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 not only delicious but also versatile enough to enjoy any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, these muffins come together quickly, making them ideal for busy mornings.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cranberry sauce and spices creates a unique flavor that’s both comforting and festive.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, these muffins fit any occasion.
• Great for Leftovers: Transform your leftover cranberry sauce into a delightful treat that everyone will love.
• Bakery-Style Texture: With a crumbly topping and moist interior, you’ll feel like you’re indulging in gourmet pastries right at home.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures your baking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: This tool shapes the muffins perfectly, ensuring even cooking and presentation.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps keep your ingredients organized during preparation.
• Whisk: A good whisk is crucial for mixing dry ingredients thoroughly and achieving a light muffin texture.
• Rubber spatula: This tool aids in folding ingredients gently to maintain the airy quality of the batter.

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Ingredients

For the 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).

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grease your muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine:
* 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

Drizzle in the melted unsalted butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients for Muffins

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

Set this mixture aside.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
* 1 cup white sugar
* 1/3 cup light brown sugar

Mix until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Add:
* 2 eggs (one at a time)
Mix well after each addition. Then add:
* 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup buttermilk
* 1/2 cup sour cream

Stir until blended.

Step 7: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 8: Fold in Cranberry Sauce

Gently fold in:
* 1 cup cranberry sauce

Make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 9: Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into prepared muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over each muffin.

Step 10: Bake

Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins! Perfectly paired with coffee or tea, they are sure to become a favorite treat.

How to Serve Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

These delicious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins are perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack throughout the day. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy these muffins warm with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The flavors of cranberry and coffee beautifully complement each other.

Add Whipped Cream

• Top your muffins with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch, perfect for elevating your breakfast or brunch spread.

Serve with Fresh Fruit

• Pair the muffins with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced oranges or berries, to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the muffins.

Drizzle with Honey or Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add a rich sweetness that enhances the flavors of cranberry in the muffins.

Use as a Brunch Centerpiece

• Arrange the muffins on a beautiful platter and serve them at brunch gatherings. They’re sure to impress your guests and brighten up the table.

How to Perfect Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

Making the best Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins is easy with just a few tips. Here’s how to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs, butter, and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.

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

• Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon and level method for measuring flour to avoid packing it too tightly, which can affect the muffin’s texture.

• Cool before serving: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly without becoming soggy.

Best Side Dishes for Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

These Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins pair wonderfully with various side dishes, making them ideal for any meal. Here are some great options.

1. Greek Yogurt: A scoop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, making your breakfast more balanced.

2. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and complements the sweet flavors of the muffins.

3. Granola Parfait: Layer granola and yogurt in a glass for a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft muffins.

4. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal can be an excellent hearty side, especially when topped with nuts or fruits.

5. Cheese Plate: Add slices of cheese alongside your muffins for a savory element that pairs well with their sweetness.

6. Smoothie: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie for an energetic drink that balances out your muffin choice nicely.

7. Nut Butter Toast: Spread some almond or peanut butter on whole grain toast for added protein and healthy fats.

8. Chia Pudding: Serve chia pudding as another interesting texture element that brings health benefits along with taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins can be simple, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly measure your ingredients: Using incorrect measurements can ruin the texture. Always use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Boldly mix too much: Over-mixing the batter can lead to dense muffins. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Boldly skip the cooling period: Cutting into muffins right after baking can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan.
• Boldly ignore oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in unevenly baked muffins. Always preheat your oven to ensure consistent results.
• Boldly overlook ingredient freshness: Using stale ingredients, especially baking powder, can affect rising. Check expiration dates before starting.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover muffins in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

• Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm muffins for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place muffins on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Yes! Homemade cranberry sauce works perfectly in this recipe and adds a personal touch.

How can I customize my Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even citrus zest for additional flavors that complement the cranberry sauce.

What should I serve with these muffins?

These muffins pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and make a delightful breakfast or snack option.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins.

Final Thoughts

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different add-ins to suit your taste. Try this recipe and enjoy a delightful breakfast treat that makes great use of your leftover cranberry sauce!