16 Delicious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes Creative

Perfectly sweet with a hint of tartness, leftover cranberry sauce is a versatile gem waiting to transform your meals! Whether you’re whipping up quick dinners, indulging in seasonal favorites, or craving some comfort food, we’ve got 16 creative recipes that’ll make you fall in love with cranberry sauce all over again. Dive in and discover how to turn those leftovers into something spectacular!

Cranberry Sauce Muffins

Just when you thought cranberry sauce was only for Thanksgiving, these muffins swoop in to change the game. Bold flavors meet effortless baking—let’s dive in.

Ingredients

• Flour – 2 cups
• Sugar – ¾ cup
• Baking powder – 2 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Egg – 1
• Milk – 1 cup
• Butter – ½ cup, melted
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Tip: Always preheat for at least 10 minutes to ensure even baking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg, then mix in milk and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Tip: Overmixing leads to tough muffins—lumps are okay!
5. Fold in the cranberry sauce gently to create swirls. Tip: For extra flair, reserve a tablespoon to dollop on top before baking.
6. Divide the batter evenly into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about ⅔ full.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Bursting with tart cranberry swirls, these muffins strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Serve them warm with a pat of butter, or crumble over yogurt for a breakfast twist.

Cranberry Sauce Pancakes

Craving a twist on breakfast? Transform leftover cranberry sauce into fluffy, tangy pancakes that’ll steal the spotlight on any brunch table.

Ingredients

• Flour – 1 cup
• Baking powder – 2 tsp
• Sugar – 1 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Milk – ¾ cup
• Egg – 1
• Butter – 2 tbsp, melted
• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup

Instructions

1. Whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
2. In another bowl, beat milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; stir until just combined. Tip: Lumps are okay—overmixing makes pancakes tough.
4. Gently fold in cranberry sauce. Tip: For swirls, don’t fully mix.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (350°F).
6. Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top, about 2 minutes.
7. Flip; cook until golden, 1-2 minutes more. Tip: Keep pancakes warm in a 200°F oven.

Juicy bursts of cranberry sauce elevate these pancakes from good to unforgettable. Serve stacked high with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent touch.

Cranberry Sauce Smoothie

Alright, let’s blend up something that’ll shake your taste buds—Cranberry Sauce Smoothie. A tangy twist on your morning routine or a post-workout refresher, this sip packs a punch with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup
• Banana – 1, frozen
• Almond milk – 1 cup
• Honey – 1 tbsp
• Ice – ½ cup

Instructions

1. Scoop ½ cup of cranberry sauce into your blender.
2. Peel and add one frozen banana to the mix.
3. Pour in 1 cup of almond milk for a creamy base.
4. Drizzle 1 tbsp of honey to sweeten the deal.
5. Toss in ½ cup of ice to chill and thicken.
6. Blend on high for 45 seconds, or until silky smooth. *Tip: If it’s too thick, splash in more almond milk, a tbsp at a time.*
7. Taste and adjust sweetness with an extra tsp of honey if needed. *Tip: For a tangier kick, add a squeeze of lemon juice.*
8. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy immediately. *Tip: Garnish with a few whole cranberries for a festive touch.*

Ready to dive in? This smoothie’s velvety texture and sweet-tart flavor make it a standout. Try it as a brunch centerpiece or freeze into popsicles for a cool treat.

Cranberry Sauce Yogurt Parfait

Get ready to shake up your breakfast game with this Cranberry Sauce Yogurt Parfait—layers of tangy, sweet, and creamy that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Ingredients

• Greek yogurt – 1 cup
• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup
• Granola – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Scoop ½ cup of Greek yogurt into a clear glass.
2. Layer ¼ cup of cranberry sauce over the yogurt.
3. Repeat the layers once more for a stunning visual effect.
4. Sprinkle ¼ cup of granola on top for crunch.
5. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

This parfait boasts a creamy texture with bursts of tart cranberry and crunchy granola. Try serving it in a mason jar for a picnic-ready treat.

Cranberry Sauce Oatmeal

Revolutionize your breakfast with this twist on classic oatmeal. Cranberry sauce adds a tart sweetness that’ll wake up your taste buds faster than your alarm clock.

