipping it in warm water for about 10 minutes
Pour warm water into a bowl, then add cream cheese to it and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Let the cream cheese sit in the water for another 10 minutes if the cheese isn't soft enough. If the cream cheese is still not soft after that, add warm water to the bowl. However, don't use hot water as it can melt the cream cheese.
- Once opened, place the cream cheese in an airtight plastic bag or wrap tightly to prevent water from entering.
- If cream cheese is frozen, use cold water, not warm water. This will take some time, but cold water will soften the frozen cream cheese more evenly.
Step 3. Avoid overheating the cream cheese to keep the texture from changing
It's very likely that you overheated the cream cheese when you wanted to soften it. Cream cheese can melt, and turn it into a thick liquid. Unfortunately, this condition usually doesn't return to its normal texture even after you've refrigerated it.
Prevention is the best course of action. Use gentle heat for short periods of time so you don't overheat. Gradually increase the temperature and time if you want a softer texture
Method 3 of 3: Soften Cream Cheese with Other Ingredients
Step 1. Add cream or milk to soften the cheese without changing the taste
Place 250g of cream cheese in a bowl, then add about 1 tsp. (5 ml) unsweetened milk or cream and mix well. If necessary, add more cream or milk until the cream cheese reaches the desired consistency.
This neutral-scented dairy product is perfect for softening cream cheese without affecting the taste too much. The cream cheese flavor may be a little less tangy, but the difference won't be noticeable in most recipes
Step 2. Mix the melted butter to get a soft and creamy cream cheese
Butter is another great option for softening cream cheese. To soften 250 grams of cream cheese, melt about 1 tbsp. (15 grams) butter in the microwave. Next, combine the cream cheese and melted butter in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Add a little more butter if the cream cheese has not softened with the previous butter.
- Don't heat the cream cheese with the butter, unless you want to melt it too.
- If possible, use unsalted butter as salted butter changes the taste of the cream cheese.
Step 3. Add 1 tsp. (5 ml) lemon juice for a slightly sour taste
In addition to softening the dense cream cheese, lemon juice can also give it a sour taste. It can give frosting a great taste and sweet and sour desserts, although it doesn't go well with all dishes. Add 1 tsp. (5 ml) lemon juice for every 250 grams of cream cheese.
Step 4. Mix cream cheese with whipped cream for sweetness
A spoonful of whipped cream is great for softening cream cheese that you want to use as frosting. This will give the cream cheese a sweet taste, not a sour taste like when you use lemon juice.
First, add about 15 ml of whipped cream to 250 grams of cream cheese, then add more if necessary
Step 5. Mix the mascarpone with the cream cheese to soften it a bit
Mascarpone is an Italian spread that is very similar to cream cheese. However, this product is lighter and softer. Because it's very similar to cream cheese, mascarpone can be a good option if you want to make the cream cheese a little softer than its normal condition. The effect is subtle, but clearly visible. This combination is perfect as a topping on desserts like bread pudding or French toast.
Tips
- Low-fat cream cheese may not soften smoothly because of its reduced fat content.
- In a pinch, try substituting cream cheese for mascarpone or Neufchatel cheese (French cheese). Both have a similar texture and taste and can be softened in the same way.
