# What You’ll Need:
→ Mini Cakes
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1/3 cup whole milk
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
11 - 2 tablespoons milk
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Gel food coloring (black, gold, silver, yellow; as desired)
→ Decorations
14 - Edible gold or silver pearls
15 - Mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel
16 - Sprinkles (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
02 - In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
04 - Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, followed by the milk, then add the remaining dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
05 - Distribute the batter evenly among the mini muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
06 - Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, then cool completely on a wire rack.
07 - Beat softened butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar mixing thoroughly, then add milk and vanilla extract and beat until fluffy.
08 - Divide frosting into separate bowls and tint with gel food coloring as desired for decorating.
09 - Once cooled, apply a smooth layer of colored buttercream onto each mini cake.
10 - Use decorating gel, mini chocolate chips, or tinted frosting to create clock faces, numbers, and hands pointing to midnight; garnish with edible pearls and sprinkles.
11 - Arrange the decorated mini desserts on a platter and serve immediately.
