The holidays can leave you with unexpected treasures in your fridge, like leftover cranberry sauce just waiting for a delicious purpose. One cozy afternoon, I found myself staring down a jar of that vibrant scarlet goodness, and an idea sparked—leftover cranberry sauce muffins with a crunchy streusel topping would be the perfect solution!
As I combined rich spices like cinnamon and cardamom with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries, I couldn’t help but feel my kitchen fill with warmth and nostalgia. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy muffin that bursts with juicy cranberry goodness, topped with a crumbly, buttery streusel that adds an irresistible crunch.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a delightful homemade treat, these muffins are incredibly easy to whip up. Plus, they make use of what you already have on hand, transforming potential waste into a mouthwatering breakfast or snack. Get ready to bring a little magic to your morning routine!
Why love Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins?
Comforting Flavor: These muffins are a sweet embrace in every bite, featuring the delightful tang of cranberry that dances perfectly with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
Effortless Preparation: Whipping these up is a breeze! With minimal steps and common ingredients, you’ll serve your family a fabulous treat in no time.
Creative Waste Solution: Transforming leftover cranberry sauce into these muffins not only reduces waste but also enhances your culinary repertoire.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these muffins are versatile enough to impress everyone, from family to friends.
Crunchy Topping: The buttery streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, contrasting beautifully with the soft muffin base for a textural delight!
Enjoy these scrumptious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins with Streusel Topping as part of your cozy morning routine or when entertaining guests.
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins Ingredients
For the Muffin Batter
- All-Purpose Flour – used for the base of the muffins, creating a fluffy texture.
- Light Brown Sugar – adds a hint of caramel sweetness to complement the tart cranberry.
- Kosher Salt – enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness in the muffins.
- Cinnamon – warms the flavor profile, giving the muffins a cozy fall touch.
- Ground Cardamom – adds a unique, fragrant spice that elevates the muffins.
- Unsalted Butter, melted – introduces richness and moisture; you can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Granulated Sugar, minus 2 tablespoons – sweetens your batter without overpowering the cranberries.
- Vegetable Oil – keeps the muffins moist and tender; can be replaced with melted coconut oil.
- Large Eggs, whisked – bind the ingredients together for a perfect rise and texture.
- Vanilla Extract – enriches the flavor and adds a wonderful aroma.
- Baking Powder – the key leavening agent that gives the muffins their lift.
- Buttermilk – adds tanginess and moisture; yogurt can be used as a substitute.
- Leftover Cranberry Sauce – infuses a burst of flavor, turning the muffins into a festive treat.
For the Streusel Topping
- All-Purpose Flour – serves as the base for a crumbly topping that contrasts deliciously with the muffin.
- Granulated Sugar – sweetens the streusel, balancing the tartness of the cranberry.
- Butter, cold and cubed – crucial for creating that classic crumbly texture; always use cold butter for best results.
- Cinnamon – mirrors the spices in the muffin batter, tying the flavors together.
These Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins with Streusel Topping not only utilize your leftover sauce but also make for a delightful treat that everyone will adore!
How to Make Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, kosher salt, cinnamon, ground cardamom, and melted butter until well blended. This mixture will provide the muffin’s foundation.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In your stand mixer, beat the vegetable oil and granulated sugar together until smooth and combined. It should have a light, creamy texture.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in the whisked eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix for another moment to ensure everything is combined but don’t overmix.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined; you want to avoid overworking the batter for fluffy muffins.
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Stir in Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until the batter is barely combined; it’s okay if a few lumps remain. This step ensures a moist muffin.
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Prepare Muffin Cups: Line every other muffin cup with paper liners. Preheat your oven to 350°F, then let the muffin batter rest on the counter for 15 minutes for enhanced texture.
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Fill Cups with Batter: Spoon 1 tablespoon of muffin batter into each cup, pressing it down flat. Spread 1 teaspoon of your leftover cranberry sauce on top, followed by more batter and another teaspoon of sauce.
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Top with Streusel: For the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cold cubed butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of this mixture over each muffin.
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Bake: Place the muffin tray into your preheated oven, baking for 12-15 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins with Streusel Topping are a fantastic meal prep option for those busy mornings! You can prepare the muffin batter up to 24 hours in advance. To do this, mix all the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately, then combine them just before you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can assemble the muffins in their cups (without baking) and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply preheat your oven and bake from cold, saving you time while still achieving that fresh-baked aroma and taste. Just remember, for the best flavor and texture, bake them straight from the fridge without letting them sit at room temperature! Enjoy these delicious muffins any day of the week!
How to Store and Freeze Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins
Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them on the counter to maintain their fluffy texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the muffins in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration may alter the texture slightly.
Freezer: Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: Reheat muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warm, for that freshly-baked taste.
Expert Tips for Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins
- Measure Carefully: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to avoid too much flour, which can lead to dense muffins.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your batter just until combined; overmixing can create tough muffins rather than a light texture.
- Rest the Batter: Allowing the muffin batter to rest for 15 minutes helps develop flavor and enhances the overall texture, so don’t skip this step!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and buttermilk are fresh for the best rise and flavor in your leftover cranberry sauce muffins.
- Cool Completely: Let muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps maintain the moisture and texture.
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions to make these muffins truly your own!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a fluffy alternative.
- Spiced Up: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ginger or nutmeg to enhance the warm spice profile.
- Nutty Touch: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and richness.
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped apples or pears for added moisture and freshness. Imagine the juicy bites you’ll discover!
- Berry Bliss: Swap 1 cup of leftover cranberry sauce for the same amount of raspberry or blueberry preserves for a fruity spin.
- Dairy-Free: Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a splash of vinegar for a creamy effect without dairy.
- Choco Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a decadent treat that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
- Sweet & Salty: Drizzle a little flaked sea salt over the streusel for contrasting flavors that will excite your taste buds.
Don’t hesitate to get creative and make these muffins uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins?
Create unforgettable flavors and textures to complement your sweet, tangy muffins for a full meal experience.
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Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt contrasts beautifully with the muffins, adding richness and a creamy texture that balances their sweetness.
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Zesty Citrus Salad: Fresh citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits offer a refreshing burst of flavor, cutting through the muffin’s density with their bright acidity. This colorful salad brings a joyful crunch alongside the soft muffins.
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Cheese Board: Pairing these muffins with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese adds a delightful creaminess that enhances the eating experience. The combination of sweet and savory is sure to please any palate.
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Hot Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of coffee or fragrant herbal tea enhances every bite, helping to elevate the warm, cozy vibes of your muffin moment.
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Velvety Smoothies: A berry or banana smoothie contributes a refreshing element, marrying well with the cranberry’s tartness while providing a nutrient boost. Try one with almond milk for a nutty twist!
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Savory Quiche: Serving mini quiches alongside your muffins creates a delightful brunch presentation. Their savory eggy filling and flaky crust contrast nicely with the muffin’s sweet components.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For an indulgent treat, a light drizzle of chocolate sauce pairs wonderfully, creating an eye-catching treat that everyone will enjoy. The decadence of chocolate brings an added layer of richness to your muffin experience.
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Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of homemade granola adds crunch. Its oats and nuts harmonize with the muffins, enhancing their wholesome appeal and giving a variety in textures.
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins Recipe FAQs
What type of cranberry sauce works best for these muffins?
Absolutely! You can use any cranberry sauce you have on hand, whether it’s store-bought or homemade. Just make sure it’s not overly watery; a thicker sauce will give your muffins the best texture and flavor. If it has added spices or flavors, like orange zest, they’ll only enhance the muffins!
How should I store leftover cranberry sauce muffins?
To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, though this may alter their texture slightly. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing!
Can I freeze leftover cranberry sauce muffins?
Absolutely! Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick treat!
What should I do if my muffin batter is too thick?
If your batter feels too thick, no worries! Simply add a tablespoon or two of buttermilk or regular milk to reach your desired consistency. Remember, the batter should be thick but still pourable, so don’t hesitate to tweak it a bit to achieve the best texture.
Is it safe to give these muffins to my pet?
Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid giving your pets muffins that contain sugar, butter, or spices. The ingredients here, especially cinnamon, can be harmful to some pets. If you want to indulge your furry friend, consider setting aside a plain muffin without the cranberry sauce!
How can I enhance the flavors in my leftover cranberry sauce muffins?
To elevate the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with your spices. Mixing in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can add a delightful crunch as well. And don’t forget to adjust the sugar based on how sweet your cranberry sauce is; the more the merrier for mouth-watering muffins!
Delicious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins with Streusel Topping
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, kosher salt, cinnamon, ground cardamom, and melted butter until well blended.
- In your stand mixer, beat the vegetable oil and granulated sugar together until smooth and combined.
- Crack in the whisked eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix for another moment to ensure everything is combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until the batter is barely combined; a few lumps are okay.
- Line every other muffin cup with paper liners. Preheat your oven to 350°F, then let the muffin batter rest on the counter for 15 minutes.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of muffin batter into each cup, pressing it down flat. Spread 1 teaspoon of your leftover cranberry sauce on top, followed by more batter and another teaspoon of sauce.
- In a small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cold cubed butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of this mixture over each muffin.
- Place the muffin tray into your preheated oven, baking for 12-15 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown.