Rhubarb Muffins

My friend Jean brought my attention to this lovely recipe – apparently her favourite muffin!

For the muffins:

• 9 oz. (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2-1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 oz. (8 Tbs.) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups 1/4-inch-diced rhubarb (7-1/4 oz.)

For the topping:

• 3 Tbs. granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Oven:  400 degrees F
Bake Time: 20 – 22 minutes
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper or foil baking cups.

Make the muffin batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt and whisk to blend.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Lightly stir the sour cream mixture into the dry ingredients with a spatula until the batter just comes together; do not overmix. Gently stir in the diced rhubarb. The batter will be thick.

Divide the batter among the muffin cups, using the back of a spoon or a small spatula to settle the batter into the cups. The batter should mound a bit higher than the tops of the cups.

Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon and mix well. Sprinkle a generous 1/2 tsp. of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over each muffin.

Bake the muffins until they’re golden brown, spring back most of the way when gently pressed, and a pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Carefully lift the muffins out of the pan—if necessary, loosen them with the tip of a paring knife—and let them cool somewhat. Serve warm.

Make Ahead Tips

The muffins will keep for one day; just reheat them in a 350°F oven for 3 to 4 minutes to refresh them.