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.
These mini desserts quickly became a favorite at our holiday parties and always bring smiles when everyone notices the clock faces.
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
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla mix until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour baking powder and salt.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture then the milk then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fill Muffin Cups:
- Divide the batter evenly among the mini muffin cups filling each about 23 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting:
- Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar mixing well. Add milk and vanilla beat until fluffy.
- Color Frosting:
- 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.
- Frost Cakes:
- Once cakes are cool frost each mini cake with a smooth layer of colored buttercream.
- Decorate:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Arrange on a platter and serve!
Save These mini desserts always light up our family gatherings and make New Years Eve special 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 desserts are a delightful and festive treat that bring a playful twist to any celebration.
Common Questions
- → How do I achieve the clock face decorations?
Use colored buttercream frosting and decorating gel or mini chocolate chips to create numbers and clock hands, adding edible pearls for accents.
- → Can I prepare these mini cakes in advance?
Yes, you can bake the mini cakes ahead and frost them just before serving to maintain freshness and decoration quality.
- → Are there any ingredient variations to try?
Try adding lemon zest or cocoa powder to the batter for different flavor twists that complement the buttery frosting.
- → What tools are needed for decorating?
Essential tools include piping bags or small spatulas for frosting, food-safe paintbrushes for fine details, and a mini muffin tin for baking.
- → Is there a quick alternative to baking the mini cakes from scratch?
You can use store-bought mini cupcakes and decorate them as described to save preparation time.