Cream cheese is a popular ingredient used in many recipes like cheesecakes, frostings, dips, spreads, and more. When baking or cooking with cream cheese, it’s important to accurately measure out the amount needed for your recipe. One common measurement used for cream cheese is 1/3 cup. But how many ounces is that exactly?
This article will provide a detailed answer on how many ounces are in 1/3 cup of cream cheese. We’ll look at the basics of cream cheese, typical nutrition facts, how to properly measure cream cheese, and do the math to convert 1/3 cup to ounces. Read on for a full breakdown of this common cream cheese measurement conversion.
Background on Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting fresh cheese made from milk and cream. It has a smooth, creamy texture and is commonly used in desserts, dips, frostings, and more. Here are some basics on cream cheese:
- Made from a mixture of milk and cream, giving it a high fat content.
- Contains at least 33% milkfat and a maximum of 55% moisture.
- Has a soft, spreadable texture when at room temperature.
- Versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory recipes.
- Popular brands include Philadelphia, Knox, and Cracker Barrel.
- Comes in a variety of forms like blocks, spreads, whipped, and reduced-fat.
The high fat content is what gives cream cheese its rich flavor and smooth, creamy texture. When incorporated into recipes, these qualities make cream cheese perfect for cheesecakes, frostings, dips, cheeseballs, and more.
Nutrition Facts for Cream Cheese
When looking at cream cheese nutrition facts, the high fat content is evident. The typical nutritional profile for a 1 ounce serving of regular full-fat cream cheese is:
- Calories: 101
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: <1g
- Protein: 2g
As you can see, a 1 ounce serving of full-fat cream cheese provides over 100 calories and 10 grams of fat, the majority of which is saturated fat. There are minimal carbohydrates and 2 grams of protein per ounce.
Reduced-fat or neufchatel cream cheese will have a slightly different nutritional profile with less fat and calories per ounce. But for most recipes, the full-fat version is best to ensure the richest flavor and creamy, smooth texture.
Measuring Cream Cheese Accurately
When a recipe calls for cream cheese as an ingredient, it’s important to measure it correctly so you add the precise amount needed. Here are some tips for accurately measuring cream cheese:
- Start with a block of cream cheese at room temperature. Cold cream cheese can be difficult to accurately measure.
- Use a spoon or spatula to scoop out the needed amount.
- Level off the top of the measuring spoon or cup for an exact measure.
- Be sure to pack the cream cheese tightly in the cup or spoon.
- Use proper measuring tools like measuring cups and spoons, not regular eating utensils.
- Replace measuring cups and spoons that have become worn out or damaged for accuracy.
- Use proper technique based on the type of measuring tool:
- Spoon: level off top
- Liquid measuring cup: view at eye level
- Dry measuring cup: level off top
Taking care to properly measure cream cheese promotes accuracy in recipes so you achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
Converting 1/3 Cup of Cream Cheese to Ounces
Now that we understand the basics of cream cheese and how to measure it, let’s look at how to convert the measurement of 1/3 cup of cream cheese into ounces.
There are a few steps we’ll need to go through to calculate this conversion:
- Know that 1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 48 teaspoons
- If 1 cup = 48 teaspoons, then 1/3 cup = 16 teaspoons (48 teaspoons divided by 3)
- 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons so 16 teaspoons = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
- The typical conversion is:
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese = 0.5 ounce
- 1 teaspoon cream cheese = 0.16 ounce (1/3 of 0.5 ounce)
- So for 1/3 cup cream cheese:
- 5 tablespoons = 2.5 ounces (5 tablespoon x 0.5 ounce)
- 1 teaspoon = 0.16 ounce
- Total ounces = 2.5 + 0.16 = 2.66 ounces
Therefore, the calculation is:
1/3 cup cream cheese = 2.66 ounces
So when a recipe calls for 1/3 cup of cream cheese, you now know it equals 2.66 ounces.
Converting Other Cream Cheese Measurements to Ounces
Using the steps above, we can calculate ounces for other common cream cheese measurements:
2 Tablespoons Cream Cheese
- 1 tablespoon = 0.5 ounce
- 2 tablespoons = 2 x 0.5 ounce = 1 ounce
1/4 Cup Cream Cheese
- 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons
- 4 tablespoons x 0.5 ounce = 2 ounces
1/2 Cup Cream Cheese
- 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
- 8 tablespoons x 0.5 ounce = 4 ounces
1 Cup Cream Cheese
- 1 cup = 16 tablespoons
- 16 tablespoons x 0.5 ounce = 8 ounces
So the next time a recipe calls for cream cheese by volume measurement like cups, tablespoons, or teaspoons, you can easily convert to ounces using the above guidance.
Typical Uses for 1/3 Cup Cream Cheese
Knowing how many ounces are in 1/3 cup of cream cheese gives you a better understanding for recipes calling for this measurement. Here are some common uses for 1/3 cup cream cheese:
- Frosting or Filling: 1/3 cup provides enough to frost or fill a 9×9-inch pan or 12 cupcakes.
- Dip: Mixing 1/3 cup cream cheese into hot artichoke dip or cold ranch dressing yields a creamy consistency.
- Cheesecake: A cheesecake made in a mini muffin pan may use 1/3 cup cream cheese per 3-4 mini cheesecakes.
- Stuffed Foods: Use 1/3 cup cream cheese as a stuffing for mini peppers, phyllo cups, or potato skins.
- Spread: Slathering 1/3 cup cream cheese on a bagel makes for a tasty breakfast.
