Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

Stuck with a ton of leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving Day dinner? Make these scrumptious bakery-style Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins with layers of cranberry sauce! They’re topped with a sweet buttery crumb for a perfect breakfast treat served with coffee. These muffins are suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy morning at home, a festive brunch, or even as a delightful snack throughout the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These muffins come together quickly and require minimal prep time, making them perfect for busy mornings.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cranberry sauce and warm spices creates a delightful flavor that will impress everyone.
• Perfect for Leftovers: If you have leftover cranberry sauce, this recipe is an excellent way to use it up without compromising on taste.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these muffins as breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with your favorite beverage.
• Family-Friendly: With their appealing taste and soft texture, these muffins are sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: Essential for shaping your muffins perfectly and ensuring they bake evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for easy mixing of dry and wet ingredients separately, promoting better texture.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending ingredients smoothly, especially eggs and sugar mixtures.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding in delicate ingredients like cranberry sauce without overmixing.

Ingredients

For the Crumb Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground green cardamom
• pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Muffins

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cranberry sauce

How to Make Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with paper muffin liners.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. ½ cup all-purpose flour
2. ⅓ cup light brown sugar
3. ½ tsp cinnamon
4. ¼ tsp ground green cardamom
5. A pinch of salt

Mix well until combined. Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Batter

In another large bowl, whisk together:
1. 3 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 tbsp baking powder
3. ½ tsp cinnamon

In a separate bowl, cream together:
– ½ cup unsalted butter,
– 1 cup white sugar,
– ⅓ cup light brown sugar until fluffy.

Add in:
– 2 eggs,
– ¼ tsp vanilla extract,
– ½ cup buttermilk,
– ½ cup sour cream.

Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender muffin!

Step 5: Add Cranberry Sauce

Gently fold in:
– 1 cup cranberry sauce into the batter until just swirled through.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin

Scoop batter into each muffin tin cavity, filling them about two-thirds full. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Allow muffins to cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delectable Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins with coffee or tea!

How to Serve Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

These delicious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins make for a delightful treat any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a snack, there are plenty of ways to elevate their flavor and presentation.

Pair with Coffee

• A hot cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the muffins perfectly, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Adding a dollop of whipped cream on top can provide a creamy contrast to the tartness of the cranberry sauce, making each bite even more indulgent.

Enjoy with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or bananas adds a refreshing touch and balances the richness of the muffins.

Create a Muffin Sandwich

• Split the muffin in half and fill it with cream cheese or mascarpone for a decadent breakfast sandwich.

Add a Drizzle of Honey

• A light drizzle of honey over the muffins brings an extra layer of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cranberry sauce.

How to Perfect Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

To achieve bakery-style muffins that are moist and flavorful, consider these simple tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your muffins light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.

• Check doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. This ensures your muffins are baked perfectly without being dry.

• Cool properly: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

Pairing side dishes with your Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt: Rich in protein and tangy in flavor, Greek yogurt is a nutritious side that complements the sweetness of the muffins.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and balances out the flavors from the muffins.

3. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or dried fruits serves as a hearty accompaniment that’s filling and satisfying.

4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast to your sweet muffins.

5. Nut Butter Toast: Whole-grain toast spread with almond or peanut butter offers added protein and pairs well with cranberry flavors.

6. Chia Seed Pudding: Make this creamy dessert ahead of time for an interesting textural contrast against the soft muffins.

7. Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with granola can serve as both a refreshing drink and an additional treat alongside your muffins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using leftover cranberry sauce in your muffins can be delightful, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly underestimate the baking powder: Using too little baking powder can lead to dense muffins. Always measure accurately for fluffy results.
• Boldly skip the buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and flavor. Substituting it with regular milk may yield drier muffins.
• Boldly neglect the mixing method: Overmixing can create tough muffins. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Boldly ignore muffin tin preparation: Not greasing or lining your muffin tin can result in sticking. Use liners or grease well to ensure easy removal.
• Boldly overlook cooling time: Cutting into your muffins too soon can result in a gummy texture. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover muffins in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, lasting up to 3 months.

Reheating Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place muffins on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become dry.
• Stovetop: Place muffins in a skillet over low heat, covered, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins, we’ve got answers!

How do I add more flavor to my Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins?

You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like nutmeg or swapping vanilla extract for almond extract.

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce instead?

Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly and saves time while still delivering great taste.

What other ingredients can I mix into the batter?

Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra crunch and sweetness.

How do I know if my muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready!

Can I make these Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends that fit your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins are not only scrumptious but also versatile! Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, they allow you to creatively use leftover cranberry sauce. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or spices. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 12 muffins 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delightful treat with these Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins. Bursting with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce and crowned with a buttery crumb topping, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a tasty snack throughout the day. They are easy to whip up, making them ideal for busy mornings or cozy gatherings. Enjoy them warm with coffee or tea for a comforting experience that everyone will love!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground green cardamom
• pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cranberry sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with paper liners.
2. For the crumb topping, mix together flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and melted butter until crumbly; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and sour cream; mix well.
4. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients until just mixed. Gently fold in cranberry sauce.
5. Fill muffin tin cavities two-thirds full and sprinkle the crumb topping over each muffin.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin (75g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg