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Home » Recipes » Old Fashioned Desserts

Gluten Free Rhubarb Muffins

Dated: April 30, 2021 Last Modified: April 10, 2025 This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Bite taken from rhubarb muffin sitting in bowl of muffins.

These homemade Gluten Free Rhubarb Muffins are moist and easy to make! This recipe is made with sour cream and a layer of cinnamon streusel.

These Rhubarb Muffins are made with sour cream and butter so they're super moist and perfectly sweetened with a layer of cinnamon streusel.

Bite taken from rhubarb muffin sitting in a bowl of muffins.

For a long time I was not a fan of rhubarb and would kind of cringe anytime someone pulled out a rhubarb dessert to serve but all of that has changed in recent years.

For someone who has been on the fence about this stuff I literally could not stop eating this batch of muffins.

My husband and I drove around our small town in search of folks to share them with so that we would not eat the entire batch ourselves.

If you're on the fence about rhubarb I'm pretty sure this recipe will tip you over the top!

Jump to:
  • What Is Rhubarb?
  • Ingredients For Gluten Free Rhubarb Muffins
  • How To Make Rhubarb Muffins
  • How To Make Muffins Light and Fluffy
  • How To Make Cinnamon Streusel
  • Add Streusel Layer To Muffin Batter
  • How Long Do Rhubarb Muffins Take To Bake?
  • How To Store Homemade Muffins
  • Can I Freeze Rhubarb Muffins?
  • Gluten Free Rhubarb Muffins
Chopped rhubarb on wooden cutting board with knife.

What Is Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable that grows in patches. The plant consists of a long stalk (that looks similar to celery) and bushy leaves at the top.

The only part of the plant that is edible are the stalks. The leaves contain oxalic acid and are poisonous so it's important to remove them if you are using fresh rhubarb!

The flavor of rhubarb is very tart and is often paired with another fruit, sugar, or some other sweet component as this balances out the tartness.

Rhubarb grows best in areas where the ground freezes during the winter. This explains why you'll find a patch of rhubarb at the edge of nearly every garden in the state of Minnesota.

Wet and dry muffin ingredients in two separate ceramic bowls.

Ingredients For Gluten Free Rhubarb Muffins

I love these muffins because they are portable, you can share them with others, and you can enjoy as many or as few as you like.

Here's what you'll need to make them.

  • ½ cup (1 stick) plus 2 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter (split) (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 2 large Eggs
  • ½ cup Sour Cream (may sub plain Greek Yogurt) (room temperature)
  • 2 cups plus ¼ cup Gluten Free Flour Blend (split) (may use regular AP flour if not gluten free)
  • 2 tsp. Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp. Baking Soda
  • ¼ tsp. Kosher Salt (split)
  • 2 cups Diced Rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
  • ¼ cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp. Cinnamon
  • Zest of 1 Lemon

This recipe is gluten free and uses a gluten free flour blend. I love Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Flour but any gluten free flour blend will work.

If not gluten free simply substitute regular All-Purpose Flour for the gluten free flour.

Muffin batter in ceramic bowl with blue spatula.

How To Make Rhubarb Muffins

These muffins are made from scratch but this recipe is pretty straightforward and there are no complicated techniques or ingredients.

The first step is to dice the rhubarb. This recipe calls for 2 cups of diced rhubarb. You can use fresh or frozen rhubarb to make these muffins.

If using frozen rhubarb be sure to thaw and drain it before dicing as this will help to get rid of any excess water.

  1. Dice 2 cups of rhubarb (fresh or frozen) into small chunks and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl add ½ cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar. Mix the butter and sugar using a hand mixer or the whisk attachment of a KitchenAid Stand Mixer for a minute or so on medium until it is light and creamy.
  3. Add 2 eggs and ½ cup room temperature sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt) to the bowl and mix for another 30 seconds or so until completely combined (the mixture will look a little curdled at this point).
  4. In a separate mixing bowl combine 2 cups gluten free flour blend (or regular AP flour if not gluten free), 2 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. baking soda, and ⅛ tsp. kosher salt. Stir until completely combined.
Rhubarb muffin batter in ceramic bowl with blue spatula.

How To Make Muffins Light and Fluffy

I am no expert when it comes to baking but there are a few things to keep in mind when making baked goods like muffins.

  • Make sure all of the ingredients are at room temperature. Take the eggs, sour cream, and butter out of the fridge 30 minutes or so before baking to allow everything to come to room temperature.
  • Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are not expired.
  • Make sure that there is not too much liquid in the batter. It's important to drain frozen rhubarb (if using) to ensure that the batter does not become too watery.
  • Do not overmix the batter or it can become tough (this is especially true when using All-Purpose flour).
  1. Once the wet and dry ingredients are ready it's time to combine them in one bowl. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients a bit at a time, stirring to combine with a spatula.
  2. Repeat until all the batter is combined.
  3. Add the diced rhubarb to the batter and fold in until completely combined.
Spoonful of cinnamon streusel lifted from ceramic bowl with wooden spoon.

