Bake It Off: An Unofficial Taylor Swift–Inspired Cookbook for Every Era, from Breakfast to Midnights

by Lindsey Smith

Inspired by the life and music of pop’s biggest icon, Taylor Swift, this baking cookbook features 50+ mouthwatering recipes and dazzling photography, alongside curated playlists and clever easter eggs from the Swiftie-verse.

It feels like a perfect night… for pastries at midnight.

Whether you are an OG Swiftie from her country days, or a newly anointed tortured poet, there is a little something sweet for every fan in this baking cookbook inspired by the world of Taylor Swift. These 50+ recipes represent every era of her career, and each dish is uniquely infused with a style and taste that will leave the crowd chanting “MORE!”

Think recipes like:

Chai Cookie a la Taylor: Inspired by Tay’s original recipe
Victory Pop(star) Tarts: Rumor has it Taylor has made these tasty homemade pastries for a certain Kansas City football team
Blondie(s)!: A sweet homage to one of Taylor’s many nicknames
Desserts inspired by Taylor’s greatest hits, including: Bad Blood (Orange) Tart, Cruller Summer, and So Scarlet, It Was Macron
Plus, to ensure no member of your squad is left out, there are plenty of vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free treats as well. And, since every good Swiftie loves an easter egg, this book is filled with them, including curated playlists for recipe bake times (you can forget your boring old oven timer).

You don’t have to be a 14-time Grammy winner to enjoy the delights in this book, but you’ll probably feel like one after indulging in these tasty treats.

Ready for it?

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

LINDSEY SMITH is a nationally recognized author, health coach, speaker, wellness icon, and the blogger behind Food Mood Girl. Best known for her books Junk Foods & Junk Moods and Food Guilt No More, Lindsey has reached thousands of people looking to enhance their mood, decrease their anxiety and learn to love themselves just a little more. When not helping others, Lindsey is typically spending time in her hometown with her husband and dog, Winnie Cooper. Her new book, Eat Your Feelings, launches January 2018 with Wednesday Books.

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the clever concept and the sweet sweet recipes -- a must read for every Swiftie who loves baked goods of all kinds!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen if you are or know someone who loves all things Taylor Swift there is no doubt they’ll love this book.
Not only is this a proper cook book walking you through all the tips & tricks you need to make great bakes but it also has playlists for while you are baking and fun names for the recipes.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Bake It Off.

I enjoy Taylor Swift's music but I'm not a Swiftie.

I requested this because I love all things sweet!

The author provides a lengthy intro as to how this cookbook came to be.

You can tell she's a hardcore Swiftie especially when you see the comprehensive list of songs to play according to bake times of the recipes listed in the cookbook.

That must have taken a lot of work but it was also filler to pad a book that didn't have much to it.

Some of the recipes were silly and repetitive like the one with pudding and cookie crumbs which is featured in every Halloween cookbook.

Befitting a Taylor Swift themed cookbook, there are a lot of sprinkles, color, and cutesy recipes.

The recipes are all easy to follow but due to the formatting on Kindle, the pages and recipes look wonky.

My biggest pet peeve: most of the recipes lack photographs.

That's a bummer because some readers, like me, eat with their eyes.

Also, in some of the finished recipes, the pastries look overdone or maybe that's just the lighting?

Bake It Off doesn't feature any special or original recipes, it's just piggybacking off one of the the biggest musical artists in the world.

This would make a great gift for a hardcore Swiftie, which I know a few, but not for the general baker.

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was super cute! Plenty of inspiration and fun recipes. I appreciated the terminology included for the utensils and types of baking such as glaze or sugared etc. this was packed full of “Easter eggs” and many of the baked goods were extremely clever plays on her lyrics. There were some that went right over my head to be honest and I’d say I’m a big enough swiftie 🤷‍♀️ that’s the only reason it wasn’t 5 stars for me in addition to the complexity of some of the recipes (though they came out gorgeous outwardly I wouldn’t ever put that effort in 🙃)

Bonus that Taylor’s famous cookie recipe is included ☺️

[Kaitlyn Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought a kitchenaid mixer and am now in my baking era. Who is she???

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swifties know the stories. When she started dating Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, she showed up with homemade handheld jam pastries. When she invited a handful of fans over to her home for the release of 1989, she made chai cookies for them. She made celebrity chef Ina Garten a member of her posse. In other words, Taylor Swift is known for her baking almost as much as her music. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but she is known for her handmade creations.

