If you’re looking for a warm, cozy treat that fills your kitchen with rich, comforting aromas, this butter rum muffin recipe is the perfect choice. Combining the sweet, buttery flavor with a hint of rum creates a delightful twist on traditional muffins. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply want to elevate your morning routine, these muffins offer the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
The beauty of a butter rum muffin recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With basic pantry ingredients and just a touch of rum extract or dark rum, you can whip up a batch in no time. The result is a soft, moist muffin with a golden-brown top and a rich flavor profile that stands out without being overpowering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and hard to forget.
Perfect for brunches, afternoon tea, or even as a dessert, this butter rum muffin recipe brings a bakery-quality treat to your home kitchen. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra-special touch. Once you try them, these muffins are sure to become a go-to favorite for any occasion.

- Why You’ll Love This Butter Rum Muffin Recipe
- The Story Behind the Muffin: A Cozy Twist on Tradition
- Key Ingredients for the Perfect Butter Rum Muffin Recipe
- Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Butter Rum Muffin Recipe
- Optional: Make a Butter Rum Glaze
- Tips and Tricks for Muffin Success
- Variations to Try
- 8. Serving Suggestions
- How to Store and Freeze
- The Science Behind Butter Rum Muffins: Why They Work
- Food Pairings and Menu Ideas
- Conclusion: A Muffin Worth Remembering
- Butter Rum Muffin Recipe From DishBloom!
- FAQs: Butter Rum Muffin Recipe
- 💬 Share Your Twist!
Why You’ll Love This Butter Rum Muffin Recipe
There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of butter and rum especially when baked into soft, fluffy muffins. This butter rum muffin recipe captures the cozy, nostalgic essence of holiday baking while remaining simple enough to whip up any day of the week. With notes of brown sugar, vanilla, and a whisper of warm spice, these muffins strike the perfect balance between everyday comfort food and elegant treat.
What makes this recipe truly shine is its versatility. You can dress these muffins up with a buttery rum glaze for special occasions, or keep them plain and simple for a weekday snack. They freeze beautifully, reheat well, and pair effortlessly with a cup of coffee or chai tea. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, brunch, or a lazy Sunday morning, these muffins deliver flavor, aroma, and texture in every bite.

The Story Behind the Muffin: A Cozy Twist on Tradition
The inspiration for this butter rum muffin recipe comes from classic butter rum cake a dessert often associated with festive celebrations. While the cake is traditionally soaked in a rum-laced glaze and served as a holiday centerpiece, these muffins are a more casual, accessible version of the same beloved flavors.
Growing up, the scent of butter rum often filled my grandmother’s kitchen during the winter months. She’d pour a little dark rum into cake batter or even into a bowl of whipped cream for extra indulgence. This recipe is my modern-day homage to those warm memories, with a focus on convenience, small-batch baking, and everyday enjoyment.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Butter Rum Muffin Recipe
Creating a flavorful Butter Rum Muffin Recipe starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each item matters:
- Unsalted Butter: The backbone of the muffin’s richness. It adds flavor, moisture, and structure.
- Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and keeps the crumb tender and moist.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the muffin, offering structure and lift.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Ensure the muffins rise properly.
- Rum (or Rum Extract): The star ingredient. Use dark rum for bold flavor or rum extract for a non-alcoholic option.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the butter and rum flavors.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Contributes to a moist, dense crumb and balances the sweetness.
- Spices (Nutmeg & Cinnamon): Add warmth and depth.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped nuts or toasted pecans
- Rum-soaked raisins
- A buttery crumb topping or rum glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Butter Rum Muffin Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with butter or baking spray.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process takes about 3–5 minutes and helps create a soft, airy texture in the muffins.
Step 3: Add the Eggs, Rum, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add in the rum and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumping.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with spoonfuls of sour cream. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix or the muffins may turn out dense.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tins
Scoop the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Optional: Make a Butter Rum Glaze
If you want to take these muffins to the next level, try drizzling them with a simple butter rum glaze:
Butter Rum Glaze Recipe:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (or 1 tsp rum extract)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Heat butter and brown sugar in a saucepan until melted and bubbly. Remove from heat, stir in rum and milk, then whisk in powdered sugar. Drizzle over warm muffins for an extra-rich finish.
Tips and Tricks for Muffin Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and sour cream should be at room temp to mix smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined. Overmixing will develop gluten, making the muffins tough.
- Add Texture: Sprinkle coarse sugar or chopped nuts on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
- Check for Doneness: Muffins are done when they’re golden and spring back when touched gently on top.
- Let Them Cool: Allow to cool slightly before eating—this helps set the structure and lets the flavors deepen.