Ingredients

• Rolled oats – 1 cup
• Water – 2 cups
• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup
• Salt – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat.
2. Stir in rolled oats and salt, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Fold in cranberry sauce until fully incorporated, cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm through.
4. Remove from heat and let stand for 1 minute to thicken.

Velvety with a hint of chew, this oatmeal balances sweet and tart like a pro. Top with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of nuts for crunch.

Cranberry Sauce Bread

Cranberry sauce bread is your leftover hero, transforming that jar of cranberry sauce into a moist, tangy loaf that’s begging for a butter slather.

Ingredients

• Flour – 2 cups
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Baking powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• Egg – 1
• Milk – ½ cup
• Butter – ¼ cup, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix cranberry sauce, egg, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Tip: Ensure your cranberry sauce is at room temperature to avoid clumping.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Tip: Overmixing leads to dense bread—fold gently for a light texture.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Tip: Cover with foil halfway through if the top browns too quickly.
10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Lightly tangy with a tender crumb, this bread pairs perfectly with a sharp cheddar or toasted with a dollop of cream cheese. Leftovers? Slice and freeze for quick breakfasts.

Cranberry Sauce Cheesecake

Never settle for basic desserts when you can whip up this Cranberry Sauce Cheesecake that’s as easy as it is show-stopping. Bold flavors meet creamy textures in a dessert that’ll steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs – 1 ½ cups
• Butter – ½ cup, melted
• Cream cheese – 24 oz, softened
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Eggs – 4
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Tip: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother batter.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Tip: Use the bottom of a glass to evenly press the crust.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, beating just until blended.
5. Pour over crust. Drop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce on top; swirl with a knife.
6. Bake 55-60 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
7. Run a knife around the edge of the pan; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

A creamy, tangy masterpiece that pairs the richness of cheesecake with the vibrant zing of cranberry. Serve chilled with a drizzle of extra cranberry sauce for an Instagram-worthy finish.

Cranberry Sauce Ice Cream

Bold flavors collide in this Cranberry Sauce Ice Cream—transform your holiday leftovers into a creamy, tangy dessert that’s irresistibly scoopable.

Ingredients

• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• Heavy cream – 2 cups
• Whole milk – 1 cup
• Sugar – ¾ cup
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Salt – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. Combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds until sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add cranberry sauce to the blender. Blend on high for another 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes, until thickened.
4. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
5. Tip: For a smoother texture, press the cranberry sauce through a fine-mesh sieve before blending to remove any large pieces.
6. Tip: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to break up ice crystals.
7. Tip: Serve with a drizzle of warm cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of orange zest for an extra flavor boost.

Yummy doesn’t begin to cover it—this ice cream boasts a velvety texture with a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Try sandwiching it between two ginger cookies for an epic ice cream sandwich.

Cranberry Sauce Cookies

Skip the store-bought stuff—these Cranberry Sauce Cookies turn your leftover sauce into a chewy, tangy delight. Seriously, they’re a game-changer.

Ingredients

• Flour – 2 cups
• Baking soda – 1 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Butter – ½ cup, softened
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Egg – 1
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Tip: Sift for a lighter texture.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
4. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Fold in cranberry sauce last. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep cookies tender.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized dough onto the sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Tip: Cookies will firm up as they cool.

Melt-in-your-mouth soft with a zesty cranberry punch, these cookies are begging to be paired with a hot cup of tea or crumbled over vanilla ice cream for a next-level dessert.

Cranberry Sauce Bars

Get ready to transform your leftover cranberry sauce into the star of your dessert table. These bars blend tart and sweet with a buttery crust that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients

• Flour – 1 ½ cups
• Butter – ½ cup, melted
• Sugar – ¼ cup
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• Egg – 1
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, melted butter, and sugar until crumbly. Press firmly into the pan to form the crust.
3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Tip: Use the back of a spoon to smooth the crust evenly.
4. While the crust bakes, whisk the egg and vanilla extract into the cranberry sauce until smooth.
5. Pour the cranberry mixture over the hot crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Return to the oven and bake for another 25 minutes until the filling is set. Tip: The edges should be slightly bubbly.
7. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. Tip: For clean cuts, chill the bars for 30 minutes.

The bars boast a crisp base with a gooey, vibrant cranberry layer. Serve them dusted with powdered sugar or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive twist.

Cranberry Sauce Cake

Let’s transform that leftover cranberry sauce into a show-stopping dessert. This cake is moist, tangy, and ridiculously easy to whip up.