While the recipes in Bake It Off are not Ms. Swift’s, they are inspired by her work and her baking by fans who love her music and love to bake. So if you’re wanting to celebrate all the eras with fellow fans or just by yourself, then you can start with some Breakfasts at Midnight and bake on through to your next release party.

These playful recipes include cookies, cakes, pies, and pastries, and they celebrate the work of Swift with flavor, whimsy, and lots of sprinkles. The recipes range from beginner to intermediate, and cover a wide range of treats. There are the Victory Pop (Star)-Tarts, Fortnight Cinnamon Rolls, Cowboy (Cookies) Like Me, Welcome to New York Cheesecake, Bad Blood (Orange) Tart, I Can Make It with a Broken Heart Rice Krispie Pops, and Fudge the Patriarchy, just to name a few of these fun confections. And there are even a couple of recipes for cats and dogs so you can celebrate with your favorite four-legged dance partner.

This book is packed with Easter Eggs, from the recipe titles to the decorations to the photos used throughout the book, with a key at the back to help readers find them all. There are some recipes for those who are vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free, and many come with suggestions to save time or to switch up the flavors. And the decorating inspiration is just the start—you can add the frostings and sprinkles, glazes and edible glitter to your heart’s content, making these recipes perfect for getting your friends together for a decorating party.

I am a later Swiftie, having enjoyed her music for years but just understanding the full extent of her reach in the last few years. And I’ve loved to bake since I was a kid. I thought putting the Swift universe and the baking together is the perfect combination, and Lindsey Smith has brought her longtime fandom to every page, celebrating Swift’s music, her life, and her inspiration. I would say that the cookbook does skew towards a younger baker, but I have found things to love in these pages, and I think other Swifties will love it too.

Egalleys for Bake It Off were provided by Harvest through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun Taylor Swift-inspired cook hook that hits some high notes but goes out of tune at some points.
As a cookbook, it gets two stars. The title of the recipe is hidden away down the pages depending on how much the author has written before the actual recipe. The steps are words instead on to the point and can make it hard to go back to the right place in the step. The book goes several recipes without pictures of what the recipe should look like. Also, it leaves off items that it shows on the recipe for at least one of the recipes. I do like the little tips on certain recipes that are helpful.
As a Taylor Swift tribute, this gets 4 stars. The author goes above and beyond, even though there are times she either misses the mark (Drivin' a New Maserati Biscotti, anyone?) or overdoes it. She writes up each treat, but often quotes several songs/eras instead of staying with the one that goes with the treat, and it doesn't land. The whole deal with Daisy May's Pretzel Salad doesn't match the theme at all. I don't get the recipe or the write-up quoting "22 " with the originating song; the themes are so dissimilar. I had truly expected something floral to come with this recipe. But on to the good stuff. You get the recipes you expect (homemade poptarts and chai cookies), adorable Taylor-themed projects (the You Need to Calm Down Pool Cups are the most adorable things ever) and and lots of popstar flair! The author includes Easter Eggs for the reader to find, playlist for baking time based on each Era (this must have taken some time, so I have mad respect for the author), and my favorite thing: a list of toppings you can add to scones and other goodies based off each Era.

As I cookbook, I expected more out of this, but you can't argue the author is a hardcore fan.

I received an ARC through NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

[Sheila The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bake It Off is a delightful and cleverly crafted baking cookbook inspired by the music, personality, and ever-evolving eras of Taylor Swift. With over 50 recipes spanning everything from breakfast bites to sweet midnight snacks, each dish is paired with curated playlists, fun Easter eggs, and playful nods to Taylor’s lyrics, albums, and iconic moments. Whether you're a lifelong fan from her country roots or a newly minted Midnights devotee, there’s something delicious in here for every Swiftie.

I thought this was such a cute, creative, and super catchy concept. The way Lindsey Smith weaves Taylor’s world into each recipe, from the cheeky names to the ingredients and styling, makes flipping through this book a joy. I tried the Chai Cookies right away (inspired by Taylor’s own recipe), and not only did they turn out perfectly, but they also filled my kitchen with the warm, cozy scent of cinnamon and cardamom. It really captures the spirit of the fandom in such a fun and accessible way.

The dazzling food photography, thoughtful gluten-free and vegan options, and whimsical touches like “Victory Pop(star) Tarts” and “So Scarlet, It Was Macaron” show how much care and love went into making this a true celebration of Taylor and her fans. I have several Swifties in my life who are going to adore this, and I’ll definitely be grabbing a few copies as gifts.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Aftan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a pretty cookbook, with great photos that make for a perfect gift for any Swiftie in your life. The recipes are straightforward with easy-to-follow instructions and approachable ingredients. Every recipe is served alongside a Taylor tie-in, which will have any Swiftie dancing in their kitchen with glee.