How To Make Cinnamon Streusel

The thing that ties these Gluten Free Rhubarb Muffins together is the layer of cinnamon streusel that is added to the middle of them.

This streusel adds sweetness, texture, and a bit of saltiness to the muffins. It's easy to prepare and totally delicious.

  1. To make the streusel add 2 Tbsp. of softened, (but not melted) butter to a small bowl.
  2. Add ¼ packed cup brown sugar, ¼ cup flour blend, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and ⅛ tsp. kosher salt to the butter. Combine all of these ingredients with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Using a Microplane or small zester add the zest of 1 lemon to the mixture. Stir until combined.

You can zest 1 orange into the mixture instead of lemon if you prefer that flavor or alternately you can add the zest of both a lemon and an orange.

Rhubarb muffin batter with streusel in metal muffin tin.

Add Streusel Layer To Muffin Batter

Once the batter and the streusel are ready it's time to assemble the muffins and get ready to bake them.

The streusel layer is baked in the middle of the muffins as opposed to sprinkled on top. This allows the butter in the streusel to melt making the muffins extra moist.

The flavors in the streusel perfume the muffins and placing it in the middle as opposed to sprinkled on top ensures that it won't burn in the oven.

  1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Line the muffin tin with muffin or cupcake liners.
  3. Add a spoonful of the muffin batter to the bottom of each muffin cavity. Sprinkle a spoonful of the cinnamon streusel on top of the muffin batter.
  4. Press the streusel down into the muffin tin and flatten it a bit with the back of a spoon.
  5. Add another layer of muffin batter on top of the streusel layer and smooth it out with a spatula.
  6. Repeat with the remainder of the batter.
Baked rhubarb muffins in metal muffin tin.

How Long Do Rhubarb Muffins Take To Bake?

Another reason to love these muffins is the fact that they only take around 20 minutes to bake in the oven!

  1. Bake each batch of muffins for 18-20 minutes, rotating the muffin tin once during baking to ensure that all the muffins cook evenly (optional).
  2. Once a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean the muffins are finished. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your muffins.

The muffins should spring back to the touch when they are fully baked. The edges should be golden brown and the middle not gooey in the middle.

Love to bake? Check out these recipes!

  • Gluten Free Apple Pie
  • Pumpkin Bread Pudding
  • Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
  • Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
  • Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Baked rhubarb muffins on cooling rack.

How To Store Homemade Muffins

Once all of the muffins are baked it's best to let them cool slightly.

When the muffins are cool to the touch feel free to eat them or share with others.

You can add some butter but in all honesty it's not necessary. These muffins are pretty decadent and more suited for dessert than breakfast.

I love these gluten free rhubarb muffins with some coffee (or cold brew during the summer months).

  • To store leftover muffins it's important to let them cool completely.
  • Place a paper towel on the bottom of an airtight storage container or heavy-duty plastic storage bag. Line the container in a single layer with the cooled muffins and place another paper towel on top.
  • Cover with a lid and store up to 4 days at room temperature.

Adding the paper towel to the container will absorb any excess moisture and help to keep the muffins fresh.

Love rhubarb? Check out this Rhubarb Cake and Rhubarb Streusel Bread!

Rhubarb muffins in bowl with towel.

Can I Freeze Rhubarb Muffins?

Yet another reason to love homemade muffins is that you can whip up a batch and stick them in the freezer for a few months.

How To Freeze

  1. Allow the muffins to cool completely before freezing.
  2. Once cooled, place the muffins in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
  3. Label with the date and freeze up to 3 months.

How To Thaw

  1. Remove as many muffins as you like and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator, or at room temperature.
  2. Stick them in the microwave to heat for a few seconds if desired.

If you like these Gluten Free Rhubarb Muffins be sure to check out these Apple Streusel Muffins and Roasted Banana Walnut Muffins!

Love homemade treats? Check out these recipes!

  • Baked Glazed Lemon Doughnuts
  • Old Fashioned Blueberry Buckle
  • Scandinavian Almond Cake
  • Coffee Infused Banana Bread
  • Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
  • Pumpkin Scones

Looking For More Rhubarb Recipes? Don't Miss These!

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Gluten Free Rhubarb Crisp

Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake

Bite taken from rhubarb muffin sitting on top of more muffins.

