Cranberry Sauce Muffins

These delicious cranberry sauce muffins are so easy to make and require very little prep. Wonderfully moist and fluffy they are oozing with flavor and the best way to use up any leftover cranberry sauce.

If you have leftover cranberry sauce, then you need to try this recipe!

These sweet muffins are so light and fluffy, it’s like biting into a cloud! They rise so wonderfully in the oven and there is not a dry crumb in sight thanks to the cranberry sauce.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Sauce Muffins

• Versatile and Delicious
  These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a sweet dessert. Their soft, fluffy texture and tangy cranberry flavor make them a hit with everyone.
• A Great Use for Leftovers
  Transform your leftover cranberry sauce into something extraordinary. It’s the ultimate recipe for reducing food waste while creating something amazing.
• Easy to Make
  With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these muffins are beginner-friendly and come together in under 30 minutes. No special equipment or skills required!
• Moist and Flavorful
  The combination of cranberry sauce and just the right amount of sugar ensures every bite is moist, sweet, and satisfying. Cinnamon and vanilla add a warm, cozy aroma.
• Customizable
  This recipe is a great base for creative variations—add chocolate chips, swap the cranberry sauce for applesauce, or top them with a drizzle of icing for an extra touch.

So quick and easy to make, these muffins are vegetarian and ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes.

Cranberry Sauce Muffin Ingredients

These yummy muffins are made with simple ingredients, most of which you should have to hand already.

• Flour – Provides the structure for the muffins.
• Baking Powder – Ensures the muffins rise perfectly.
• Brown Sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• White Sugar – Balances the tanginess of the cranberry sauce.
• Cranberry Sauce – The star ingredient, adding moisture and vibrant flavor.
• Milk – Keeps the muffins soft and tender.
• Vegetable Oil – Ensures the muffins stay moist.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the fluffy texture.
• Cinnamon – Adds a warm, aromatic spice.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.

For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Cranberry Sauce Muffins

• Mixing Bowl – For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
• Measuring Cups – To ensure precise ingredient measurements for perfect muffins.
• Measuring Spoons – For accurate measurements of smaller ingredients like baking powder and cinnamon.
• Muffin Tin – To shape and bake the muffins to perfection.
• Paper Baking Cups – Makes it easy to remove and serve the muffins without sticking.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray – Ensures the muffins release easily from the liners.

How To Make Cranberry Sauce Muffins

These muffins are so super easy to make, you can whip them up in no time at all. They are a great make ahead, so be sure to make a double batch!

Mix together the wet ingredients with the sugar in a large bowl and then add in the flour and baking powder and combine. Place the batter in a prepared muffin tin and bake.

So quick and easy and the results are truly delicious!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cranberry sauce muffins warm with a pat of butter for a cozy breakfast treat.
• Pair them with a keto pumpkin latte or avocado smoothie for the perfect afternoon snack.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of glaze for a dessert-worthy presentation.
• Include them in a holiday brunch spread alongside poached eggs, fruit mixed, and other baked goods.
• Package them in a decorative box or bag to gift as a thoughtful homemade treat.

Tips For Success

• Measure Ingredients Accurately
  Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure the perfect ratio of ingredients. Too much flour can make the muffins dense, while too little sugar can affect the sweetness.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter
  When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients
  Allow the milk and egg to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter mix more evenly and promotes better rising in the oven.
• Fill the Muffin Cups Properly
  Fill each muffin cup only about three-quarters full. Overfilling can cause the batter to spill over and result in less attractive muffins.
• Check for Doneness
  Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin at the end of the baking time. If it comes out clean, the muffins are done. If not, give them a couple more minutes in the oven.
• Cool Properly
  Let the muffins cool in the tin for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Store Correctly
  Store muffins in an airtight container to keep them fresh. For longer storage, freeze them, and thaw as needed for a quick treat.

Cranberry Muffin Recipe Variations

I love these muffins just the way they are, but you can easily add to them to suit your tastes.

• Swap the cranberry sauce for applesauce.
• Once the muffins have cooled, drizzle a little icing over them
• Add in some chocolate chips to the muffins. White chocolate chips work really well.
• Grate in some lemon zest for a little zing.

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature Storage
  Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Place a piece of paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and keep them fresh.
• Refrigerator Storage
  If you want to extend their shelf life, place the muffins in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to one week. Allow the muffins to come to room temperature before enjoying or warm them slightly in the microwave.
• Freezing the Muffins
  For long-term storage, freeze the muffins. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. Once frozen, they can be kept for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Frozen Muffins
  To reheat, thaw muffins at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. Warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes or in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds.

How long do the muffins keep?

These freshly baked muffins can keep well for up to a week. Once they have cooled, place them in an air tight container and place in the fridge. If they are stored at room temperature they will keep for 2 to 3 days.

Can you freeze these cranberry muffins?

Yes, these muffins freeze really well, so you may want to make a double batch! Let the muffins cool and then place them in a freezer bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. They can be thawed at room temperature or heated through in the oven or microwave.

How do you prep the muffin tin?

I like to place the muffin batter into paper muffin cups, they are so much easier to remove from the muffin tin this way and much easier to handle and store. I like to spray a little non-stick spray into the paper liners so that the muffins pull away easily.

How do you know when the muffins are done?

These muffins will take around 25 minutes to bake in a pre-heated oven. The tops will be firm and spring back into place when you touch it lightly. Insert a toothpick into the muffin and it should come out clean.

Let the cranberry sauce muffins rest

When you remove the muffins from the oven, let them sit in the tin for five minutes before moving to a cooling rack. This will help them to firm up. If the muffins are left in the tin too long, they can become soggy, so be sure to move them to a cooling rack.

Don’t over mix the muffin batter

For the lightest and fluffiest muffins, it’s important not to over mix the batter when you add the dry ingredients. Mix the flour an baking powder into the wet ingredients so that it is just combined and no flour is visible. I prefer to mix the batter by hand to ensure i don’t over mix.

Don’t overfill the muffin cups

Fill each cup about three quarters of the way full with the cranberry sauce muffin batter. If you fill them right to the top the batter will spread and you won’t get those beautiful dome tops. It will also make a mess of your oven!

More Easy Muffin Recipes

• Keto Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins – These low-carb muffins are made with almond flour and juicy blueberries, offering a delicious and healthy treat perfect for keto diets.
• The Best Lemon Poppyseed Muffins Recipe – These soft and zesty lemon poppyseed muffins are bursting with citrus flavor, making them a bright and refreshing snack or breakfast option.
• Sugar Free Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins – Naturally sweetened and packed with hearty oats and fresh blueberries, these muffins are a guilt-free way to start your day.
• Banana Bread Muffins – These moist and flavorful banana bread muffins are a classic favorite, made with ripe bananas for the perfect touch of natural sweetness.

See also:

• Cranberry Walnut Salad with Spinach and Apple
• Holiday Cranberry Orange Bread
• Easy Cranberry Orange Sauce