6 Trendy Desserts Inspired by the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025

The iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025 will give us more than just incredible performances and memorable fashion moments—it inspires a delicious trend of celebrity-influenced desserts that capture the essence of our favorite artists. These creative treats reflect the unique styles and vibes of the musicians who will dominate this year’s award show, translating their artistry from sound to taste in the most delightful way. I’ve fallen in love with these recipes not only for their amazing flavors but also for how accessible they are to make at home.

From light-as-air meringues that shimmer like Taylor Swift’s stage presence to rich, complex layer cakes reminiscent of Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical prowess, these desserts let you bring a bit of music award magic into your kitchen. Each recipe has been crafted to be approachable for home bakers while still delivering that wow factor that makes them perfect for watch parties or any celebration. Ready to create some award-worthy treats? Let’s dive into these showstopping desserts inspired by 2025’s biggest music stars!

Swift’s Starlight Meringues

Taylor Swift’s dazzling performances have inspired these ethereal cloud-like meringue cookies that sparkle just like her stage presence. These light, airy treats have become a sensation among fans looking to capture a bit of that “Swiftie magic” in edible form. The beauty of these meringues lies in their simplicity—just a few ingredients transform into something spectacular, much like how Swift turns simple melodies into chart-topping hits.

The history of meringues dates back to the 17th century, but these updated versions bring a modern twist worthy of pop royalty. The crisp outer shell gives way to a slightly chewy center, creating a textural experience that’s as captivating as one of Swift’s bridge sections. I’ve found that adding different extracts and colorful sprinkles makes each batch unique—perfect for representing different “eras” of her music. If you’re looking for more global dessert traditions to experiment with, meringues offer endless possibilities for customization.

Ingredients:

• 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or other flavoring of choice)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: food coloring and edible glitter or sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a completely clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy using an electric mixer.
3. Gradually add the sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed.
4. Add salt and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form—the mixture should be thick and when you rub a bit between your fingers, it shouldn’t feel grainy.
5. Gently fold in vanilla extract and any food coloring you desire.
6. Transfer mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe 2-inch stars onto the prepared baking sheets.
7. Sprinkle with edible glitter or colored sugar before baking for that signature Swift sparkle.
8. Bake for 1.5 hours, then turn off the oven and let meringues cool completely inside without opening the door (about 2 more hours).
9. Store in an airtight container away from humidity for up to 2 weeks.

Lamar’s Lyric Layer Cake

Much like Kendrick Lamar’s multi-layered lyrics and complex beats, this impressive multi-tiered cake tells a story through its flavors. Each layer represents a different aspect of his musical genius—deep, thoughtful, and perfectly balanced. The contrast between the moist cake layers and creamy frosting creates a harmonious blend that mirrors the way Lamar combines various elements in his award-winning tracks.

This showstopper has become a favorite for music-themed parties, with fans creating their own variations inspired by different albums. What makes this cake special is its adaptability—you can customize the flavors and colors to represent your favorite Lamar album or song. The recipe may seem complex at first glance, but broken down into steps, it’s quite manageable for home bakers looking to create something extraordinary. This cake pairs beautifully with other Stagecoach dessert ideas for 2025 if you’re planning a music festival-themed gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/4 cup cocoa powder for chocolate layers

For the frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. If desired, divide the batter and add cocoa powder to one portion for a chocolate layer.
7. Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
9. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.
10. Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a cake stand, topping with frosting, and repeating with remaining layers.
11. Frost the sides and top, then decorate with piped designs or edible decorations that represent Lamar’s artistic style.

Carpenter’s Espresso Brownies

Sabrina Carpenter’s energetic performances and bold style have inspired these rich, coffee-infused chocolate brownies that pack a punch. The combination of deep chocolate flavor with a sophisticated espresso kick mirrors Carpenter’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with mature themes. These brownies have quickly become a fan favorite for their intense flavor profile and the perfect balance of fudgy texture with a slight crackly top.

The addition of espresso doesn’t just add flavor—it actually enhances the chocolate notes, creating a more complex taste experience. I’ve found these brownies to be perfect for afternoon gatherings or late-night music sessions. The caffeine gives just enough of a boost to keep the party going, much like Carpenter’s upbeat tracks that keep fans dancing all night. For those who enjoy experimenting with different flavor combinations, these brownies can be a base for exploring fun desserts for every occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and let cool slightly.
3. Whisk in sugar until combined, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, espresso powder, and cinnamon if using.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
7. Fold in chocolate chips and pour batter into prepared pan.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
10. For an extra Carpenter-inspired touch, dust with a mixture of cocoa powder and espresso powder before serving.

Grande’s Honeyed Matcha Macarons

Ariana Grande’s sweet vocals with unexpected powerful notes inspired these delicate yet complex macarons. The combination of earthy matcha and floral honey creates a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both surprising and delightful—much like Grande’s impressive vocal range. These French cookies have gained popularity not only for their taste but also for their beautiful green color that makes them instantly Instagram-worthy.

