The Perfect Seasonal Muffin for Spring and Summer

If you’re looking for a tender, fruity muffin with just the right balance of tart and sweet, these Rhubarb Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Topping are exactly what you need. Bursting with fresh rhubarb and topped with a golden, buttery cinnamon-sugar crumble, these muffins are a must-try for breakfast, snacks, or brunch.

Rhubarb is one of spring’s most vibrant and underrated ingredients. When baked, its tartness mellows into a delicious contrast to sweet batters. Combined with cinnamon sugar, it creates a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of coffee cake, but in portable muffin form.

If you enjoy rhubarb desserts like crisps or crumbles, you’ll love these muffins. They’re:

• Moist, light, and fluffy
• Easy to make — no mixer required
• Freezer-friendly
• Family-approved and perfect for brunch tables

Prep Time and Nutrition

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins
• Serving Size: 1 muffin

Nutrition Facts (Per Muffin – Approximate)

• Calories: 230
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugar: 20g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 160mg

Part 1: Preparation, Ingredients & How-To

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk and rubber spatula
• Fork (for topping)
• Wire rack (for cooling)

Ingredient List

For the Muffins:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar, mixed and rested 5 minutes)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 cups diced rhubarb

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk (or substitute)
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix, or the muffins may turn out tough.

Step 4: Add Rhubarb

Fold in the diced rhubarb gently using a spatula. Make sure the rhubarb is evenly distributed without crushing the fruit.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Each should be filled about ¾ full.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon softened butter

Use a fork to mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle a generous amount over each unbaked muffin.

Step 7: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Part 2: Serving Suggestions, Pairings & Expert Tips

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are best served:

• Warm with butter or a drizzle of honey
• With coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast
• As a brunch side with quiche or frittata
• With whipped cream for a dessert twist
• Topped with yogurt for a more substantial snack

Perfect Pairings

1. Greek Yogurt and Fresh Berries

Adds creaminess and protein to make a balanced breakfast.

2. Chai or Cinnamon Tea

Echoes the warm spices in the topping.

3. Scrambled Eggs and Spinach

Turns your muffin into part of a complete brunch plate.

4. Iced Coffee or Latte

Caffeine plus sweet muffin equals a perfect morning combo.

5. Fresh Orange Juice

Citrus notes complement the tart rhubarb.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter

This leads to dense, rubbery muffins. Mix until just combined.

2. Undicing the Rhubarb

Large chunks won’t cook evenly. Dice into ½-inch pieces for best texture.

3. Using Cold Butter in Topping

Softened butter helps create a crumbly topping. Don’t skip this step.

4. Not Preparing the Buttermilk Substitute Correctly

If using milk + vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This simulates real buttermilk’s acidity, which helps react with the baking soda.

Storage & Freezing Tips

• Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days, but reheat before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap each muffin individually and store in a ziplock freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Part 3: FAQs, Recipe Tips & Final Thoughts

Recipe Tips

• If you like a more tender crumb, sift your dry ingredients before mixing.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the topping for added complexity.
• You can reduce the sugar in the batter by ¼ cup if your rhubarb is very sweet or you’re watching sugar intake.

FAQs

Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid before adding to the batter.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes. Use a plant-based milk and vegan butter. Substitute buttermilk with almond or oat milk plus vinegar.

Can I make mini muffins with this batter?
Yes. Reduce baking time to 12–15 minutes for mini muffin tins.

What if I don’t have buttermilk or vinegar?
Use plain yogurt thinned with a bit of milk as a quick substitute.

Can I add nuts?
Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and pair well with rhubarb.

Conclusion

These Rhubarb Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Topping are a spring and summer favorite — a balance of tart, sweet, and spiced. Moist, fluffy, and irresistible, they’re easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple snack, they showcase rhubarb’s natural beauty and flavor with a comforting cinnamon twist.

Looking for more seasonal baking ideas? Try our Lemon Coconut Protein Power Balls or explore High-Protein Breakfast Smoothie options for a balanced morning.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

These Rhubarb Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Topping bring together the best of both worlds: they’re simple enough for a weekday, but special enough to serve for brunch or celebrations.

From the tart bite of rhubarb to the warm, crumbly cinnamon topping, every bite offers texture and contrast that keeps you reaching for more.

Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or just trying rhubarb for the first time, this recipe is reliable, adaptable, and always delicious.

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