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 alongside your morning coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart cranberry sauce and sweet muffin batter creates a delightful contrast that will please any palate.
• Easy to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, these muffins are simple enough for anyone to whip up in their kitchen.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these muffins fit seamlessly into any event or gathering.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding nuts or spices to suit your taste.
• Make Ahead Option: Bake a batch in advance and freeze them for a quick breakfast option on busy mornings.

Tools and Preparation

To make Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Muffin tin
• Parchment paper liners (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients evenly without spilling.
• Muffin tin: A non-stick muffin tin ensures your muffins bake evenly and release easily after cooling.

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). Prepare your muffin tin by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper liners.

Step 2: 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

Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients for Muffins

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

Step 4: Cream Wet Ingredients

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

Add in:
* 2 eggs
* 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Mix until smooth. Then stir in:
* 1/2 cup buttermilk
* 1/2 cup sour cream

Combine this mixture with the dry ingredients until just mixed.

Step 5: Add Cranberry Sauce

Fold in:
* 1 cup cranberry sauce gently into the muffin batter.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin and Add Topping

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

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before serving. Enjoy your delicious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins!

How to Serve Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these muffins pair perfectly with different accompaniments.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee – The classic pairing! Enjoy these muffins alongside a fresh cup of coffee to enhance their flavors.
• Tea – A warm cup of herbal or black tea complements the sweetness of the muffins beautifully.

As a Dessert

• With Ice Cream – Serve warm muffins topped with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Drizzled with Honey – A touch of honey adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

On a Brunch Table

• Fruit Platter – Pairing with fresh fruits like berries or citrus balances the sweetness of the muffins.
• Yogurt Parfait – Layer muffin pieces with yogurt and granola for a delicious parfait.

How to Perfect Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

To ensure your Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensuring eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Gently combine ingredients to maintain light and fluffy muffins. Overmixing can lead to dense texture.
• Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the muffins are fully baked.
• Let Them Cool – Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess.
• Store Properly – Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins can shine even brighter when served with complementary side dishes. Here’s a selection of tasty options.

1. Greek Yogurt – Creamy and tangy, it pairs well and adds protein to your meal.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and color to your table.
3. Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal provides heartiness that balances sweet muffins.
4. Savory Quiche – A slice of quiche offers rich flavors that contrast nicely with sweet treats.
5. Cheese Platter – Various cheeses add savory elements that pair wonderfully with cranberry flavors.
6. Chia Seed Pudding – A healthy side that adds texture and complements the sweetness of the muffins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid common pitfalls when making Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins to ensure a delightful baking experience.

• Boldly measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons for flour, sugar, and liquids to achieve the right texture.
• Boldly skipping the crumb topping: The crumb topping adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip it; prepare it with melted butter, brown sugar, and flour for best results.
• Boldly overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Boldly ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven. An oven that isn’t hot enough can affect baking time and muffin rise.
• Boldly using old cranberry sauce: Ensure your leftover cranberry sauce is fresh. If it’s been in the fridge for too long, consider making a new batch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

• Freeze muffins in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Allow muffins to cool completely before freezing.

Reheating Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm muffins for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each muffin on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm muffins until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use any type of cranberry sauce?

You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. Just ensure it’s not too runny for the best results.

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

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like nutmeg for extra flavor!

How do I prevent my muffins from sinking?

Ensure you mix the batter gently and don’t overmix. Properly preheating your oven also helps!

What should I serve with these muffins?

These muffins pair perfectly with coffee or tea. Serve them as a delightful breakfast treat or snack!

Final Thoughts

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins are a delicious way to repurpose holiday leftovers into something extraordinary. Their sweet crumb topping complements the tart cranberry sauce beautifully. Feel free to customize these muffins with your favorite add-ins, making them versatile for any occasion!