Save Fun, festive mini desserts decorated to look like countdown clocks—perfect for New Years Eve or any celebration where you want to ring in the moment with something sweet and playful.
This recipe has been a hit at every New Years party I've hosted and always brings joy to guests of all ages.
Ingredients
- Mini Cakes: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter softened, 1/3 cup (80 ml) whole milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
- Buttercream Frosting: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar, 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, Gel food coloring (black gold silver yellow as desired)
- Decorations: Edible gold or silver pearls, Mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel (for clock hands/numbers), Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla mix until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture then the milk then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fill Muffin Cups:
- Divide the batter evenly among the mini muffin cups filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Frosting:
- Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar mixing well. Add milk and vanilla beat until fluffy.
- Color Frosting:
- Divide the frosting into small bowls and tint with gel food coloring as desired (e.g. some black for clock faces some yellow gold for accents).
- Frost Cakes:
- Once cakes are cool frost each mini cake with a smooth layer of colored buttercream.
- Decorate:
- Use decorating gel chocolate chips or colored frosting to draw clock faces numbers and clock hands pointing to midnight. Decorate with edible pearls and sprinkles.
- Serve:
- Arrange on a platter and serve!
Save These mini desserts have become a family tradition bringing everyone together to celebrate and enjoy sweet moments.
Required Tools
Mini muffin tin Mixing bowls Electric mixer or whisk Spatula Piping bags or small offset spatula Food-safe paintbrush (optional for details)
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) eggs milk (dairy) Check decorations and food coloring for additional allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 180 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 25 g Protein 2 g per serving
Save Enjoy crafting these charming mini desserts that add a special touch to your celebrations.
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients create the clock face decorations?
Clock faces are decorated using colored buttercream frosting in black and gold, along with chocolate chips or decorating gels for numbers and hands, accented by edible pearls.
- → Can I prepare these mini desserts ahead of time?
Yes, the mini cakes can be baked and cooled before decorating. Storing them covered keeps them fresh until serving.
- → Are there flavor variations suggested for this treat?
Yes, adding lemon zest or cocoa powder to the batter offers refreshing twists to the classic vanilla base.
- → What tools are recommended for decorating details?
A small offset spatula, piping bags, and a food-safe paintbrush help achieve precise details on the clock faces.
- → What is the best way to serve these during celebrations?
Arrange mini cakes on a platter and serve alongside sparkling cider or Champagne to enhance the festive experience.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
These treats are vegetarian-friendly but contain wheat, eggs, and dairy, so check decorations for allergens if needed.