Ingredients

• Flour – 2 cups
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Baking powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Eggs – 2
• Butter – ½ cup, melted
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Fold in the cranberry sauce gently to create a swirl effect. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep those beautiful streaks.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Tip: This prevents the cake from becoming soggy.

Moist with a tender crumb, this cake bursts with tart cranberry flavor in every bite. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or as is for a simple yet elegant dessert.

Cranberry Sauce Tart

Skip the store-bought stuff—this Cranberry Sauce Tart is your new holiday hero. Sweet, tart, and ridiculously easy, it’s the showstopper you didn’t know you needed.

Ingredients

• Pie crust – 1 (9-inch)
• Cranberry sauce – 1 ½ cups
• Cream cheese – 8 oz
• Sugar – ¼ cup
• Egg – 1
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Unroll the pie crust into a 9-inch tart pan, pressing gently into the edges. Trim any excess.
2. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Tip: Room temperature cream cheese blends easier.
3. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the pie crust. Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture on top.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden. Tip: A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
5. Let the tart cool completely before slicing. Tip: Chilling it for an hour makes cleaner cuts.

Flaky crust meets creamy, tangy filling in every bite. Serve it chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or as is—it’s that good.

Cranberry Sauce Glazed Chicken

Unlock the secret to a show-stopping dinner with this cranberry sauce glazed chicken—juicy, tangy, and ready in a flash.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts – 4
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
• Garlic powder – 1 tsp
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3 minutes per side until golden.
4. Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Pour the cranberry mixture over, coating evenly.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Amazingly tender with a glossy, sweet-and-savory crust, this dish pairs perfectly with roasted veggies or a crisp salad. Try slicing it over a bed of quinoa for a hearty twist.

Cranberry Sauce BBQ Sauce

Ditch the store-bought and dive into this tangy twist on BBQ sauce that’s a game-changer for your grill game. Cranberry Sauce BBQ Sauce blends sweet, tart, and smoky in minutes—perfect for ribs, wings, or even as a dip.

Ingredients

• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• Ketchup – ½ cup
• Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
• Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp
• Garlic powder – 1 tsp
• Smoked paprika – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk constantly for 2 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure smooth blending.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Tip: For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender before simmering.
5. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
6. Tip: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for best flavor.
7. Tip: Brush onto meats during the last 5 minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugar.

Now you’ve got a glossy, bold sauce with a kick of fruitiness that clings perfectly to whatever you slather it on. Try it as a glaze for roasted veggies or mix into pulled pork for a next-level sandwich.

Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette

Spice up your salads with this tangy twist! Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette blends sweet and tart for a dressing that’s anything but basic.

Ingredients

• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup
• Apple cider vinegar – ¼ cup
• Olive oil – ½ cup
• Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
• Salt – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt. Blend on high for 30 seconds until smooth.
2. With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in olive oil to emulsify the vinaigrette. Tip: Pouring the oil slowly ensures a creamy, not separated, dressing.
3. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Tip: If too thick, thin with a teaspoon of water at a time until desired consistency.
4. Transfer to a jar, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Tip: Chilling melds the flavors beautifully.

Just like that, you’ve got a vibrant vinaigrette with a velvety texture and a punchy flavor profile. Drizzle over roasted veggies or use as a marinade for chicken to really make it shine.

Cranberry Sauce Chutney

Unleash a burst of tangy sweetness with this Cranberry Sauce Chutney—perfect for elevating your holiday table or jazzing up a weekday meal.

Ingredients

• Cranberries – 12 oz
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Orange juice – ½ cup
• Cinnamon stick – 1

Instructions

1. Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely, about 5 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Remove the cinnamon stick and discard it after the chutney has thickened.
5. Let the chutney cool to room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Rich in flavor with a perfect balance of sweet and tart, this chutney boasts a glossy finish and a slightly chunky texture. Serve it alongside roasted meats or spread it on a turkey sandwich for an unexpected twist.

Conclusion

Outstanding ways to transform your leftover cranberry sauce into something extraordinary await in this roundup! From sweet to savory, these 16 recipes promise to delight your taste buds and reduce waste. We’d love to hear which recipe becomes your favorite—drop us a comment below. Loved this collection? Share the inspiration with fellow home cooks by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy cooking!