Lemon Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits are a sweet version of classic Butter Swim Biscuits. The dough is placed directly into melted butter, so it “swims” while baking. As it bakes, the butter forms a golden crust on the outside and keeps the inside soft.
In this version, fresh blueberries and lemon zest are mixed into the dough, then topped with a creamy lemon glaze. It’s like a mix between lemon butter biscuits and a soft cake-style biscuit.
If you love soft, buttery biscuits and bright fruit flavors, these Lemon Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits are going to make you very happy.
Something that tastes like lemon and juicy blueberry in every bite. The lemon zest gives it a clean, bright flavor. The blueberries soften and burst. The cream cheese lemon glaze on top ties it all together.
What is Butter Swim Biscuit?
Butter Swim Biscuits are soft, fluffy biscuits that are baked in a pan full of melted butter — instead of being rolled out and cut like traditional biscuits.
As they bake, the dough literally “swims” in butter. 🧈 That’s where the name comes from!
What Makes Butter Swim Biscuits Different?
- ✅ No rolling or biscuit cutter needed
- ✅ Dough is spread in a baking dish
- ✅ Melted butter goes into the pan first
- ✅ The biscuit dough is poured right on top
- ✅ Scored before baking for easy slicing
The bottom and edges turn golden, crispy, and buttery, while the inside stays soft and tender.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits?
You’ll love this recipe since it’s simple, quick, and made in one baking dish. The melted butter at the bottom creates a rich crust without extra work.
The lemon and blueberry combination tastes fresh and light, perfect for spring brunch or weekend breakfast. The glaze adds a soft sweetness without making it too sugary. I love that I don’t need to shape the biscuits at all—just mix, pour, and bake.
How To Make Lemon Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits?

Recipe Overview
Lemon Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits are soft, buttery biscuits baked in melted butter and packed with fresh blueberry and lemon flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Breakfast, Biscuits, Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 9 large biscuits
- Calories: Approx. 320 per serving
- Servings: 9
- Serving Size: 1 square biscuit
Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Microplane or zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
✔️ No mixer needed.
Ingredients
For the Biscuits
- 1/2 cup Real California unsalted butter, melted
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups Real California buttermilk
- 1 3/4 cups fresh blueberries
For the Glaze and Assembly
- 1/2 cup Real California cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup Real California unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons Real California whole milk
Ingredient Notes
1. Butter: Melt it fully before pouring it into the baking dish. This creates that classic Butter Swim Biscuits crust.
2. Buttermilk: Gives soft texture and slight tang. If you need blueberry butter swim biscuits without buttermilk, mix milk with a splash of lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Blueberry: Fresh works best. If using frozen, do not thaw.
4. Lemon zest: Use fresh lemon only. It brings a strong flavor without extra liquid.
5. Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese makes a smooth glaze.
Direction
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the melted butter into your baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt.
Step 3: Add Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix with a spatula. Do not overmix. The dough will be thick.
Step 4: Fold in Blueberries
Carefully fold in the fresh blueberry. Try not to crush them.
Step 5: Spread the Dough
Spoon the dough evenly over the melted butter. Gently spread it to the edges. The butter will rise around the sides.
Step 6: Score Before Baking
Use a knife to lightly cut the dough into 9 squares. This helps after baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and set. The edges should look crisp from the butter.
Let cool for 10–15 minutes.
▶ Make the Lemon Glaze
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and milk. Mix until creamy and spreadable. Spread over slightly warm biscuits.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 12g
Tips and Variations
✅ Add a handful of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
✅ Swap blueberry with blackberry lemon squares style filling for a twist.
✅ Make old fashioned lemon blueberry butter swim biscuits by skipping the glaze.
✅ Try orange zest instead of lemon.
✅ For butter swim biscuits recipe, no buttermilk, use milk + lemon juice.
➤ Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days. Reheat slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these warm with coffee or tea. They fit beautifully on a brunch table next to fresh fruit and scrambled eggs.
You can plate them like slices of cake and drizzle extra glaze on top. They pair well with yogurt or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if serving as dessert.
Recipe Notes
❖ Do not overmix the dough.
❖ Use fresh lemon zest only.
❖ Let biscuits cool slightly before glazing.
❖ Cut before baking for even squares.
❖ Bake until golden on top and edges.
Can I Make Lemon Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits Without Buttermilk?
Yes, you can make Lemon Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits without buttermilk. If you don’t have it on hand, mix regular milk with a little fresh lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes.
This gives you a similar texture and light tang. The biscuits will still bake up soft and tender. I’ve tried this swap many times and it works well. Just avoid making the mixture too thin.
How Do I Keep The Blueberries From Sinking In The Biscuits?
To keep the blueberries from sinking, gently fold them into thick dough and avoid overmixing. You can lightly toss the blueberries in a small amount of flour before adding them.
This helps them stay evenly spread in the batter. Fresh blueberries work best for structure. If using frozen, add them straight from the freezer. This keeps the dough from turning too wet.
Can I Prepare Lemon Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can bake them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I prefer adding the lemon glaze right before serving for the best texture.
If you want them warm, place them in the oven for a few minutes. The butter crust will crisp up again nicely. They stay soft inside even after reheating. This makes them great for brunch planning.
FAQ For Lemon Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries?
Yes. Add them straight from the freezer. Do not thaw. This prevents too much moisture in the dough.
Are These Like Southern Living Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits?
They follow the same butter swim biscuits idea, but with lemon and blueberry added for a sweet version.
Can I Skip The Glaze?
Yes. The biscuits taste great plain. They remind me of old-fashioned blueberry lemon butter swim biscuits.
Conclusion
These Lemon Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits are soft, buttery, and full of fresh lemon and blueberry flavor.
I love how simple they are—just mix, pour into melted butter, and bake. The golden edges and creamy lemon glaze make every bite so good. Try them once, and I think they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.

Lemon Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the melted butter into your baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt.
- Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix with a spatula. Do not overmix. The dough will be thick.
- Carefully fold in the fresh blueberry. Try not to crush them.
- Spoon the dough evenly over the melted butter. Gently spread it to the edges. The butter will rise up around the sides.
- Use a knife to lightly cut the dough into 9 squares. This helps after baking.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and set. The edges should look crisp from the butter.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and milk. Mix until creamy and spreadable.Spread over slightly warm biscuits.