This Butter Swim Bread is golden, buttery, and irresistibly tender because it bakes right in a pool of melted butter. The butter gives the loaf crisp edges, a rich flavor, and a soft, biscuit-like crumb that melts in your mouth! It’s like turning my Butter Swim Biscuits into one big, irresistible loaf! Slice it warm from the pan, serve it with dinner, or enjoy it all on its own with a smear of jam. And if you love a cozy quick bread, this is about to become a favorite!

Loaf of Butter Swim Bread on a wooden table with some melted butter.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Butter: The bread literally bakes in butter! I use unsalted so I can control the salt, but salted will work; just reduce the added salt.
Flour: All-purpose flour keeps the loaf soft while holding its shape.
Baking Powder: Gives the bread its light, tender crumb. Check that your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
Sugar: Just enough to balance the tang of the buttermilk and help the crust caramelize.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, making the bread taste like a giant buttermilk biscuit.

Loaf of Butter Swim Bread in a white pan on a wooden table from overhead.

FAQs

Can I make butter swim bread without buttermilk?

Yes! Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then use in place of buttermilk. I have more options for How to Make Buttermilk here!)

Can I add cheese or herbs?

Definitely! Fold in shredded cheese, garlic, or fresh herbs for a savory loaf. If you love cheesy bread, don’t miss my Cheesy Butter Swim Biscuits.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. You can mix the batter and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Stir gently before pouring it into the pan.

Loaf of Butter Swim Bread on a wooden table with some cut away showing inside texture.

Butter Swim Bread Variations

Savory: Add shredded cheddar, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning.

Sweet: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top before baking for a dessert-style loaf. Also, consider using less salt.

Fun flavors: Try swapping in Cowboy Butter for a spicy, garlicky cowboy butter swim biscuit version.

Hand holding a piece of Butter Swim Bread with a bite taken out showing tender crumb.

How to Store Butter Swim Bread

Room Temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic or keep in an airtight container for 2–3 days.

Refrigerator: Store wrapped for up to 1 week; warm slices before serving.

Freezer: Wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or rewarm in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.

Butter Swim Bread

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Soft, buttery, and golden, Butter Swim Bread is a quick bread loaf baked right in melted butter, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or anytime.

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Ingredients

▢ 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
▢ 4 teaspoons baking powder
▢ 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
▢ 2 teaspoons kosher salt
▢ 2 cups (490 g) buttermilk
▢ ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted, divided

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan* with nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Pour in the buttermilk and stir until mostly combined, being careful not to overwork the batter.
Pour about 4 tablespoons of the melted butter to the prepared loaf pan, swirling to coat the bottom and sides.
Stir the remaining melted butter into the batter.
Transfer the batter to the loaf pan, spreading evenly.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs, but no wet batter.
Let the bread sit for a few minutes to allow the butter to be absorbed into the loaf before slicing.
Serve warm.

Notes

*Use a glass or light colored pan if possible.

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