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If you’ve ever found yourself with a jar of leftover cranberry sauce after the holidays wondering what to do with it, then this Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe is about to become your new favorite! These muffins are a beautiful marriage of tart cranberry swirls and tender, buttery crumb topped with a cinnamon brown sugar streusel that’s simply irresistible. They transform that humble leftover cranberry sauce into a luscious treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these muffins comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that work harmoniously to create flavor, texture, and a hint of nostalgia. Each component plays a crucial role, from the flour building the structure to the leftover cranberry sauce lending fruity brightness, so gather these basics for an effortlessly delicious bake.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation for the muffin’s tender crumb and perfect rise.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives lift and lightness for fluffy muffins.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter moist and helps blend all ingredients smoothly.
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Adds richness and moisture for soft texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the muffin’s structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses subtle warmth and complexity.
- Leftover cranberry sauce (1 cup): The star ingredient that paints delightful tangy red swirls throughout.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the streusel topping with a hint of molasses flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings cozy spice notes to the topping.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Binds the streusel and adds buttery crunch.
- Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans (1/4 cup, optional): Provides a lovely crunch and earthiness in the topping.
How to Make Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the batter is mixed. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking and make removal a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients, which guarantees a consistent texture throughout every muffin.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This mixture provides moisture and richness for the perfect crumb.
Step 4: Join Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl, stirring gently until just combined. Keep in mind that some lumps are perfectly fine here; overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so stir with care!
Step 5: Fold in the Leftover Cranberry Sauce
Now for the fun part: gently folding in the leftover cranberry sauce. You want to create swirls of tart cranberry throughout the batter rather than fully mixing it in, giving every bite a burst of vibrant flavor and beautiful red marbling.
Step 6: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter, and the optional chopped nuts. This streusel will add a sweet, crunchy contrast on top of the tender muffins, making them even more addictive.
Step 7: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This allows room for the muffins to rise perfectly without spilling over.
Step 8: Add the Streusel
Sprinkle the streusel topping generously and evenly over each muffin, creating a golden, cinnamon-spiced crust once baked.
Step 9: Bake the Muffins
Place the tin in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs sticking.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling completely will ensure the texture is just right and the muffins hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe even further, consider topping each muffin with a little dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of simple vanilla glaze. Fresh cranberries or a few chopped nuts on top offer a pretty touch and enhance flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite chai tea. For a more filling spread, serve alongside creamy yogurt, whipped cream cheese, or even a fruit salad to brighten your morning or afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting brunch? Arrange the muffins on a tiered stand surrounded by fresh branches of rosemary or orange slices for a festive look. You can also slice them in half and add a smear of mascarpone or honeyed ricotta for a gourmet twist that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover muffins, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and moist without drying out, ready to enjoy fresh for a quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They keep well frozen for up to three months. When you want a treat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or warm them gently in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Reheating
Reheat your cranberry coffee cake muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive their warmth and softness. Adding a slight sprinkle of water before warming helps prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce works wonderfully and lets you customize the sweetness or spice levels to your liking, making your muffins even more special.
What if I don’t have leftover cranberry sauce?
No worries. You can either make a quick cranberry compote or even substitute with other berry preserves, but the classic leftover cranberry sauce truly shines in this recipe.
Are these muffins gluten-free or adaptable?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well to maintain that fluffy texture.
Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter or coconut oil for the streusel topping to keep them deliciously moist.
Will the muffins be very sweet? How can I adjust sweetness?
These muffins balance tart cranberry with moderate sweetness from sugar and brown sugar in the topping. If you prefer less sweet, simply reduce added sugar slightly or use a less sweet cranberry sauce.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about transforming leftover ingredients into delightful new treats, and this Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe does just that with flair. Sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced, these muffins make brilliant use of cranberry sauce and bring a cozy sparkle to your day. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the joy of this simple but spectacular recipe with your loved ones!
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