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. Whether it’s a festive brunch or a cozy family breakfast, these muffins are ideal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cranberry sauce and warm spices creates an irresistible taste.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these muffins in no time.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Transform your leftover cranberry sauce into a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with your favorite beverage.
- Family-Friendly: These muffins are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Muffin tin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
- Muffin tin: Helps shape the muffins perfectly, ensuring even baking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results.
- Rubber spatula: Great for mixing and scraping down the sides of bowls.
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 (softened)
- 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 grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 2: Prepare 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
Add in melted unsalted butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Muffin Batter
In another large bowl, whisk together:
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tbsp baking powder
* 1/2 tsp cinnamon
In a separate bowl, cream together:
* 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter,
* 1 cup white sugar,
* 1/3 cup light brown sugar until fluffy.
Add in:
* 2 eggs,
* 1/4 tsp vanilla extract,
and mix well. Then stir in:
* 1/2 cup buttermilk,
* 1/2 cup sour cream.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in:
* 1 cup cranberry sauce.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Tin and Add Topping
Spoon batter into muffin cups until each is about two-thirds full. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins! Perfectly paired with coffee or tea!
How to Serve Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins
These delightful muffins make for a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a quick breakfast or a sweet snack, these muffins fit the bill perfectly.
Breakfast Delight
- Pair these muffins with a steaming cup of coffee for a cozy breakfast experience.
Afternoon Snack
- Enjoy them with a cup of tea or herbal infusion during your afternoon break.
Brunch Option
- Serve alongside yogurt and fresh fruit for a refreshing brunch spread.
Dessert Treat
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an indulgent dessert after dinner.
How to Perfect Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins
To ensure your muffins turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like butter and eggs mix more easily when at room temperature, resulting in a better texture.
Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the ingredients together to keep your muffins light and fluffy.
Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your muffins are ready to enjoy!
Adjust baking time as needed: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your muffins to prevent overbaking.
Best Side Dishes for Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins
Complement your Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins with these delicious side dishes to enhance your meal experience.
- Greek Yogurt: A creamy addition that balances the sweetness of the muffins nicely.
- Fresh Berries: Berries add a burst of freshness and color, making your plate visually appealing.
- Honey Butter: Spread this sweet goodness on warm muffins for an extra layer of flavor.
- Mixed Nuts: A handful of nuts offers crunch and healthy fats that pair well with the softness of the muffins.
- Citrus Salad: A refreshing salad made with oranges and grapefruit cuts through the richness of the muffins.
- Cheese Platter: Accompanying cheeses provide savory contrast, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to dense muffins. Stir until just combined for a light texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using improper measurements can alter the recipe’s outcome. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Skipping the crumb topping – The crumb topping adds flavor and texture. Don’t omit it for that perfect bakery-style finish.
- Using cold ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can affect the batter consistency. Bring them to room temperature before mixing.
- Ignoring oven temperature – An incorrect oven setting can lead to uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store muffins in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will last for up to 5 days, maintaining their taste and texture.
Freezing Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins
- Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins
- Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place muffins on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat each muffin for about 15-20 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm muffins for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins:
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes, homemade cranberry sauce works perfectly in this recipe! It adds a personal touch and unique flavor.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Can I add other fruits to the muffins?
Absolutely! You can mix in chopped apples or pears alongside the cranberry sauce for added flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes as an effective buttermilk substitute.
How should I serve these muffins?
Serve warm with coffee or tea! They also pair well with butter or cream cheese spread over them.
Final Thoughts
These Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, they invite creativity in customization. Feel free to experiment with spices or fruits based on your preference!
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins
Transform your leftover cranberry sauce into a delightful treat with these Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins. These bakery-style muffins boast a moist texture and are infused with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce, complemented by warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Topped with a buttery crumb, they make for an irresistible breakfast or snack option, perfect for cozy family mornings or festive brunches. With just a handful of simple ingredients and quick preparation steps, you can enjoy this scrumptious recipe that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 muffins 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 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
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/4 tsp ground green cardamom (for topping)
- pinch of salt (for topping)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin.
- For the topping, mix all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, ground cardamom, salt, and melted unsalted butter until crumbly. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. In another bowl, cream softened unsalted butter with white and light brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Stir in buttermilk and sour cream before gradually adding dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in cranberry sauce gently.
- Fill muffin cups two-thirds full with batter and sprinkle crumb topping over each.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (85g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg