• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tara Teaspoon logo

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Easy Dinners
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas Cookies
  • Cookbooks
    • Delicious Gatherings
    • Live Life Deliciously
  • Newsletter
  • Shop
  • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Ask Tara
    • Privacy Policy Version 2022
    • Disclosure Statement
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Easy Dinners
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas Cookies
  • Cookbooks
    • Delicious Gatherings
    • Live Life Deliciously
  • Newsletter
  • Shop
  • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Ask Tara
    • Privacy Policy Version 2022
    • Disclosure Statement
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    TaraTeaspoon » Course » Bread

    This page contains affiliate and sponsored links. See my full disclosure.

    Published: by

    Orange Streusel Rhubarb Muffin Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe Jump to Comments

    A bite of these tender streusel-topped rhubarb muffins, slathered with butter, is transcendent! This rhubarb muffin recipes has the essence of orange zest and are loaded with fresh or frozen rhubarb.


    rhubarb orange streusel muffins on marble with butter

    Rhubarb Muffin Recipe:

    A welcome morning treat, or weekend nibble, these muffins are perfect in the spring when rhubarb is in season and you have that bumper crop (or your friendly neighbor keeps bringing you hers!). Plus these work well when you pull frozen rhubarb out of the freezer, anytime of year.

    See my post on how to freeze rhubarb.

    One of the great things about these muffins is that they stay tender and soft for days after baking! They are delicious warm out of the oven, but also tasty stored for later.

    I've loaded them with orange and cinnamon streusel because everyone loves a butter streusel topping. I mean who wouldn't?

    Click to any topic in this post:

    Jump to:
    • Rhubarb Muffin Recipe:
    • Tender cake rhubarb muffins
    • How to prepare rhubarb for a muffin recipe:
    • How to make these muffins
    • What makes the perfect streusel
    • Can I use frozen rhubarb?
    • How long can I store muffins
    • Rhubarb Streusel Muffins with Orange Zest

    Tender cake rhubarb muffins

    These rhubarb muffins are made using standard cake ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs and milk. The mixing method is also a classic cake method where I cream the butter and sugar, add the eggs and vanilla, then alternately add the milk and dry ingredients.

    This method creates a tender, cake-like muffin and holds the rhubarb bits and streusel perfectly.

    I've added 2 egg yolks for richness, and orange zest for a boost of flavor.

    There is no buttermilk in these rhubarb muffins. Instead I use baking powder and regular milk to create a tender crumb.

    orange and rhubarb muffins with streusel on cooling rack

    How to prepare rhubarb for a muffin recipe:

    I use frozen rhubarb or fresh for these streusel muffins.

    If you use frozen rhubarb, it can just go into the muffins cold, no need to thaw. Just add a few more minutes of cooking time to the muffins.

    Using fresh rhubarb in season is easy. Simply trim it and cut it into small pieces.

    I like to use diced rhubarb, about the size of blueberries, for these muffins. That's a little bigger than ¼-inch dice.

    If you have larger chunks of rhubarb that are frozen, you can let them thaw a little and chop the pieces smaller. Rhubarb is tart so larger pieces aren't as delicious in these muffins.

    How to make these muffins

    Use a simple cake-making method to make the batter for rhubarb muffin recipe. Then add a simple streusel topping.

    Here are the steps and some tips for making rhubarb muffins:

    • Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature, for both the streusel and the muffins.
    • Mix the streusel topping together until it is like a very crumbly dough; set aside.
    • Mix the butter and sugar together before adding the eggs.
    • Blend in the egg and egg yolks and allow the mixer to beat air into the egg and sugar mixture.
    • Add the vanilla and orange zest and mix. This helps activate the oils in the orange zest.
    • Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk, starting and ending with flour. This helps mix the ingredients in evenly without over mixing and creating a tough muffin.
    • Gently stir the rhubarb in by hand and then portion into the muffin cups.
    • The standard muffin cups will be almost full, almost to the top. The streusel top will barely fit on!
    • Squeeze streusel in your fingers and break into bits over the muffins. Press streusel into the muffins gently.
    • Cover muffins with foil if they begin to get too brown during baking.
    muffins in tin with streusel

    What makes the perfect streusel

    The perfect streusel for muffins holds it's shape when baked, but is tender and soft, not crunchy.

    To get this tender and delicious streusel, you need the right ratios of flour, sugar and butter.

    Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted.

    I use brown sugar instead of white because it creates a LESS crunchy bite. The brown sugar helps soften the streusel.

    Blend the streusel with a fork, or my favorite: a pastry blender. Using a pastry blender is fast and evenly blends all of the ingredients.

    orange rhubarb muffins with streusel ready to bake

    Can I use frozen rhubarb?

    You can absolutely use frozen rhubarb for these muffins.

    If I know I'm preserving rhubarb for muffins, I make sure to chop it into smaller pieces before I freeze it. (Typically I freeze rhubarb in larger pieces for pie or crisp).

    If you have large pieces of frozen rhubarb, you can add them large (I don't love a muffin bite with a huge piece of fruit though) or let them thaw just a few minutes until they are tender enough to chop with a chef's knife.


    You can also get more tips on how to prepare rhubarb and when to harvest it on my other tips post.


    baked muffins on a cooling rack

    How long can I store muffins

    These rhubarb muffins are cakey and rich from the butter and extra egg yolks. They stay tender and soft for several days after baking!

    Before storing, make sure the muffins are completely cool to prevent the topping from getting soggy.

    Store the muffins airtight: I store these muffins in a plastic container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 4 days. I don't recommend keeping them in the fridge because chilled baked goods get stale faster.

    They texture mellows and changes slightly, but stays soft and delicious. So great as a grab-and-go breakfast. (or midnight snack!)

    close up of rhubarb streusel muffin

    More delicious muffin recipes:

    • World's Best Bran Muffins
    • Gluten-Free Orange Rolls Made Like Muffins
    • Caper and Herb Cornbread Muffins
    • Double Chocolate Muffins

    stacked rhubarb muffins on rack

    Rhubarb Streusel Muffins with Orange Zest

    Tara Teaspoon
    A tender and cake-like rhubarb muffin recipe with a burst of orange essence. The soft and sweet streusel on top makes them even more divine.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 25 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 22 standard muffins
    Calories 238 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Streusel Topping

    • 1¼ cups sifted all-purpose flour
    • ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
    • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon orange zest
    • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

    Muffins

    • 3 cups Plus 2 Tablespoons sifted all-purpose flour
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • 1½ teaspoons salt
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
    • 1¾ cups granulated sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 large egg yolks
    • 2 teaspoons orange zest
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 3 cups diced rhubarb, cut to ¼-to ½-inch dice

    Instructions
     

    Streusel Topping

    • Make streusel topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt and orange zest. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or fork, until fine crumbs form. Using your hands, squeeze together the mixture to form large clumps. Store, refrigerated, until ready to use.

    Muffins

    • Make the muffins: Heat oven to 350ºF. Line two standard muffin tins with 22 muffin papers.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the butter and sugar.
    • Add egg, egg yolks, vanilla and orange zest. Mix until well combined and lightened in color. On low speed, gradually add in flour mixture, alternating with the milk, and mixing between each addition, beginning and ending with flour.
    • Remove bowl from mixer and gently stir in rhubarb. Divide batter between muffin papers. The papers will be almost full. Distribute streusel topping over muffins evenly, gently pressing it into the muffin batter.
    • Bake, rotating pans half-way through baking, until light golden and cooked through, 30 to 32 minutes. Test muffins with a toothpick, inserting it and checking to see if it comes out clean or wet. If it comes out clean, or just with a little crumb on it, the muffins are done.
    • Let muffins cool in pan about 15 minutes and then remove to a cooling rack.
    • Cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature, for up to 4 days.

    Notes

    Nutritional numbers are for one muffin. 
    • You can change the spice and add ground ginger in place of the ground cinnamon. 
    • You can swap the fruit and add diced peaches, blueberries or strawberries.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 238kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 197mgPotassium: 105mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 259IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 1mg
    Want to watch videos to show you how to cook?Check out our Youtube and try this recipe and more.

    Day-Starters: Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

    • One Banana Banana Bread
    • World's Best Bran Muffins
    • Super Soft Cinnamon Rolls (Tangzhong Method)
    • 35 Delicious Bacon Breakfast Recipes
    • Whole Wheat Walnut Pumpkin Bread
    • How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
    • Spicy Sweet Maple Bacon with Pecans
    • French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese and Raspberries
    Tara in kitchen making salad

    About Tara Teaspoon

    I’ve been in the food publishing business for over 20 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television & advertising. Order my new cookbook & stick around for amazing things to eat.

