Cranberry Sauce Muffins

Cranberry Sauce Muffins are a delicious way to use leftover cranberry sauce while making a tasty treat for breakfast or a snack. These muffins are soft, moist, and packed with a hint of tart cranberry flavor, making them perfect for fall or any time of year. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is quick to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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 the Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, milk, vegetable oil, and egg until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.
5. Fill Muffin Cups:
   Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
6. Bake the Muffins:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

• Orange Cranberry Muffins: Add the zest of one orange to the batter for a citrusy twist that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberry sauce.
• Nuts and Spices: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture, or sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to deepen the flavor.
• Vegan Cranberry Muffins: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a non-dairy milk like almond milk for a vegan-friendly version.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
   Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cranberries, but you may need to adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar, as cranberry sauce typically contains sugar.
2. Can I make these muffins without an egg?
   Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg or an egg substitute like applesauce or mashed banana.
3. 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.
4. Can I freeze these muffins?
   Yes, these muffins freeze well. Let them cool completely before storing in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
5. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
6. What type of cranberry sauce works best?
   You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. Just ensure it’s well-blended for a smooth texture in the muffins.
7. Can I add other fruits to the muffins?
   Yes, you can add chopped apples, blueberries, or raisins to the batter for added flavor.
8. Can I use a mini muffin tin?
   Yes, if using a mini muffin tin, reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes.
9. Can I add a streusel topping to the muffins?
   Yes, you can add a streusel topping made of flour, sugar, and butter before baking for an extra crunchy and sweet finish.
10. Do I need to thaw frozen cranberry sauce?
    If using frozen cranberry sauce, thaw it before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture in the muffins.

Conclusion

Cranberry Sauce Muffins are a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the flavors of cranberry in a new form. They are easy to make, adaptable with a few variations, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or as part of a holiday spread. Whether you’re using leftover cranberry sauce or making them from scratch, these muffins are sure to satisfy your cravings for a sweet and tart treat.

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