Quick answer: beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream on high speed for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy. That is whipped cream cheese: the same cheese with air beaten in, so it spreads straight from the fridge.
How to make whipped cream cheese
- 8 oz (225 g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- Beat the cream cheese alone for a minute until smooth.
- Add the milk or cream and beat on high for 2-3 minutes, scraping the bowl, until fluffy and paler.
- Store in a covered container in the fridge.
Whipped vs regular cream cheese
| Regular (block) | Whipped (tub) | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Dense and firm | Light and airy |
| Spreads from the fridge | Not easily | Yes |
| Cheese per cup | More | Less, because of the air |
| Best for | Cheesecake, frosting, baking | Bagels, toast, dips |
Can you swap them?
For spreading and dips, yes. For baking and frosting, swap by weight, not by volume, and prefer block cream cheese: tub products are softer and can make frosting runny.
Flavors
- Honey walnut: 1 tbsp honey and chopped toasted walnuts.
- Chive and garlic: chopped chives and a little grated garlic.
- Strawberry: 2 tbsp strawberry jam.
- Cinnamon sugar: for toast and bagels.
Whipped cream cheese vs cream cheese whipped cream
They are different things. Whipped cream cheese is aerated cheese; cream cheese whipped cream is whipped cream stabilized with cream cheese, used for frosting and desserts. For dips, see fruit dip.
Frequently asked questions
What is whipped cream cheese?
Cream cheese that has been beaten with air, sometimes with a little milk or cream, so it is light, fluffy and easy to spread.
Can I use whipped cream cheese instead of regular in baking?
Only by weight. A cup of whipped cream cheese contains less cheese than a cup of regular, so measuring by volume throws off cheesecakes and frostings.
How do I make cream cheese spreadable?
Soften it at room temperature and beat it with a tablespoon or two of milk or cream until fluffy.
How long does homemade whipped cream cheese last?
About a week in a covered container in the fridge, and no later than the date on the original package.
