Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins: A Perfect Holiday Treat

Got a batch of leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving? Instead of letting it sit unused in your fridge, transform it into a delightful batch of Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins! These muffins are a perfect blend of buttery richness, tangy cranberry sauce, and a crunchy streusel topping. They’re not just a great way to use up leftovers but also a cozy breakfast treat that pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee.

Why These Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins Are a Must-Try

If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious way to use up your leftover cranberry sauce, these muffins are the answer. They are soft, fluffy, and packed with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The crumb topping adds an irresistible crunch, making them feel like bakery-style treats. Plus, they are perfect for breakfast or brunch, ensuring that your leftover cranberry sauce doesn’t go to waste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering cranberry sauce coffee cake muffins:

• Flour: The base of the muffin batter, giving structure and a soft texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spiced flavor to complement the cranberry sauce.
• Butter: Creates a rich, tender muffin crumb and is essential for the crumb topping.
• White Sugar & Brown Sugar: For sweetness, with brown sugar adding a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
• Buttermilk: Contributes to the muffin’s moist texture and tangy flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra moisture and a slight tang.
• Cranberry Sauce: The star ingredient! It provides a lovely tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the muffin.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the muffins.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Gluten-Free Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Yogurt: In place of sour cream, you can use yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.
• Maple Syrup: For a more unique twist, you can swap out the sugars with maple syrup for a natural sweetness and additional depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

1. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
   In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix everything together. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners to prevent the muffins from sticking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
4. Cream Wet Ingredients:
   In the bowl of a stand mixer or using an electric mixer, beat softened butter with white and brown sugars until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.
6. Assemble the Muffins:
   Scoop a tablespoon of muffin batter into each muffin liner. Spread the batter evenly across the bottom. Next, add about ½ tablespoon of cranberry sauce in the center. Top with more muffin batter, ensuring the cranberry sauce is fully encased. Add a little more cranberry sauce on top and press the streusel crumb topping generously over each muffin.
7. Bake:
   Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The muffins are done when the crumb topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
   Let the muffins set for 5-10 minutes before removing them from the pan. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Muffins

• Thicken Cranberry Sauce: If your cranberry sauce is too runny, simmer it on the stove for a few minutes until it thickens. This prevents it from leaking out of the muffins during baking.
• Don’t Overmix: To keep your muffins light and fluffy, only mix the batter until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
• Generous Crumb Topping: Don’t skimp on the streusel topping! A generous amount adds a delicious crunch that makes these muffins irresistible.
• Add Orange Zest: For a citrusy twist, mix some orange zest into the cranberry sauce if your sauce doesn’t already contain orange flavors.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These cranberry sauce coffee cake muffins are great on their own, but you can elevate the experience with these pairing ideas:

• Serve with Coffee or Tea: Their sweet and tangy flavor pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a steaming mug of tea.
• Side Dishes: Serve them with a light fruit salad or a yogurt parfait for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch.
• Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free take, use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free.

Storing and Freezing Tips

• Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: These muffins freeze well! Freeze baked muffins for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven.

Transform your leftover cranberry sauce into these incredible Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins. Whether for a post-Thanksgiving breakfast or as a special treat, these muffins offer a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love. Happy baking!

Conclusion

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins are the perfect solution to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious breakfast treat. With a soft, buttery muffin base, tangy cranberry sauce, and a sweet, crunchy streusel topping, these muffins are an irresistible way to use up your leftover cranberry sauce. Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer a bakery-style indulgence at home. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later, they make a fantastic snack or a cozy morning delight. So, the next time you’re faced with leftover cranberry sauce, make these muffins and turn it into a holiday breakfast everyone will love!

FAQ: Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

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