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 countdown clock desserts every New Year to add a playful and sweet touch to the party.
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!
Save This recipe always brings smiles at my family gatherings especially when the kids help decorate each mini clock.
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 sure to impress your guests and add joy to your celebration.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What makes these mini cakes festive?
Colorful buttercream tinted with gel food coloring and detailed clock face decorations create a playful, festive appearance.
- → Can I use store-bought mini cupcakes for this?
Yes, you can decorate store-bought mini cupcakes as described to save preparation time while achieving the same festive look.
- → How are the clock faces created?
Clock details are drawn using black decorating gel or mini chocolate chips, with edible pearls adding decorative accents.
- → Is it possible to add different flavors to the cakes?
Yes, adding lemon zest or cocoa powder to the batter allows for tasty variations like lemon or chocolate versions.
- → What tools are needed for decorating?
A mini muffin tin, piping bags or small offset spatula, and optionally a food-safe paintbrush are recommended for detailed decorating.