Macarons might seem intimidating, but with patience and attention to detail, you can master these elegant treats. The matcha powder gives them a subtle bitterness that’s perfectly balanced by the sweet honey buttercream filling. I’ve served these at watch parties to rave reviews, with guests particularly appreciating the sophisticated flavor combination. If you’re interested in exploring more international flavors, the technique used here shares similarities with the globalization of churros and how traditional desserts evolve across cultures.

Ingredients for shells:

• 1 cup almond flour, finely ground
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons high-quality matcha powder
• 2 large egg whites, room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Optional: green food coloring for enhanced color

Ingredients for honey buttercream:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons high-quality honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Sift together almond flour, powdered sugar, and matcha powder, discarding any large pieces.
2. In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy.
3. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
4. Add a tiny bit of green food coloring if desired for a more vibrant color.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg white mixture using a spatula, about 50-60 folds until the batter flows like lava.
6. Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe 1.5-inch circles onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
7. Tap the baking sheets firmly against the counter to release air bubbles.
8. Let the macarons rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until they form a skin.
9. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 15-18 minutes.
10. Let cool completely before filling.
11. For the honey buttercream, beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, honey, vanilla, and salt, mixing until smooth.
12. Pipe filling onto half of the shells and sandwich with the remaining shells.
13. Refrigerate for 24 hours to allow flavors to mature before serving.

Eilish’s Midnight Blue Velvet Cupcakes

Billie Eilish’s hauntingly beautiful music and distinctive aesthetic have inspired these dramatically hued velvet cupcakes. The deep blue color represents her often moody, introspective lyrics, while the rich flavor and velvety texture mirror the smoothness of her vocals. These cupcakes have become particularly popular among fans who appreciate Eilish’s unique artistic vision and willingness to break from tradition.

The recipe takes the classic red velvet concept and reimagines it with a modern, edgy twist—just like Eilish has done with pop music. The tanginess from the cream cheese frosting balances the subtle cocoa notes in the cake, creating a perfectly balanced bite. I’ve found these to be conversation starters at parties, with the unusual color drawing guests in before the flavor convinces them to reach for seconds. These cupcakes would pair beautifully with other treats inspired by the best desserts from France for an international music-themed gathering.

Ingredients for cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• Navy blue gel food coloring
• Optional: 1 teaspoon black food coloring for deeper hue

Ingredients for cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Silver or black edible sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. In a small bowl, mix buttermilk with vinegar.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk mixture.
7. Add blue and black food coloring until you achieve a midnight blue shade.
8. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
11. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
12. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and top with edible silver or black sprinkles for an Eilish-inspired finish.

Bad Bunny’s Spiced Churro Cheesecake Bars

Bad Bunny’s fusion of Latin rhythms with trap and reggaeton has inspired these innovative cheesecake-churro hybrid bars. The warm cinnamon-sugar coating of traditional churros combines with a creamy cheesecake filling to create a dessert that’s both familiar and unexpected—much like the artist’s genre-blending music. These bars have become a hit at viewing parties, offering a perfect blend of Latin American flavor with a contemporary twist.

The contrast between the crunchy churro crust and the smooth, rich cheesecake creates a textural experience that keeps you coming back for more. I’ve noticed these bars disappear quickly at gatherings, with guests particularly loving the caramelized cinnamon sugar topping that adds a perfect finish. The process of making them isn’t complicated, but the result looks and tastes impressively professional. If you’re interested in learning more about churro variations, you might want to submit a dessert recipe of your own creative twist to share with other enthusiasts.

Ingredients for churro crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for cheesecake filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Ingredients for cinnamon-sugar topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Optional: caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. For the crust, mix flour, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, combine melted butter, sugars, and vanilla, then stir in dry ingredients until a dough forms.
4. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
5. While the crust bakes, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and beat until well combined.
6. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, vanilla, lime zest, and juice.
7. Pour filling over the par-baked crust and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes until center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
9. Mix sugar and cinnamon for topping and sprinkle evenly over hot cheesecake.
10. Return to oven for 5 minutes to lightly caramelize the topping.
11. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before cutting into bars.
12. For an extra Bad Bunny flair, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Bring the Music Awards to Your Kitchen

These six desserts capture the essence of the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025’s biggest stars, transforming their musical artistry into edible culinary experiences. Each recipe offers a unique way to celebrate your favorite artists while creating something truly spectacular in your kitchen. I’ve found that making these desserts for watch parties or music-themed gatherings adds an extra layer of fun to the experience, giving guests something to talk about beyond just the performances.

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these recipes—after all, creativity is what music (and baking) is all about! Add different flavor extracts, experiment with colors, or create mash-ups inspired by your favorite artist collaborations. The most important ingredient is the passion you bring to the process. I’d love to see how your musical desserts turn out, so consider submitting a favorite local dessert shop that might be creating their own award-show inspired treats. Whether you’re a dedicated baker or just starting out, these recipes offer something for everyone—just like music itself!