Pin this 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 was a hit at my last New Years party and made the countdown even sweeter.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
- Step 2:
- In a mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla mix until combined.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt.
- Step 4:
- Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture then the milk then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Step 5:
- Divide the batter evenly among the mini muffin cups filling each about 2/3 full.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 7:
- For the frosting beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar mixing well. Add milk and vanilla beat until fluffy.
- Step 8:
- 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).
- Step 9:
- Once cakes are cool frost each mini cake with a smooth layer of colored buttercream.
- Step 10:
- 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.
- Step 11:
- Arrange on a platter and serve!
Pin this This recipe always sparks joy during family celebrations and brings smiles to all ages.
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
Pin this These mini desserts bring a fun and festive touch to any celebration making your countdown truly special.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What ingredients create the frosting for these mini desserts?
The frosting is made from unsalted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, which are whipped together until fluffy and tinted with gel food coloring.
- → How are the clock faces decorated on the mini cakes?
Clock details are drawn using black decorating gel or mini chocolate chips for the hands and numbers, accented with edible gold or silver pearls.
- → Can I prepare these treats ahead of time?
Yes, the mini cakes can be baked in advance and cooled before decorating. Storing them in an airtight container preserves freshness until serving.
- → Are there suggested flavor variations for the cakes?
Lemon zest or cocoa powder can be added to the batter to create different flavor profiles, enhancing the base texture and taste.
- → What equipment do I need to make these countdown treats?
A mini muffin tin, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, spatula, and piping bags or offset spatula for precise frosting application are recommended.
- → How long does it take to bake and decorate these mini desserts?
Preparation typically takes 30 minutes, baking around 10 minutes, plus additional time for frosting and decorating the clocks.