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 making these mini desserts for holiday parties because they always bring a smile to everyone's face.
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!
Save My family looks forward to these treats every New Years Eve; they're a delightful way to celebrate together.
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 add a festive and playful touch to any celebration.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of flour is best for these mini desserts?
All-purpose flour works well, offering a light yet sturdy base suitable for creating tender mini cakes.
- → How can I speed up preparation time?
Using store-bought mini cupcakes as a base lets you focus on decorating, saving considerable time while maintaining festive appeal.
- → What colors work best for the frosting?
Black, gold, silver, and yellow gel food colors create striking contrast to mimic countdown clock faces elegantly.
- → Can I make flavor variations?
Yes, adding lemon zest or cocoa powder to the batter introduces refreshing or rich twists to the original flavor.
- → What tools are needed for decorating?
Simple tools like piping bags, small spatulas, and optional food-safe paintbrushes help create precise and fun clock details.
- → Are these mini treats suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, these use vegetarian-friendly ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter without any meat-based components.