Rhubarb Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Topping – Moist, Tangy, and Sweet

Rhubarb Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Topping are the perfect way to enjoy rhubarb’s tart, fruity flavor. These tender muffins are filled with juicy rhubarb pieces and crowned with a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping that adds crunch and sweetness. They’re wonderful for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack — a cozy treat that celebrates the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Fruity – Rhubarb adds a bright, tangy note to soft muffins.
Sweet Crunch – A cinnamon-sugar topping gives texture and flavor.
Quick & Easy – Simple to prepare with just a few steps.
Perfect Anytime – Ideal for mornings, lunchboxes, or teatime.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups diced rhubarb

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan & Oven
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
  2. Make the Batter
    In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    In another bowl, combine buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the rhubarb.
  3. Fill the Muffin Cups
    Divide batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
  4. Add the Topping
    Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush muffin tops lightly with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  5. Bake the Muffins
    Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and Enjoy
    Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~210
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 15g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overmix – Stir just until the batter comes together to keep muffins tender.
  • Fresh or Frozen Rhubarb – Both work well; if frozen, don’t thaw before adding.
  • Add Brightness – A little lemon zest in the batter enhances the rhubarb flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

The tart rhubarb balances perfectly with the sweet cinnamon sugar topping, while the soft, buttery crumb makes these muffins irresistible. The topping adds a crisp texture that pairs beautifully with the moist interior.

Rhubarb Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Topping are a cozy, seasonal bake that’s moist, tangy, and lightly sweet. Simple to make and perfect for breakfast or snacking, they’re a lovely way to showcase rhubarb’s unique flavor.

Rhubarb Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Topping – Moist, Tangy, and Sweet

Servings

12

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

210

kcal

Tender muffins filled with juicy rhubarb and finished with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping — a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

  • For the Muffins:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1½ cups diced rhubarb

  • For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  • Prepare the Pan & Oven
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
  • Make the Batter
    In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    In another bowl, combine buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the rhubarb.
  • Fill the Muffin Cups
    Divide batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
  • Add the Topping
    Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush muffin tops lightly with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  • Bake the Muffins
    Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool and Enjoy
    Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Notes

  • Don’t Overmix – Stir just until the batter comes together to keep muffins tender.
    Fresh or Frozen Rhubarb – Both work well; if frozen, don’t thaw before adding.
    Add Brightness – A little lemon zest in the batter enhances the rhubarb flavor.

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