Imagine this: warm butter bubbling up the sides of golden, tender biscuits, the sweet aroma of baked raspberries filling your kitchen, and that first bite—flaky on the outside, soft and fruity on the inside. Welcome to the comforting world of Raspberry Butter Swim Biscuits.
Love fruity baked treats? Pair these raspberry butter swim biscuits with a slice of this Gluten-Free Banana Bread or explore more sweet ideas in the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe. You can also find seasonal inspiration in 40 Fresh Healthy Spring Recipes.
These biscuits are a fruity take on the classic Southern recipe, where the dough “swims” in a pool of melted butter before baking. The result? An irresistibly rich, no-fuss biscuit that tastes like something your grandma might have whipped up on a lazy weekend morning. Think crispy edges, a soft centre, and sweet-tart raspberries bursting in every bite.
Whether you’re prepping for brunch with friends, surprising the family with a special breakfast, or just treating yourself (because why not?), This recipe is here to make your mornings feel a little more special. Trust us, these melt-in-your-mouth biscuits are the ultimate raspberry brunch idea.
What Are Raspberry Butter Swim Biscuits?

Let’s break it down. Traditional butter swim biscuits are a Southern classic where biscuit dough is poured into a pan of melted butter before baking. The butter crisps up the edges and bottom, giving you that golden crust while keeping the inside perfectly moist and tender. No rolling, no kneading, no biscuit cutters—just easy, delicious comfort food.
This fruity twist on the Southern favourite incorporates fresh or frozen raspberries directly into the dough. It’s a raspberry biscuit recipe that keeps all the ease of the original and adds a delightful fruity layer. These buttered scones with fruit are a hybrid between breakfast bread and a light dessert. Perfect for when you want a little sweetness without going full cake.
So… is it breakfast? Brunch? Dessert? Yes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is one you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again—it’s just that irresistible. Here are just a few:
Unbelievably Easy – No mixer, no kneading, no biscuit cutter. Just stir, pour, and bake. It’s one of the easiest Southern biscuits you’ll ever make.
Bold, Buttery Flavour – The entire biscuit bakes in a pool of butter, which creates a crispy, golden base and rich flavour in every bite.
Berry Beautiful – The raspberries add tartness and natural sweetness, elevating each bite and pairing perfectly with the rich, buttery base.
Versatile – Great as a sweet breakfast, mid-morning snack, or fruity side for brunch. It’s a solid go-to for raspberry brunch ideas.
No Special Tools Required – One bowl, one baking dish, and pantry staples are all you need for this no-knead raspberry biscuit masterpiece.
Quick Overview
These Raspberry Butter Swim Biscuits are the perfect no-fuss recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. In under 45 minutes (including prep and bake time), you’ll have fluffy, buttery, fruit-studded biscuits ready to serve.
The dough is mixed in one bowl, poured into a pool of melted butter, and baked until golden. Expect a crispy base, fluffy centre, and jammy raspberry bites throughout. This is the ultimate in fruity breakfast biscuits.
Ingredients

Component | Ingredient | Amount / Notes |
---|---|---|
Dry Ingredients | All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
Baking powder | 1 tbsp | |
Salt | 1 tsp | |
tablespoon granulated sugar (optional) | adds a touch of sweetness that boosts the natural raspberry flavor. | |
Wet Ingredients | Buttermilk | 1 ¾ cups (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar) |
Add-Ins | Fresh or frozen raspberries | 1 cup (do not thaw if frozen) |
Butter Bath | Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick), melted |
Optional Flavors | Vanilla or almond extract | ½ tsp (optional, for extra depth) |
a zesty touch that makes every bite po | finely grated for a bright citrus burst in every bite |
Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly coat an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent stickingMelt the Butter
Add the butter directly to your baking dish and warm it in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until fully melted. With oven mitts on, carefully take out the hot dish and set it aside to cool.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined and airy.
Add Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.Fold in Raspberries
Gently fold in the raspberries, being careful not to break them up too much (especially if using fresh berries).Spoon into Butter
Spoon generous portions of the dough directly into the pool of melted butter in the baking dish, letting each drop settle gently into place. Lightly spread it out—don’t worry if it doesn’t fill every corner.
Score the Dough
Use a butter knife to score the top of the dough into 9 square portions. This helps them bake evenly and makes serving easier.Bake
Carefully drop heaping spoonfuls of dough into the warm, golden butter, allowing each mound to nestle in and soak up the richness.
Cool and Serve
Allow the biscuits to sit for 10 minutes, letting the flavours settle and the texture firm up perfectly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best texture!
What to Serve With
These biscuits are versatile! Try them with:
Fresh whipped cream and more berries
A dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche
A drizzle of lemon or vanilla glaze
Hot coffee, herbal tea, or an iced latte
A savoury egg dish or quiche for a sweet-salty contrast
Want to impress? Serve them as part of a larger brunch spread featuring other raspberry brunch ideas like raspberry chia pudding or mini fruit tarts.
Top Tips for Success

Use Cold Buttermilk: Cold dairy helps keep the butter cold, which in turn creates a a better rise and flaky texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Stir until just combined to avoid dense biscuits.
Handle Raspberries Gently: Especially if using fresh. Too much mixing will create streaks or mush.
Use a Glass Baking Dish: This allows you to check the crispiness on the bottom as it bakes.
Score Before Baking: It helps them rise more evenly and makes them easier to portion later.
Butter-based baked goods offer rich flavour and satiety, and when paired with berries like raspberries, you add antioxidants and vitamin C. According to the Cleveland Clinic, berries can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Meanwhile, moderate butter consumption, as noted by the Harvard Nutrition Source, can fit into a balanced diet when used mindfully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storage:
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Keep in the fridge for 4–5 days.
For freezing, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months to lock in freshness.
Reheating:
Microwave for 10–15 seconds for a soft texture.
Reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes for a crispier base.
From frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm directly in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes! Just don’t thaw them. Toss them with 1 tbsp of flour to keep the colour from bleeding too much.
Can I make these vegan?
Definitely! Use vegan butter and plant-based milk mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a dairy-free twist.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 ¾ cups milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice. Let it rest for 5 minutes so it can work its magic
How do I prevent the dough from being too wet?
Measure flour carefully and avoid overmixing. If it’s extremely wet, add 1–2 tbsp extra flour.
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Try blueberries, chopped strawberries, or diced peaches. YMix in your favourite fruits for a fun, fruity twist
Conclusion
These Raspberry Butter Swim Biscuits are the sweet, buttery, no-fuss treat your breakfast table’s been missing. They’re beginner-friendly, impossible to mess up, and bursting with fruity goodness. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, making something cozy for the family, or just need a quick baking win, this is your go-to.
So grab those berries and get baking—because melt-in-your-mouth biscuits like these don’t make themselves! And if you loved this one, be sure to check out our other easy Southern biscuits and fruity recipes on the blog.