Philadelphia Settles the Question: How Long Can You Leave Cream Cheese Out on the Counter?

With baking season just ahead, you might be planning to try a new recipe that calls for an old favorite ingredient—cream cheese. But what does 'room temperature' really mean? Can you leave dairy out for that long? And how do you know when it’s been out too long?

Is It Safe to Leave Cream Cheese Out?

When a recipe asks for room temperature ingredients, it’s an important step not to skip. But it’s crucial to do it safely. Cream cheese should never be left out for more than two hours at room temperature (or above 40°F), as this opens the door for harmful bacteria like salmonella. No one wants to risk foodborne illness over a carrot cake disaster. If it’s been out too long, just toss it—better to be safe than sorry.

According to Philadelphia's storage guidelines, "Re-seal the package and return it to the fridge immediately after use. Keep it refrigerated at 40°F or lower. Consume within 10 days of opening or by the date marked on the package, whichever is sooner." In short, don’t leave it out—and we agree.

How to Safely Soften Cream Cheese

The cream cheese experts suggest using short microwave bursts to soften it quickly.

"To soften cream cheese in a hurry, place the unwrapped block in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 15 seconds, or just until softened."

If you're concerned about accidentally turning your cream cheese into a runny mess, we’ve got other methods to quickly soften it without the hassle.

How to Store Cream Cheese-Based Products

According to the Philadelphia FAQs, "Baked cheesecakes made with cream cheese must always be refrigerated. Any fillings or toppings should be kept chilled." The site also notes, "Desserts with cream cheese, whether baked or not, should be covered and stored in the fridge. Use within 5 days."

Items like cheesecake and cream cheese frosting contain more moisture and often include other perishable ingredients such as milk or eggs, making refrigeration essential.

This also applies to delicious treats like pound cakes and cream cheese cookies. While baked goods with flour and sugar can absorb moisture and slow bacterial growth, leaving them out can cause the cream cheese fat to spoil. Store these treats in airtight containers and keep them cool for the best flavor and freshness.