    Find out more!

    « Make Your Own Sweet Chili Popcorn Seasoning
    Lemon Lover's Layer Cake »

    Filed Under: Bread, Desserts Tagged With: baking, breakfast, muffins, orange, orange zest, rhubarb, Spring, streusel

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Beth says

      July 10, 2020 at 2:10 pm

      Yummy! This looks out of this world delicious! So excited to make this!

      Reply
    2. Vikki says

      July 11, 2020 at 3:15 am

      An easy tasty breakfast, I love it! Great tasting muffins

      Reply
    3. Toni says

      July 11, 2020 at 1:13 pm

      These are perfect day starter!!

      Reply
    4. Cathy says

      July 12, 2020 at 6:58 pm

      What a delicious rhubarb recipe! Love the orange + rhubarb combo!

      Reply
    5. Catalina says

      July 13, 2020 at 8:29 am

      Oh my goodness! How delicious these rhubarb muffins look! Yummy!

      Reply
    6. Suzy says

      July 14, 2020 at 11:02 am

      The orange and rhubarb are so good together! Such a tasty muffin!

      Reply
    7. Mia says

      January 01, 2021 at 10:10 pm

      This recipe is divine! The whole family fell in love at first bite! Thank you!

      Reply
    8. Jen says

      April 12, 2021 at 2:26 pm

      I have to admit, I always go for the streusel part first! It's just too good but this whole muffin had the best flavor. Such a great way to start the day.

      Reply
    9. Erin says

      April 13, 2021 at 8:37 am

      I definitely need to look for rhubarb next time I'm at the store! These look just perfect. Especially with the streusel!

      Reply
    10. Alex says

      April 13, 2021 at 9:11 am

      Brown sugar in the streusel is definitely the way to go! Don't want it too crunchy. These muffins are just perfect for spring!

      Reply
    11. Kevin says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:01 pm

      What a great muffin! I cannot wait to make them again! You nailed this recipe!

      Reply
    12. Allyson Reed Zea says

      April 13, 2021 at 1:53 pm

      Made these for a girls brunch and everyone loved them!

      Reply
    13. Catalina says

      April 14, 2021 at 4:40 am

      Definitely a must make recipe! I would like to wake up with these!

      Reply
    14. Cathy says

      April 16, 2021 at 5:20 pm

      Such a delicious flavor combo!

      Reply

    Let us know how it went! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    search this website

    I’ve been sharing my original ideas for years. What began as a passion, turned into a career as magazine Food Editor at Martha Stewart and then Entertaining Director at Ladies’ Home Journal. All in all, I’ve shared recipes, cooking tips, and DIY ideas with more than 24 MILLION people. Make that 24 million and one. Thanks for stopping by Tara Teaspoon!

    Delicious Gatherings

    Delicious Gatherings cookbook cover

    follow on social

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Calling all brownie lovers!

    Here's a quick guide to your favorite treat.

    I've compiled all my best tips and baking secrets onto one page. And it's 100% FREE!

    Enter your name here, and I'll send my Brownie Tips Sheet right to your inbox.

    Live Life Deliciously Recipe Sharing Group!

    In this group, we share dinner, dessert, snack, and lunch recipes. Any and all recipes are welcome (with a few rules). Let's make cooking and baking at home fun!

    Join Our Group

    Media Kit

    Footer

    Helpful Links

    • New Posts
      • Recipe Index
    • Cookbooks
      • Delicious Gatherings
      • Live Life Deliciously
    • About Me
      • Ask Tara
      • Videos
      • Contact Me
        • Privacy Policy Version 2022
        • Tara Teaspoon Disclosure Statement

    Popular Recipes

    • Cookbook
    • Easy Dinners
    • Grilling and Smoking
    • Chicken and Poultry
    • Baking
    • Halloween
    • Chocolate

    Recent Posts

    • Chocolate Marshmallow Valentine's Cookies
    • Chicken Parmesan Cups
    • The Best Classic Gingerbread Cookies
    • Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Chocolate Chips
    • Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

    Copyright © 2023 Tara Teaspoon on the Brunch Pro Theme