
Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits with Lemon Glaze are the kind of comfort food you crave with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Every bite is tender and soft, flooded with a hint of sweet blueberries and finished with a zesty lemon glaze. This recipe brings together two of my all-time favorite flavors and is easy enough to whip up on a regular weekend, yet so impressive for guests or special mornings.
My family fell in love with these after a summer blueberry-picking trip. Now these biscuits make regular appearances for rainy Sunday brunches or when we just want a kitchen full of the smell of fresh baking.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Spoon and level the flour to keep the biscuits tender Look for unbleached for best texture
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough subtle sweetness to the dough Choose fine crystals for even mixing
- Baking powder: Gives the biscuits their rise Fresh baking powder works best so check the date
- Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the flavors Use fine sea salt for even distribution
- Buttermilk: Creates a rich tender crumb and slight tang Whole buttermilk is ideal but low fat can work
- Fresh blueberries: Juicy pops of fruit bursting in each bite Choose firm ripe berries without wrinkles
- Salted butter: Melted and poured in the pan for the swim Choose quality brands for the best flavor
- Powdered sugar: Makes a smooth glaze with no grit Sift before using if clumpy
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the glaze and ties it all together Pick a juicy lemon that feels heavy for its size
- Vanilla extract: Adds sweetness and depth to the glaze Go for pure vanilla when possible
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to four hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for a hot start This helps the biscuits rise tall and get a golden top
- Make the Dough:
- Combine the flour sugar baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl Whisk together to aerate and evenly distribute Slowly pour in buttermilk while gently stirring with a wooden spoon The dough should be sticky but not runny Add more buttermilk a tablespoon at a time if the mixture looks too dry Fold in the blueberries gently using a spatula so you do not crush them Too much mixing will give you purple streaks
- Prepare the Pan:
- Pour melted salted butter straight into the bottom of a nine by nine inch baking dish Swirl to coat every edge Gently spread the biscuit dough evenly over the butter with a spatula Try to keep the surface as smooth as possible for even baking With a sharp knife score the surface into nine squares This makes it easier to separate after baking and helps the butter to soak in around every piece
- Bake:
- Place the pan into the hot oven Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes or until biscuit tops are golden brown and the edges are bubbling with butter
- Make the Lemon Glaze:
- While the biscuits bake whisk together powdered sugar lemon juice and vanilla in a small bowl until very smooth If the glaze is too thick add a few drops more lemon juice If it is thin add extra powdered sugar
- Finish and Serve:
- Let the biscuits cool for at least ten minutes so the steam can settle and the glaze will not slide off Drizzle the lemon glaze gently over the warm biscuits Using a spoon or a piping bag gives those pretty streaks across the top

The moment I pour that melted butter into the dish and see the dough swimming in golden goodness I get a nostalgic hit of my grandma’s kitchen where extra butter was never a crime and blueberries meant summer had fully arrived This recipe would always light up my sister’s face at the breakfast table
Storage Tips
Once cooled completely place biscuits in an airtight container They will keep fresh for up to two days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator For longer storage wrap biscuits tightly in plastic then aluminum foil and freeze up to three months Thaw at room temperature and rewarm in a low oven for best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use frozen blueberries just do not thaw them or they may make the dough soggy If you lack buttermilk stir one tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar into regular milk and let it sit for five minutes Almond or oat milk will work in a pinch though the flavor changes a bit Unsalted butter plus an extra small pinch of salt is a fine swap
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm for maximum fluffiness with extra lemon glaze on the side Top with clotted cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent touch These pair so well with a cup of hot Earl Grey or a simple glass of cold milk They work for both breakfast and as a sweet afternoon treat
Cultural and Historical Context
Butter swim biscuits hail from the tradition of southern American comfort baking Usually made for gatherings or special breakfasts the technique is all about saturating the biscuits in buttery goodness Blueberries add a bright northern touch while the zippy lemon glaze is inspired by classic southern pound cakes If you love baking with family these biscuits are a true crowd pleaser

Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits are always a sunny spot in the day even on rainy mornings Serve them warm and let the lemon glaze brighten every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep blueberries from bursting in biscuits?
Gently fold fresh blueberries into the dough and avoid overmixing to help them stay intact during baking.
- → Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, but fold them in directly from the freezer to prevent excess bleeding or making the dough too wet.
- → How do I know when the biscuits are done?
The tops should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- → Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
You can mix milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a quick substitute for buttermilk in this method.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- → Can I skip the lemon glaze?
While the lemon glaze adds brightness, you can enjoy these biscuits plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar if preferred.