Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins with Buttermilk and Brown Sugar Streusel

Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins always take me straight into late spring. When strawberries turn sweet and rhubarb stands tall at the market, I grab both without thinking. Then I bake a batch of these muffins, and suddenly the kitchen smells bright, buttery, and full of promise.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins

Perfect Sweet-Tart Flavor Balance

Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins shine because they balance sweet strawberries with tart rhubarb. The brown sugar softens the edges, while lemon juice sharpens the fruit. As a result, every bite tastes lively and fresh.

Ultra-Moist Buttermilk Crumb

Buttermilk gives these Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins a soft, tender crumb. It reacts with baking soda, so the muffins rise tall and fluffy. Meanwhile, a little oil and melted butter keep the texture rich without feeling heavy.

Crunchy Brown Sugar Streusel Topping

On top, the brown sugar streusel adds crunch. It melts slightly in the oven, then sets into golden crumbles. So you get soft fruit inside and crisp sweetness above.

Ready in Just 40 Minutes

You can bake Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins in about 40 minutes from start to finish. First you mix, then you fill, and finally you bake. Therefore, they work well for busy mornings or last minute guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Streusel Topping Ingredients

You need 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, ¾ cup all purpose flour, ½ cup light brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt. Stir until large crumbs form. Then set the bowl aside.

Strawberry Rhubarb Filling

Use 8 ounces strawberries, hulled and chopped, and 6 to 8 ounces diced rhubarb. Toss the fruit with ¼ cup cornstarch, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. This step thickens the juices as the Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins bake.

Muffin Batter Ingredients

For the batter, gather 2 cups all purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon fine sea salt. Add the zest of one orange or lemon for brightness.
You also need 1 large egg, ¼ cup canola oil, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1 cup buttermilk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Together, these create moist Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins with rich flavor.

Ingredient Tips for Best Results

Use fresh, firm rhubarb so it holds its shape. Also, chop strawberries evenly so they bake at the same rate. Meanwhile, measure flour with a light hand to keep the crumb tender.

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Then position the rack in the center. Grease and line a 6 cup jumbo muffin pan so the Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins release easily.

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Streusel

Mix melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Stir until you see large crumbs form. Next, set the streusel aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Rhubarb Mixture

Combine strawberries and rhubarb in a bowl. Add cornstarch, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Toss well so every piece coats evenly.

Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and citrus zest. This step spreads the leavening evenly through the Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins.

Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, oil, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla directly into the dry mixture. Then stir gently.

Step 6: Mix Gently for a Tender Texture

Stir just until the flour disappears. However, do not overmix. If you stir too much, the Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins turn dense instead of soft.

Step 7: Fill, Top with Fruit, and Add Streusel

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Spoon the fruit mixture over each portion. Then top generously with streusel crumbs.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake for 22 to 27 minutes. The tops should turn golden, and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let the Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins cool slightly before serving.
Each muffin contains about 633 calories, 93 grams carbohydrates, 9 grams protein, 25 grams fat, 607 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber, and 43 grams sugar.

Tips for Soft and Tender Muffins

Avoid Overmixing the Batter

Stir gently and stop early. A few small streaks of flour are fine. As a result, your Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins stay light.

Use Fresh, Firm Rhubarb

Choose crisp stalks with bright color. If rhubarb feels limp, skip it. Fresh stalks hold texture during baking.

How to Check for Doneness

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter, the Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins are ready.

Adjusting for Jumbo or Standard Muffins

This recipe makes 6 jumbo muffins or 12 standard ones. If you bake smaller muffins, reduce the time slightly and check early.

Flavor Variations and Easy Substitutions

Lemon or Orange Zest Options

You can use lemon zest for sharper brightness. However, orange zest adds gentle sweetness. Both lift the fruit flavor in Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins.

Add Nuts for Extra Crunch

Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel. Then you get extra crunch with every bite.

Swap Oils or Dairy if Needed

You can replace canola oil with melted coconut oil. If you lack buttermilk, mix milk with a splash of lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes.

Turning These into Standard Muffins

Simply divide the batter into a 12 cup pan. Then bake for about 18 to 22 minutes, checking early.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Storing at Room Temperature

Store Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture.

Refrigeration Tips

If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate them. However, bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

How to Freeze Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins

Wrap each muffin tightly. Then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze up to three months.

Reheating for Fresh-Baked Flavor

Warm Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes. As a result, the streusel crisps again and the crumb softens.
If you love fruity desserts, you might also enjoy this Strawberry Shortcake Bars dessert recipe or this Easy Rhubarb Crisp dessert idea. For more inspiration, follow along on Pinterest and join the community on Facebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Final Thoughts

Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins bring together sweet, tart, soft, and crunchy in one generous bite. They feel simple, yet they taste special. So when strawberries and rhubarb show up, grab them and bake a batch. Your kitchen will thank you.

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