Knowing how to portion 1/3 cup cream cheese helps when prepping these kinds of recipes.
Tips for Measuring Cream Cheese
Here are some top tips to keep in mind when measuring out cream cheese for your next recipe:
- Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature before measuring for easier scooping and accuracy.
- Use proper measuring tools like cups and spoons designed for dry or wet ingredients.
- Level off the top with a straight edge or knife for precisely leveled cream cheese.
- Pack cream cheese firmly into measuring cups or spoons.
- When in doubt, weigh cream cheese on a kitchen scale for ounces versus relying on cup measurements.
- Stick with standard cream cheese versus whipped – whipped can trap air and impact measurements.
- Measure precisely – don’t estimate cream cheese amounts.
- Use level conversions like those above to substitute ounces for volume amounts.
Getting in the habit of properly measuring cream cheese ensures your recipes turn out perfect every time.
Weight vs Volume Cream Cheese Measurements
When measuring cream cheese for recipes, you can use:
- Volume: Spoons, cups, fractions like 1/3 cup
- Weight: Ounces, grams
Volume measurements can be inaccurate since packing and density of cream cheese can vary. For ultimate accuracy, weight measurements are best.
Kitchen scales make it easy to quickly weigh out cream cheese in ounces or grams. This removes the guess work of trying to level cream cheese perfectly in cup measurements.
Just be sure to use a proper kitchen scale designed for small amounts of food in ounces or grams. A digital scale will be easiest to read versus a manual one.
Weighing cream cheese promotes consistency across recipes and batches for reliable outcomes every time.
Metric Conversion for 1/3 Cup Cream Cheese
For international recipes using the metric system, it’s helpful to know the metric equivalents for 1/3 cup of cream cheese:
- 1/3 cup cream cheese = 2.66 ounces
- To convert ounces to grams:
- 1 ounce = 28.35 grams
- 2.66 ounces x 28.35 grams/ounce = 75 grams
- To convert ounces to milliliters:
- 1 fluid ounce = 29.57 ml
- 2.66 ounces x 29.57 ml/ounce = 79 ml
So the metric equivalents are:
- 1/3 cup cream cheese = 75 grams
- 1/3 cup cream cheese = 79 ml
Next time your international recipe lists cream cheese by grams or milliliters, use these conversions to get the needed 1/3 cup measurement.
Common Substitutions for 1/3 Cup Cream Cheese
Some recipes call for 1/3 cup of cream cheese but you may need a substitution if out of cream cheese. Here are some suitable alternatives:
Neufchatel Cheese
- Reduced-fat cream cheese with similar texture
- Use the same 1/3 cup amount
- Flavor and fat content will be slightly different
Cottage Cheese
- Puree 1/2 cup cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth
- Produces a similar creamy texture
- Adds more protein and less fat
Mascarpone Cheese
- Has a rich, creamy taste
- Replace 1/3 cup cream cheese with 1/4 cup mascarpone
- Works well in sweeter recipes
Ricotta Cheese
- Blend 1/2 cup ricotta cheese first to make it smooth
- Brings a fresh, slightly sweet flavor
- Not an exact 1:1 substitute but usable in a pinch
Plain Greek Yogurt
- Mix 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt with butter to reach the right consistency
- Bring a tangy flavor and creamy texture
- Better in savory dishes than sweet ones
Depending on what you have on hand in the fridge, one of these alternatives can work when you’re out of cream cheese.
Storing Leftover Cream Cheese
After measuring out cream cheese for a recipe, you may have some leftover. Here are tips for storing the unused cream cheese:
- Press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the cream cheese before sealing the container.
- Store in an airtight container versus the original packaging.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- If mold appears, discard the cream cheese.
- Avoid repeated temperature changes from refrigeration to room temperature.
- Once softened to room temperature, do not re-chill.
- Always use clean utensils when scooping out cream cheese.
- For best quality and food safety, use leftover within 5 days.
With proper storage in an airtight container, you can enjoy leftover cream cheese before it spoils.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the amount of cream cheese in 1/3 cup:
How many tablespoons are in 1/3 cup of cream cheese?
1/3 cup of cream cheese equals 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon.
Can I use whipped cream cheese the same as regular cream cheese?
Whipped cream cheese should not be substituted for regular cream cheese in recipes, as it can impact final texture and flavor.
Is room temperature or cold cream cheese better for baking?
Allowing cream cheese to come to room temperature before baking makes it easier to smoothly incorporate into batter and results in fewer lumps.
How long does opened cream cheese last in the refrigerator?
An opened package or container of cream cheese will stay fresh for about 2 weeks from the date it was opened when stored properly in the fridge.
What’s the best way to bring cream cheese to room temperature quickly?
Cut cream cheese into 1-inch cubes, spread out on a plate, and let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes to soften for recipes. Avoid microwaving which can make cream cheese oily.
Conclusion
When a recipe calls for 1/3 cup of cream cheese as an ingredient, it helps to know exactly how much that equates to in ounces. Using the steps outlined:
- 1/3 cup = 5 Tbsp + 1 tsp = 2.66 ounces of cream cheese
- Weight measurements like ounces or grams are most accurate
- Proper measuring techniques give reliable results
- Knowing ounce equivalents aids with recipe substitutions or conversions
Understanding cream cheese measurements like 1/3 cup in both volume and weight terms makes recipe success easy. So next time your baking or cooking depends on the perfect amount of cream cheese, you’ll know precisely how many ounces that entails.
