Cranberry Sauce Muffins

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Let’s talk about cranberry sauce—the unsung hero of the holiday table. It adds tang, color, and brightness, but what happens to the leftovers? Too often, it sits in the fridge, untouched, until it’s tossed. That ends today. These Cranberry Sauce Muffins are a game-changer. They’re moist, fluffy, and packed with sweet-tart flavor. Best of all, they’re ridiculously easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

There’s something comforting about muffins. They’re easy to grab, easy to share, and somehow always hit the spot. But these aren’t just any muffins. They’re soft, slightly spiced, and filled with pockets of cranberry brightness. If you’ve been looking for a way to repurpose that leftover sauce, this is the move.

This recipe isn’t about disguising leftovers. It’s about turning them into something better. We combine classic muffin ingredients—flour, eggs, sugar, and milk—with a swirl of cranberry sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful. The sauce adds a burst of color and tartness that balances the sweetness beautifully.

We also use a touch of cinnamon and orange zest to enhance the cranberry. It gives the muffins a warm, cozy vibe that works year-round, not just during the holidays. They’re delicious fresh out of the oven but just as good the next day, making them a practical choice for meal prepping.

Whether your cranberry sauce is homemade or store-bought, chunky or smooth, this recipe welcomes it. It’s flexible, forgiving, and foolproof.

Got kids? They’ll love them. Need something quick for brunch guests? Done. Want a not-too-sweet dessert? Perfect. This is one of those recipes that slides into your life and becomes a regular.

One of the best parts? These muffins freeze like a dream. Make a batch, freeze half, and reheat as needed. That’s breakfast sorted for weeks.

Even if you don’t have cranberry sauce on hand, it’s worth making some just for this. That’s how good these muffins are.

They also look beautiful. The cranberry swirl creates a marbled effect that makes each muffin unique and visually stunning. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got yourself a moment.

This recipe takes the humble muffin and elevates it with minimal effort. You’ll love the balance of texture and flavor—tender crumb, tart bursts, and subtle spice.

So the next time you’re staring at leftover cranberry sauce, don’t toss it—transform it. These muffins are the solution you didn’t know you needed.

It’s not just a recipe—it’s a rescue mission for your fridge and your taste buds.

And who knows? These muffins might even become a new holiday tradition.

Servings: 12 muffins

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (smooth or chunky)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and orange zest.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Gently fold in cranberry sauce, swirling slightly for a marbled effect.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• Use room temperature eggs and milk for better mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter—lumps are okay.
• Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for extra crunch.
• You can substitute cranberry sauce with blueberry or raspberry preserves for variation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

It’s the ultimate leftover hack. These muffins are quick to make, kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and bursting with holiday flavor. Whether you’re using up leftovers or baking from scratch, they never disappoint.

Turn leftover cranberry sauce into something spectacular with these moist, fluffy muffins. Spiced with cinnamon and brightened with orange zest, they’re the perfect morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up.