Ginger Cranberry Jelly Muffins

Featured in: Sweet Desserts

Enjoy moist, fluffy muffins featuring the warm spice of ginger jelly and bursts of tart cranberries. These easy-to-make baked goods are perfect for a festive breakfast or snack, combining sweet and tangy flavors in every bite. Swirl extra ginger jelly on top for enhanced flavor and a beautiful finish. Serve warm, optionally topped with turbinado sugar for a gentle crunch. The muffins freeze well, making them ideal for preparing ahead or sharing at gatherings. Simple assembly and common kitchen tools keep preparation stress-free, while the vegetarian-friendly ingredients suit most diets.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:53:00 GMT
Moist ginger cranberry jelly muffins with tart cranberries, perfect for cozy breakfasts.  Save
Moist ginger cranberry jelly muffins with tart cranberries, perfect for cozy breakfasts. | whisknjoy.com

Moist and fluffy muffins bursting with tart cranberries and a swirl of sweet ginger jelly, perfect for breakfast or a festive treat.

I first made these muffins for a holiday brunch with my family. The combination of tangy cranberries and sweet ginger jelly was such a hit at our table, everyone asked for the recipe before the plates were cleared.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
  • Baking powder: 1 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground ginger: 1 tsp
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Cranberries: 1 cup (120 g) fresh or frozen
  • Ginger jelly: 1/2 cup (120 g), plus extra for swirling
  • Turbinado sugar: 2 tbsp (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Prepare Muffin Tin:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and sugar.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour wet ingredients into dry and gently mix until just combined.
Add Cranberries and Jelly:
Fold in cranberries and ginger jelly evenly throughout batter.
Fill Muffin Tin:
Divide batter among muffin cups. Top with a small dollop of extra ginger jelly and swirl with a toothpick.
Add Topping:
Sprinkle turbinado sugar over the tops if desired.
Bake:
Bake for 20–22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool:
Let cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Fluffy muffins swirled with sweet ginger jelly and bursting with cranberries, ideal for sharing.  Save
Fluffy muffins swirled with sweet ginger jelly and bursting with cranberries, ideal for sharing. | whisknjoy.com

Every time I bake these muffins, my kids rush to sprinkle the turbinado sugar before the tray goes in the oven, and they love pulling apart the warm muffins to see the jelly swirl inside.

Required Tools

You'll need a 12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, spatula, and a toothpick for swirling the jelly.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains eggs, wheat (gluten), and dairy. Always check your jelly and packaged ingredients for any additional allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 210, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 34 g, Protein 3 g.

Delicious ginger cranberry jelly muffins, golden brown, and invitingly topped with sugar. Save
Delicious ginger cranberry jelly muffins, golden brown, and invitingly topped with sugar. | whisknjoy.com

Enjoy these muffins fresh with butter or clotted cream for a deliciously cozy start to any day. They're sure to brighten your breakfast table.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, fresh or frozen cranberries both work well. No need to thaw frozen cranberries before mixing them into the batter.

What can I substitute for ginger jelly?

Apricot or orange marmalade with a touch of grated fresh ginger creates a similar sweet-spicy flavor profile.

How do I achieve a perfect muffin texture?

Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until wet and dry ingredients are combined for light, fluffy muffins.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing?

Yes, cool muffins completely, then store in an airtight container for up to two months in the freezer.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes, substitute plant-based milk for whole milk. Check ingredient labels on the jelly for any hidden dairy content.

What toppings pair well with these muffins?

Serve warm with butter, clotted cream, or a drizzle of extra ginger jelly for added sweetness.

Ginger Cranberry Jelly Muffins

Tender muffins with ginger jelly swirls and tangy cranberries. Ideal for breakfast or festive snacking.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
22 min
Complete duration
37 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification Sweet Desserts

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 12 Portion Count

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1 teaspoon ground ginger
06 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

01 2 large eggs
02 1/2 cup vegetable oil
03 1/2 cup whole milk
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

01 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
02 1/2 cup ginger jelly or ginger preserves, plus extra for swirling

Topping

01 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (optional)

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cavity.

Stage 02

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and granulated sugar until well combined.

Stage 03

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.

Stage 04

Form Batter: Pour wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula just until barely combined—avoid overmixing to ensure a tender texture.

Stage 05

Incorporate Add-ins: Fold cranberries and ginger jelly evenly into the batter, distributing throughout.

Stage 06

Fill Muffin Cups: Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Drop a small dollop of extra ginger jelly atop each muffin and gently swirl with a toothpick.

Stage 07

Add Topping: Sprinkle turbinado sugar over each muffin if desired.

Stage 08

Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.

Stage 09

Cooling: Let muffins rest in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before serving.

Necessary tools

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Toothpick

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), and traces of dairy from milk.
  • Verify jelly and all packaged ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional content (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 3 g