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.
I enjoy creating these mini desserts every New Years Eve with my family—they bring such joy and a festive spirit to our gathering.
Ingredients
- For the 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
- For the 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 Sharing these mini desserts with family each New Years creates lasting memories and traditions that we cherish.
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
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These mini desserts are a delightful way to celebrate every special moment with sweetness and style.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the clock faces on the mini cakes?
Colored buttercream frosting tinted with gel food coloring, edible pearls, and mini chocolate chips or decorating gel are used to craft detailed clock faces and hands.
- → Can the mini cakes be made ahead of time?
Yes, the mini cakes can be baked and cooled ahead, then decorated shortly before serving to maintain freshness and vibrant colors.
- → Is it possible to use store-bought mini cupcakes for this decoration?
Absolutely, using store-bought mini cupcakes saves time and allows you to focus on the creative decorating aspect.
- → What flavor variations complement these mini cakes?
Adding lemon zest or cocoa powder to the batter offers delightful variations, enhancing the buttery base with fresh or rich notes.
- → How long does it take to prepare these mini cakes from start to finish?
The entire process, including baking and decorating, takes about 40 minutes, making them a quick yet festive treat.