Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

Name: Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

by Peter Harper

Published on: December 4, 2025

Delicious cranberry sauce muffins with coffee cake flavor made from leftovers

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Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins are a cozy delight that perfectly blend the tartness of cranberry sauce with a sweet, buttery crumb. As they bake, the warm, inviting aroma fills your kitchen, promising a moist, tender bite bursting with fruity flavor. These muffins are not just a delicious way to use up holiday leftovers; they celebrate the season while embracing sustainability and ease. Whether it’s a festive morning or a casual afternoon snack, these delightful treats are sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins are ideal for brunch gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even as an everyday comfort food. Not only do they provide a delicious solution for using leftover cranberry sauce, but they also showcase the beautiful flavors of the season. The combination of sweetness and tartness captures the essence of autumn, making them versatile enough for any occasion. With easy preparation and minimal ingredients, you’ll find these muffins are not only flavorful but also convenient for busy days!

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

This recipe shines with fresh, seasonal ingredients that evoke the essence of autumn. The vibrant red of cranberries offers a striking contrast to the golden-brown sugar and butter, while the warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom provide a fragrant warmth. The moist crumb is enhanced by the natural tartness of cranberries, creating a delightful texture in each bite. These ingredients not only taste delightful but also stack up the sustainability factor, as they celebrate local harvests and reduce food waste by using up leftover sauce.

What You’ll Need

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

This list is filled with basic pantry staples, making it easy to whip up these scrumptious muffins. For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat flour or replacing the buttermilk with a plant-based milk alternative. Add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips can bring additional texture and flavor if desired!

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly. Set aside for topping later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. This blend ensures that the muffins rise beautifully.

Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Butter

In another bowl, cream 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 1 cup white sugar and 1/3 cup light brown sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture should become pale and airy, infusing your kitchen with a sweet aroma.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate the 2 eggs and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the creamed sugar mixture, beating until fully combined. This step enhances richness and flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately mix in the dry ingredients with 1/2 cup of buttermilk and 1/2 cup of sour cream until just combined. The batter will be thick and creamy.

Step 6: Fold in Cranberry Sauce

Gently fold in the 1 cup of cranberry sauce into the batter, creating swirls to maintain the beautiful pink color and tangy bursts.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and fill muffin tins with batter. Top each muffin with the crumb mixture. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm, with the soft, buttery crumb and tart cranberry flavor melting in your mouth!

Essential Tools

Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients; having a set of different sizes is incredibly helpful.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precise measurements of ingredients.
Muffin Tray: A non-stick muffin tin ensures easy release and perfect shapes.
Whisk and Spatula: Useful for blending and folding ingredients smoothly.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

You can make these muffins ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy mornings or gatherings. Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual muffins in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, just thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

Perfect Pairings

These Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins shine alongside a steaming cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, enhancing the warm flavors of the muffins. For a festive touch, serve with whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar. They’re also perfect as a side to holiday brunches, paired with savory quiches or breakfast casseroles for a delightful mix of sweet and savory.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Dough Too Dry: If the batter seems dry, add a splash of milk until it’s pliable and smooth.
Muffins Overbaked: Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid dry muffins—check for doneness a few minutes early.
Uneven Muffin Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized muffins for a cohesive bake.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Flavor Boost: For added depth, fold in some orange zest along with the cranberry sauce.
Perfect Texture: Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay! This keeps the muffins light and fluffy.
Glam it Up: Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk once they cool for an elegant touch.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Nutty Spin: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Chocolate Twist: Stir in mini chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the tart cranberries.
Seasonal Swaps: Replace cranberry sauce with apple or pumpkin puree for a different seasonal twist.

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

Allergens: This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. For gluten-free adjustments, substitute with gluten-free flour.
Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water) and vegetable oil instead of butter and eggs.
Dairy-Free: Replace buttermilk and sour cream with almond milk and coconut yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of sauce?
Yes! Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh cranberries and sweeten the batter to your liking if using sour berries.

Q2: How can I make these muffins healthier?
Consider reducing sugar, using whole wheat flour, or adding oats for extra fiber.

Q3: Can I prepare the batter the night before baking?
It’s best to bake the muffins fresh; however, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them in the morning.

Q4: What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can make your own buttermilk by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Q5: How do I know when the muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Take your leftover cranberry sauce to a new level with these delightful muffins! Perfect for any occasion, they embody warmth and festivity in every bite. Don’t forget to share your muffin-making journey with us in the comments and tag us on social media. For more delicious recipes like this, check out our desserts category here. Happy baking!