Cream cheese must be softened before it is added to a recipe.There are many ways to make cream cheese.If you've been storing it in the fridge, heating it up can work well.If you have to keep the cream cheese cool, you can cut it with other ingredients to give it a softer texture.
Step 1: Cut the cream cheese into cubes.
If you leave the cream cheese in a block, the outside will start to soften and the inside will stay cool.To slice the cream cheese, use a butter knife.
Step 2: To make the cream cheese softer, leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes.
You can store cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes if you have the time.The cream cheese will be noticeably softer once it reaches room temp.Let it sit for another 30 minutes if it still feels cool to the touch.You can either leave the cream cheese in the original container or transfer it to a new one.If the cream cheese is not soft enough after an hour, you may need to add another ingredient like milk, lemon juice, or whipped cream.
Step 3: The cream cheese should be softened by stirring for about 5 minutes.
The cream cheese can be spread out to make it softer.You can place the cream cheese in a bowl and use the back of a spoon to stir it.The softer the cheese becomes, the more you stir.If you have a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese with a paddle attachment.
Step 4: To make the cream cheese softer, spread it out thinly.
Place the cream cheese between 2 sheets of paper, then break it up with a rolling pin or mallet.The cheese should become soft as it spreads.When you are done, you will have to remove the cream cheese from the parchment.
Step 5: If the cream cheese is soft, press the spoon into it.
You should check the consistency of the cream cheese after you've warmed it.Either through the wrapper or directly into the cheese, you can press the back of a spoon into it.It should be soft enough for most recipes if it gives way easily.You may want to warm it a little more if it's still firm.
Step 6: Don't allow softened cream cheese to sit for more than 2 hours.
In the fridge, cream cheese can last up to a month, but in the freezer it can easily last twice that.It spoils quickly at room temperature.Return any leftovers to the fridge after you warm your cream cheese.Cream cheese should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.Throw it away if it has been left out longer than that.
Step 7: The cream cheese can be microwaved in 15 seconds.
Cream cheese can be microwaved into a bowl or dish.Put the cream cheese in the microwave for 15 seconds and check it.Check it after each heating session if it isn't soft enough.Add 10 seconds to the microwave time for each additional 8 ounces of cream cheese.Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for about 5 minutes if it gets too soft.If you prefer, you can put it in the fridge for 2 minutes.Do not put the foil in the microwave if the cream cheese was wrapped in metallic packaging.If any of the liquid separates from your cream cheese when you heat it, just add it to your recipe.
Step 8: The cream cheese should be placed in a water bath for 10 minutes.
Put the package of cream cheese in the water and let it sit for 10 minutes.If the cream cheese needs to be softened more, leave it in the water for 10 minutes.Warmer water can be added to the bowl if it still isn't soft enough.Do not use hot water to melt the cream cheese.If the cream cheese has already been opened, wrap it tightly in cling wrap or put it in a plastic bag.Cold water can be used if the cream cheese is frozen.The cold water will help the cream cheese heat up.
Step 9: The cream cheese should be kept cool to preserve it's texture.
It is possible to warm cream cheese too much.The cream cheese can melt, leaving you with a soupy mess, and it might not return to its normal texture once it is cooled.The best cure is prevention.Warm up with gentle heat and short warming periods.If you need a softer texture, increase the temperature and time slowly.
Step 10: Adding milk or cream to the cheese will not change the taste.
If you want to add milk or cream to the cheese, place 8 ounces of cream cheese in a bowl.If you want the cream cheese to be consistent, add a little more.Cream cheese can be thin with these neutral-flavor dairy products.The difference in the cream cheese will not be noticeable in most recipes.
Step 11: Add butter to cream cheese.
It's a good idea to thin out cream cheese with butter.To thin a package of cream cheese, use the microwave to melt a small amount of butter.The butter and cream cheese should be put in a separate bowl.If the cream cheese isn't soft enough after the first addition, add a little more butter.If you want the butter to melt, don't heat the cream cheese.unsalted butter will not change the taste of the cream cheese.
Step 12: Adding a small amount of lemon juice will add a bit of tartness.
Lemon juice will give cream cheese a noticeably sour taste.It can be delicious in frosting and other sweet and sour desserts, but it won't go well with every dish.Add lemon juice to every 8 ounces of cream cheese.
Step 13: The cream cheese and whipped cream should be mixed together.
If you need to thin cream cheese for frosting, a large amount of whipped cream can be perfect.The cream cheese will have a slightly sweet flavor, rather than the tartness of lemon juice.If you need to add more, start by adding 15 mL of whipped cream to the 8 oz of cream cheese.
Step 14: The cream cheese should be softened slightly.
The spread is very similar to cream cheese.It is a little lighter and softer.When you want to make cream cheese just a little softer than it already is, mascarpone is a good choice.It's perfect as a topping for desserts like French toast and bread pudding.