Like Taylor, this book is full of sweetness and a hint of spice. What it is missing is anything savory. The entire book is sweet treats, though it promises a cookbook for "Breakfast to Midnights." I am missing those actual meal recipes that still give me the Taylor vibe. To be fair, I realize it says Bake it Off, but.... Air bake some chicken tenders or a savory pie at least.

The first 23% of this book is the introduction from the author as well as a tedious list of Taylor's songs. Perhaps the Kindle formatting is the issue here, but that could be skipped in my opinion. The author tries to bring in some quirky IYKYK winks, but it is a personal pet peeve of mine to have a long intro section in cookbooks. I am also missing pictures alongside every recipe which I personally feel is necessary for a standout cookbook that inspires and excites the home cook.

[Crystal Bearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is legitimately a good cookbook as well as a fan-made labor of love. While a lot of Taylor Swift-themed books and products come across as crass attempts to cash in on her popularity, Lindsey Smith's obvious love for both fandom and baking shine through to make this something special. Hiding Easter eggs in the recipes and photos, including party ideas, and a recipe for a cat birthday cake are brilliant touches. I especially appreciated the key at the back of the book explaining all the Easter eggs - great for a Swiftie of any level! It's also important to note how accessible the recipes are; Smith includes some advanced techniques as well as things that require almost no work, allowing anyone a point of entry to enjoy her work. Including some basic baking tips is a great touch as well, and keeping even the fiddlier recipes home-baker-friendly makes this a book I will add to my library and the library of many friends.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is the perfect cookbook for all Taylor Swift fans. I know my granddaughter loves it. Over 50 recipes that every Swiftie is going to love. Everything from breakfast to deserts. All created with the Swift flare, like Karma Is a Cookie. The book does give us the basics and how to get started so that even a newbie can create some masterpieces. To make things even more fun the book is packed with Easter Eggs you will want to find. And don’t forget to share what you find. The recipes all have great descriptions, ingredients lists and step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow and understand. You’re sure to find your new favorite recipes in this fun book. I am absolutely hooked on the It’s 2 am Pie In a Jar and the Vending Machine Cookie Dough Bites. My most favorite thing has to be the Playlists by Baking Time.🎵🎸🎶
You are going to love this cookbook.
You will want to try every single recipe and turn up the tunes. Enjoy with your friends.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure:
I requested this book on NetGalley because I like cookbooks. I also requested it because a few of my friends are big Taylor fans and I wanted to know whether to recommend to (or buy it) for them.

I found this book to be full of tons of song references and theme treats that fit the songs.

I think my friends would have a real blast with this cookbook. Everything is completely adorable.

I saved a few recipes for myself: Seven bars of chocolate brownies, Lover cupcakes cause I think my mom would love the fun cotton candy decor, Chasing Churros in the grocery Line for myself, and Junior Jewels Friendship Bracelets for a friend.

I missed most of the references as someone who doesn’t know Taylor’s songs that well. But I’m absolutely sure any fan who enjoys baking would enjoy this book.

[Lisa Brooke Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a proud Swiftie, Bake It Off had me dancing in the kitchen and singing while I baked! Lindsey Smith perfectly blends baking with Taylor Swift-inspired themes, and every recipe felt like a little love letter to the eras we know and adore.

My absolute favorite? The All Too Swirled Cinnamon Rolls—sweet, warm, and just dramatic enough to feel like a breakup ballad in pastry form. Whether you're baking Red Velvet Revenge Cupcakes or Fearless Fudge Brownies, this book is fun, creative, and filled with the kind of joy only a fellow Swiftie could whip up.

If you're a Taylor fan, this is your next must-have. Because honestly? This book left me enchanted!

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for the ARC—I'm feeling bejeweled to have had the chance to read this early!

[Lauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Swiftie, I just loved this cookbook! It is so fun, cute and perfect for Taylor Swift fans! I also enjoy baking so that made it even better. It's not just trying to capitalize on the TS fandom, it's a really good cookbook in its own right. There is a great selection of recipes, some basics that anyone can make and some more advanced ones. I enjoyed all the Easter eggs and the baking time playlist too. You can tell it was made by a Swiftie and I'm glad a professional baker was a part of it because that gives it legitimacy as a cookbook. I can't wait to pick it up and read through it 13 more times!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Brittany Grammatica · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Swiftie this book is a must have! There are recipes for every level of baker in here, from absolute novice who never baked, up to expert (those macrons.) I love the Easter eggs through out the book, the attention to detail, the regards to photographs, and the recipes! The playlist timers in the beginning were such a cute tool! Would love it if there was a QR code to those being in a playlist. The recipes are well written with clear directions. The recipes I tried I didn’t have any issues with and loved the outcome! I absolutely adore this cookbook, and will 10000% be getting this for some Swiftie die hards.

