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.
I love how these mini desserts bring a playful and festive spirit to the table. Decorating the clocks with different colors and edible pearls is a joyous experience for both kids and adults.
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 eg 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!
Save This recipe brings the whole family together as kids love helping with decorating and everyone enjoys the festive treats during celebrations.
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 These mini countdown clock desserts are as fun to make as they are to eat perfect for ringing in the New Year with style and sweetness.
Recipe Help
- → What ingredients are needed for the mini cakes?
Basic ingredients include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, whole milk, egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt.
- → How are the clock faces decorated?
Buttercream frosting is tinted with gel food coloring to create clock faces, with details added using chocolate chips, decorating gel, and edible pearls.
- → Can I prepare these desserts ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and frost them earlier. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate before serving.
- → Are there flavor variations available?
Yes, you can add lemon zest or cocoa powder to the batter to create different flavor profiles.
- → What tools are recommended for decorating?
Mini muffin tins, mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, spatulas, piping bags, and optionally a food-safe paintbrush for fine details are useful.
- → How long does baking take?
Baking time is approximately 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until a toothpick comes out clean.