Variations to Try
1. Butter Rum Banana Muffins
Add 1 mashed ripe banana to the batter for a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with the rum.
2. Coconut Rum Muffins
Mix in shredded coconut and use coconut rum for a tropical flair.
3. Rum Raisin Muffins
Soak raisins in rum for 30 minutes, then fold into the batter before baking.
4. Mini Muffin Version
Use a mini muffin pan for bite-sized treats. Bake for 10–12 minutes, checking frequently.
8. Serving Suggestions
These muffins are a treat on their own, but they shine even brighter when served with:
- A cup of spiced chai or coffee
- A side of fresh fruit or citrus salad
- Topped with whipped cream or mascarpone for dessert
- Packed in a lunchbox or picnic basket
How to Store and Freeze
To keep your butter rum muffins fresh:
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: If glazed, refrigerate to maintain texture and freshness.
- Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
The Science Behind Butter Rum Muffins: Why They Work
Understanding the science of baking helps you troubleshoot issues and perfect your technique. Here’s a closer look at what makes this butter rum muffin recipe so moist, fluffy, and flavorful:
- Fat Content (Butter & Sour Cream): Butter provides richness and flavor, while sour cream contributes moisture and tenderness due to its fat and acidity. The acidity also activates the baking soda, helping the muffins rise beautifully.
- Alcohol’s Role (Rum): Alcohol in baking evaporates during cooking, leaving behind flavor. Rum specifically enhances vanilla, sugar, and spice notes, adding a deep, warm aroma. Using dark rum yields a stronger flavor than light rum or rum extract.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents create carbon dioxide gas when mixed with wet ingredients and exposed to heat. This gas forms air pockets in the batter, resulting in a light, airy texture.
- Sugar Chemistry: Brown sugar has molasses in it, which not only sweetens but also retains moisture and adds complexity. It caramelizes slightly during baking, contributing to golden tops and chewy edges.
Food Pairings and Menu Ideas
Looking to create a brunch spread or dessert platter around these muffins? Here are some complementary foods and drinks to serve:
Brunch Pairings:
- Maple-glazed bacon or turkey sausage – salty flavors balance the sweet muffins.
- Scrambled eggs with chives or a quiche – add a savory, protein-rich element.
- Fresh citrus fruit salad – the brightness cuts through the richness of the muffins.
Afternoon Tea or Dessert Pairings:
- Chai latte, hot buttered rum, or spiced cider
- Cheese plate with mild brie or mascarpone
- Dark chocolate bark with sea salt – contrasts beautifully with the sweet and spiced flavor profile.

Conclusion: A Muffin Worth Remembering
Butter rum muffins aren’t just a baked good they’re a sensory experience. From the moment the batter hits the oven to the first bite of a warm, spiced crumb, this recipe captures the essence of comfort, nostalgia, and a little indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a cozy Sunday brunch, a holiday celebration, or simply to treat yourself, these muffins deliver warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite.
What makes this butter rum muffin recipe truly special is its flexibility. You can keep it simple with pantry staples or elevate it with creative mix-ins and a buttery glaze. It’s a reliable recipe that invites personalization, which makes it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
So the next time you crave something sweet and soul-warming, skip the store-bought muffins and make these instead. You won’t just be baking you’ll be creating moments to savor. And remember, food made with care and a little creativity always tastes better. Happy baking!
Butter Rum Muffin Recipe From DishBloom!

Butter Rum Muffin Recipe
Equipment
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Paper liners or baking spray
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
- Hand or stand mixer (optional, but helpful)
- Whisk and rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan (if making the glaze)
Ingredients
- For the Muffins:
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons dark rum or 1½ teaspoons rum extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Optional: ½ cup raisins can be soaked in rum for extra flavor
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts or shredded coconut
- For the Optional Butter Rum Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dark rum or 1 tsp rum extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in the rum and vanilla.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in optional raisins, nuts, or coconut, if using.
- Divide batter evenly between muffin cups (fill about ¾ full).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Glaze (Optional):
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat.
- Add rum and milk, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm muffins.
Notes


FAQs: Butter Rum Muffin Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I bake the muffins?
Bake the muffins for 18–22 minutes in a pre-heated 190 °C / 375 °F oven.
Can I use rum extract instead of dark rum?
Yes. Replace each tablespoon of dark rum with 1 teaspoon of rum extract.
What is the best way to store the muffins?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

💬 Share Your Twist!
Tried this Butter Rum Muffin Recipe with your own spin? Maybe you added chocolate chips, swapped in bourbon, or topped it with toasted coconut? I’d love to hear how you made it your own!
✨ Leave a comment below and share your unique version.
📸 Snap a photo and tag @YourHandle on Instagram or use #ButterRumMuffins so I can see your delicious creations!
Your twist might inspire someone else’s next bake let’s get creative in the kitchen together!