Gluten Free Rhubarb Muffins

Christine Rooney
These homemade Gluten Free Rhubarb Muffins are moist and easy to make! This recipe is made with sour cream and a layer of cinnamon streusel.
4.34 from 15 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 281 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

For The Muffins:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cups gluten free flour blend or AP flour if not gluten free
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • ⅛ tsp. kosher salt
  • 2 cups diced rhubarb fresh or frozen

For The Streusel:

  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup gluten free flour blend or AP flour if not gluten free
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 lemon zest only

Instructions
 

For The Muffin Batter:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Dice 2 cups worth of rhubarb into small chunks. You can fresh or frozen rhubarb. If using frozen rhubarb be sure to thaw and drain before cutting into chunks to remove any excess water.
  • In a large mixing bowl add ½ cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar. Mix the butter and sugar using a hand mixer or the whisk attachment of a KitchenAid Stand Mixer for a minute or so on medium until it is light and creamy.
  • Add 2 eggs and ½ cup room temperature sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt) to the bowl and mix for another 30 seconds or so until completely combined (the mixture may look a little curdled at this point).
  • In a separate mixing bowl combine 2 cups gluten free flour blend (or regular AP flour if not gluten free), 2 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. baking soda, and ⅛ tsp. kosher salt. Stir until completely combined.
  • Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients a bit at a time, stirring to combine with a spatula. Repeat until all the batter is combined. Add the diced rhubarb to the batter and fold in until completely combined.

For The Streusel:

  • Place 2 Tbsp. softened, (but not melted) unsalted butter in a small bowl.
  • Add ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup gluten free flour blend (or AP flour if not gluten free), 1 tsp. cinnamon, and ⅛ tsp. kosher salt to the butter. Combine the mixture with a fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Using a Microplane or small zester add the zest of 1 lemon to the streusel and mix with a fork until combined.

Bake The Rhubarb Muffins:

  • Line a muffin tin with muffin or cupcake liners.
  • Add a spoonful of the muffin batter to the bottom of each muffin cavity. Sprinkle a spoonful of the cinnamon streusel on top of the muffin batter.
    Lightly press the streusel down into each muffin tin with the back of a spoon to flatten.
  • Add another layer of muffin batter on top of the streusel layer and smooth it out with a spatula. Repeat with the remainder of the batter.
  • Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the muffin tin once to ensure even baking (rotating the muffin tin is optional). (Baking times may vary slightly depending on the make of your oven and size of the muffins).
    The muffins are done when the edges are golden brown and the middle is clean when poked with a toothpick.
  • Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow to cool before serving.

Notes

Orange zest may be substituted for lemon zest or you can use a combination of both if you like.
Take the eggs, butter, and sour cream out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking and allow to come to room temperature if possible to ensure the best texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 281kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 236mgPotassium: 106mgFiber: 3gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 427IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 121mgIron: 1mg
Keyword rhubarb streusel muffins, sour cream rhubarb muffins, gluten free rhubarb muffins
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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About Christine

My name is Christine Rooney. I live in rural Minnesota with my husband. I own and operate The Rustic Foodie and work as a freelance photographer and writer. I like my food to be like anything else in life - down to earth and full of flavor.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Allyssa

    May 05, 2021 at 7:04 am

    5 stars
    Very easy to make and really tasty! Will make it again, thank you for sharing your genius idea! Loved it!

    Reply
  2. Claire

    September 30, 2021 at 9:14 am

    5 stars
    I think you converted me to a rhubarb lover! I have never really been a fan, but the family all love it, so I do try to cook with it. These muffins were delicious!!! The kids were so disappointed when they saw me enjoy one...less for them 😉

    Reply
  3. Natalya

    May 26, 2023 at 10:38 am

    I made these with gluten free Cup 4 Cup flour and sour cream and they turned out great. The batter is extremely sticky when making them gf but this allows them to rise and stay risen without collapsing when they come out of the oven. A great way to use up some of the rhubarb in my yard.

    Reply
    • Christine

      May 26, 2023 at 4:42 pm

      I'm so glad you enjoyed them! I just baked up another batch last night with some garden rhubarb as well! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Sharon Barker

    July 02, 2023 at 3:37 pm

    1 star
    I’m afraid these did not work out for me. Not sure what went wrong. I checked my ingredients and it was correct and used the method, baking temperature and timing for this recipe. The dough was very thick and the streusel filling was not crumbly. I’m sad because I love anything rhubarb.

    Reply
    • Christine

      July 02, 2023 at 4:31 pm

      Hi Sharon - I'm sorry to hear that these muffins did not work out. I have a few questions to try and understand what may have gone wrong: Did you use gluten free flour or AP (all purpose) flour? If made gluten free flour, which brand did you use?

      Reply
  5. Cathy

    June 02, 2024 at 12:04 pm

    These tasted good but they did not raise properly or stick together. I’ve had this issue every time I bake with gluten flour. We had to eat them with a spoon and bowl because they were so crumbly. They looked nothing like the picture.

    Reply
    • Christine

      June 02, 2024 at 5:26 pm

      Hi Cathy - I'm sorry to hear that these muffins didn't work out properly. Can I ask which brand of gluten free flour you used?

      Reply
4.34 from 15 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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Thanks for stopping by! My name is Christine Rooney. I live in rural Minnesota with my husband. I own and operate The Rustic Foodie and work as a freelance photographer and writer. I like my food to be like anything else in life - down to earth and full of flavor.

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