[Erin Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bake It Off by Lyndsey Smith is pure joy for Swifties and bakers alike! Each recipe is inspired by a Taylor Swift era or lyric, and it’s clear how much heart went into every page. There are so many Easter Eggs to find! She even includes Taylor Swift Playlists by Baking Time!
The recipes are creative but approachable, and the photos are absolutely stunning. Whether you’re baking “I Bet You Think About Cupcakes" or “3 Months in the Grave Cups,” it’s impossible not to have fun.
This cookbook perfectly captures the magic of music and baking—a love letter to the art of both. Huge thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced readers copy!

I finished this yesterday - August 1st - with the salt air and rust on my door. This is an adorable cookbook and so very Swiftie. The recipes look amazing but I cannot have flour or sugar in any form, so I wasn't able to try them out. But I do like the look of them and hunting for all the Easter Eggs! They were a chef's kiss. I only became a Swiftie around Midnights so I only found half but I'm happy I found as many as I did!

It's just all around fun. Grab the book when it comes out on September 30th!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for this ebook!

Perfect for the swiftie who loves sweets, Bake It Off features a collection of Taylor Swift recipes I cannot wait to try.

The book is filled with references, and even a guide to some of them for my fellow terrible-at-easter-eggs swifties! And there's treats for pets, too, I can't wait to make one for my cats.

I think the only thing I would have liked was more pictures, I found myself struggling to picture some of the recipes, especially if I was unfamiliar with the item in question.

[Alyssa Davila (Traveling with Words) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun cookbook for any Swiftie. I loved all the Easter eggs in this book and how much detail the author really put into using song titles and lyrics in the recipes. I do have a few recipes flagged to try. My only reason for giving it 3 stars is that the recipes seemed to be for more generic baked goods, and I wanted to see more unique recipes, but that’s just me.

I received this book as an ARC, but all opinions are my own.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This Taylor Swift inspired cookbook is one I think that you should shake off. The author has spent too much time making sure that everything goes with the Taylor Swift persona. Between the images that are more about the Easter eggs than about the food and the recipe seem fine, but everything is so tongue and cheek. It’s just over the top. Yes it’s geared towards Taylor Swift fans, but this seems more like a money grab than something fans would want to keep and pass on.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! There are so many details from the playlists created that are the same length as the baking times for recipes to all the song references. This is perfect for bakers and Swifties of all ages. The recipes are easy to follow and the photos are wonderful and helpful. I would highly recommend this! Special Thank You to Lindsey Smith, William Morrow and Netgalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[cMa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a total dream for all you Swifties out there. You’ll absolutely love and treasure it! The adorable photos and descriptions had me humming her tunes in my head. Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and William Morrow | Harvest for the ARC.

#BakeItOff
#NetGalley

[Kristen Barenthaler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will do anything with even a tangential connection to Taylor, so baking these delicious treats throughout the eras seems like a perfect way to spend my time. If you need me, I'll be baking until midnights.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cookbook is a delight for Swifties and baking fans alike. Most recipes are approachable and familiar, but the decorations really pop with sparkly pastels that scream Taylor Swift. With helpful baking basics and themed playlists, it’s as fun to read as it is to bake.

[Renee Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this book due to the recipe names alone. I can’t wait to try Karma is a Cookie!!

Thank you to William Morrow, Lindsey Smith, and Netgalley for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get it for the pop tart recipe...

Swifties, heads up. In addition to a certain new album release, get this cook book to bake up some Taylor treats. But I'd get it for the pop tart recipe. Its easy and tasty.
Rock on.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute book with recipes that bake in the time that a specific Taylor playlist is listed you can listen too, and lots of Taylor fan easter eggs to find.

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow | Harvest for the ARC!

[Danielle Deavours · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute theme and recipes. Great visuals. Some ingredients harder to find but overall good concept. This will be a great gift offer for Swifties.

[Mara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute, ale...Prečo?

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun cookbook, my daughter and I have made a bunch of the recipes. Some are very simple, others are a little more detailed but the results have been delicious.