If you love the idea of transforming leftover cranberry sauce into something truly irresistible, you are going to adore this Cranberry Sauce Muffins Recipe. These muffins are a marvelous blend of tender crumb, sweet cinnamon aroma, and those delightful swirls of tangy cranberry that create such a festive flavor profile. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast, a sweet afternoon snack, or a charming treat to share with friends, this recipe delivers comfort and joy in every bite. Best of all, it’s an ingenious way to give leftover cranberry sauce a starring role in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple pantry staples and your luscious leftover cranberry sauce is all it takes to whip up these gems. Each ingredient plays a key role, from lending moisture and structure to adding bursts of flavor and texture that make these muffins utterly unforgettable.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for perfect muffin texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Offers balanced sweetness to complement the cranberry’s tartness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note and extra moisture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures your muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with leavening and browning for a golden finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavor and enhances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth that pairs perfectly with cranberry.
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds richness and keeps the batter moist.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps muffins tender and extends freshness.
- 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients and gives structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely, sweet aroma that enhances overall flavor.
- 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce: The star ingredient, swirling tangy, sweet bursts throughout.
- Optional coarse sugar for topping: Provides a delightful crunch and sparkle on top.
How to Make Cranberry Sauce Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or give it a light grease to ensure your muffins come out clean and effortlessly. This prep step sets the stage for perfectly baked muffins with minimal fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This blend builds the flavor foundation and ensures even rising and texture throughout your batch.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture will bring moisture and richness to your muffins.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as a delicate crumb depends on light handling. The batter should be a little lumpy—that’s a good sign!
Step 5: Fold in the Cranberry Sauce
Gently fold in your leftover cranberry sauce, aiming for those beautiful streaks or swirls throughout the batter. This step adds vibrant color, a burst of flavor, and that characteristic marbled look without losing moisture.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to leave room for rising. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sugar on top for a lovely textured finish. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let your muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cranberry Sauce Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
These muffins are delicious on their own, but a light spread of softened butter or cream cheese takes them to the next level. Fresh rosemary sprigs or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a festive, elegant touch that delights both the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
Pairing your cranberry sauce muffins with a warm cup of chai or coffee makes for a comforting breakfast or snack break. For a heartier spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a creamy yogurt parfait—these muffins’ sweet-tart balance complements savory or creamy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Cranberry Sauce Muffins Recipe on a rustic wooden board with fresh cranberries and sprigs of mint for a charming holiday display. Alternatively, slice one in half and layer with mascarpone and honey for an indulgent mini dessert that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Their tender crumb stays fresh, making them perfect for quick grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks during your busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze these muffins to extend their life. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, ready to thaw whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy muffins warm, simply microwave them for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This revives their soft texture and brings those cozy cranberry flavors back to life beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of leftover cranberry sauce?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and don’t have the sweetness or texture that leftover cranberry sauce provides. If using fresh, you might want to cook them with sugar first or adjust the sugar in the recipe to balance flavors properly.
What if I don’t have brown sugar; can I substitute it?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of granulated sugar, though you’ll lose some of that deep molasses flavor. Adding a teaspoon of molasses can mimic brown sugar’s richness if you have it on hand.
Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking, and ensure your baking powder and other additives are gluten-free as well. The texture might differ slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes, stirring in a half cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or even white chocolate chips can add wonderful texture and flavor contrast to these muffins. Just fold them in with the cranberry sauce before baking.
How do I make sure the cranberry sauce swirls stay visible?
Fold in the cranberry sauce gently and avoid overmixing the batter. When you fill the muffin cups, try to spoon the batter in with the swirls intact instead of stirring everything evenly. This way, you get that beautiful marbled effect in the finished muffins.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Cranberry Sauce Muffins Recipe is a little slice of holiday magic you can enjoy any time of year. These muffins are not only a clever way to repurpose leftover cranberry sauce but also a scrumptious treat bursting with seasonal flavors and cozy warmth. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a beloved recipe to bake again and again. So grab your cranberry sauce and start mixing up a batch—you’re in for a delightful taste adventure!
Print
Cranberry Sauce Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Cranberry Sauce Muffins, featuring a beautiful marbled swirl of leftover cranberry sauce. Perfect as a breakfast treat or a tasty snack, these muffins combine a balanced mix of sweet and tart flavors, enhanced with warm cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. Made with simple pantry staples and customizable with optional nuts or white chocolate chips, this recipe is an ideal way to use up holiday cranberry sauce while enjoying a homemade baked good.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- Optional coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute all leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined to create a smooth wet mixture.
- Incorporate Wet into Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and mix gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can create tough muffins.
- Fold in Cranberry Sauce: Gently fold in the cranberry sauce, aiming to leave some streaks or swirls throughout the batter for a visually appealing marbled effect.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Add Topping: If using, sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top of each muffin to add a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- You can use either whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce—both work beautifully and provide different textures.
- For extra texture and flavor, consider stirring in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or white chocolate chips before baking.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins light and tender.
- If dairy milk is not preferred, any non-dairy milk substitute works well here.
- Coarse sugar topping is optional but adds a nice crunch and sweetness.
