Craving for some creamy Cool Whip but it’s frozen solid?
Don’t sweat it! I’ve got three simple ways to quickly thaw Cool Whip if you need it ASAP: leave it on the countertop, microwave it on low, or put it in a bowl of cold water.
We’ll discuss these methods in more detail, so read on.
1 – In the Microwave
The microwave is a lifesaver if you need the Cool Whip at the last minute.
Pop your Cool Whip in the microwave with the lid barely on for 30 seconds on defrost mode. Or, you can set it to low if your microwave doesn’t have a defrost option.
After the timer dings, stir it gently. The middle might still be frozen, so put it back in for another 30 seconds.
Repeat these steps until it’s soft and creamy. It seems like a bit of a hassle, but defrosting your Cool Whip in the microwave in one go could easily ruin it.
You can’t refreeze your Cool Whip after microwaving it, as it can lose some texture using this method. So, use it all up once thawed.
2 – In a Bowl of Cold Water
Grab a bowl that can fit the Cool Whip tub and fill it with cold water to thaw it safely. Warm or tap water can make it melt too fast or unevenly.
Next, submerge the sealed container for 30–40 minutes. You can change the water every 15 minutes to keep it chilled.
Check the consistency after half an hour. Keep it in the water for several more minutes if it’s still too hard to work with.
3 – On the Countertop
Take your Cool Whip from the freezer and plop it on your countertop with the lid on. You can set a timer for one hour, then check on it once the timer goes off.
Poke the cream with a spoon to see if it’s the correct consistency. If not, give it another hour, checking every 15 minutes until it’s thawed to perfection. Serve it up right away!
You shouldn’t leave your Cool Whip unrefrigerated for longer than two hours. If it’s warmer than 90 °F, limit it to one hour.
Cool Whip contains milk, which can spoil quickly at room temperature.
If using Cool Whip as frosting, you can thicken it to make it more stable at room temperature.
What Happens If You Thaw Cool Whip Incorrectly?
Leaving your Cool Whip out too long can turn it into a soup, making it hard to use as intended. And since it contains dairy, it can spoil fast when left over two hours on the countertop.
Beating it too roughly can also make it lose its fluffiness and volume. Stir it gently when thawing to keep its texture intact.
If you need to microwave it, follow the steps I mentioned earlier. You can ruin it in the microwave if you’re not careful, so save this method only for emergencies.
Still, it’s best to use the fridge for a slow, safe thaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Refreeze Cool Whip After Thawing?
Sure! You can refreeze any leftover whipped cream as long as it’s not completely melted when thawed.
Can You Buy Thawed Cool Whip?
No, Cool Whip is sold frozen and should only be thawed right before using it.
Can You Thaw Cool Whip Overnight?
Of course!
You can leave your Cool Whip in the fridge before bedtime, and you’ll have creamy and fluffy whipped topping for breakfast in the morning.
It takes 4–5 hours to melt to perfect consistency inside the fridge.
How Long Can You Thaw Cool Whip at Room Temperature?
Cool Whip should thaw out in 1–2 hours, depending on the temperature. You want it to soften up but not melt into a puddle, so keep an eye on it!
Leave it for a while longer if it’s still frozen. However, don’t exceed two hours to prevent it from getting too runny or spoiling.
Does Cool Whip Go in the Freezer or the Fridge?
Pop your Cool Whip in the fridge if you’re using it immediately. It can last up to two weeks in the fridge unopened and about 7–10 days once opened.
If it’ll be a while before you need it, toss it in the freezer! Frozen, it’ll stay fresher for longer, up to two months.
Final Thoughts
That’s a wrap on how to quickly thaw Cool Whip!
Microwave it if you’re in a rush, but you must use it all up. If you have an hour or two to spare, leave it on the countertop with its lid on.
A safer option is to dunk it in a bowl of cold water for just under an hour. Still, the most reliable method for the ideal creamy whipped texture is to keep it in the refrigerator for at least 4–5 hours.
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.
Leah
Sunday 17th of July 2022
Thank you for this information! I didn't have 5 hours to wait for my cool whip to thaw. I used method 2 and it worked really well!