To thaw whipped topping quickly, the safest and fastest method is to place the frozen whipped topping container in a bowl of cold water for about 20 to 30 minutes. This speeds up the thawing significantly while preserving the texture. Avoid using hot water or directly microwaving on high because that can ruin the consistency of the topping. Other methods include thawing in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 hours or leaving it on the counter for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature. For an even faster microwave method, use the defrost setting for short 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent it from becoming runny or soupy. After thawing by any method, it’s best to keep the whipped topping refrigerated and use it within two weeks for optimal texture and flavor.