Cranberry Sauce Muffins

Cranberry Sauce Muffins are the perfect way to use up leftover cranberry sauce while enjoying a warm, fluffy treat. These muffins have a sweet and slightly tart flavor thanks to the cranberry sauce, making them a great addition to your breakfast or brunch spread. Easy to make and delicious, these muffins are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, milk, vegetable oil, and egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full with batter.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow muffins to cool before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: You can mix in some dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even orange zest for extra flavor.
• Make them healthier: Replace the vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter version, or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Sweetness adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter muffin, add a little more sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.

Storage/Reheating

• 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. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw and warm in the oven or microwave.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce? Yes, you can cook fresh cranberries with a bit of sugar and water to make your own homemade cranberry sauce.
2. Can I use a different type of fruit sauce? Yes, you can substitute cranberry sauce with other fruit preserves like strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry for a different flavor.
3. Are these muffins sweet? These muffins are mildly sweet, with a slight tartness from the cranberry sauce. If you like sweeter muffins, you can add more sugar.
4. Can I make these muffins ahead of time? Yes, these muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They’re great for meal prep or make-ahead breakfasts.
5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the muffins will be denser. You may also need to adjust the liquid ratio slightly.
6. Can I add nuts to the muffins? Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would complement the cranberry flavor nicely.
7. Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk you prefer.
8. Can I make these muffins gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, ensuring that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
9. How do I know when the muffins are done? Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, the muffins are done. If it’s wet with batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
10. How can I make these muffins more festive? Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even some orange zest to give the muffins a more holiday-like flavor.

Conclusion

Cranberry Sauce Muffins are an easy and delicious way to make use of leftover cranberry sauce, turning it into a tasty treat that everyone will enjoy. With a simple list of ingredients and minimal prep time, these muffins are the perfect addition to your morning routine or holiday table. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a warm drink, they’re sure to please!

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