Save to Pinterest 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 countdown clock mini desserts because they add a whimsical touch to holiday gatherings and are fun to decorate with the family.
Ingredients
- For the Mini Cakes: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- For the Mini Cakes: 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- For the Mini Cakes: 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, softened
- For the Mini Cakes: 1/3 cup (80 ml) whole milk
- For the Mini Cakes: 1 large egg
- For the Mini Cakes: 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Mini Cakes: 1/2 tsp baking powder
- For the Mini Cakes: 1/4 tsp salt
- For the Buttercream Frosting: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- For the Buttercream Frosting: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- For the Buttercream Frosting: 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk
- For the Buttercream Frosting: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Buttercream Frosting: Gel food coloring (black, gold, silver, yellow as desired)
- Decorations: Edible gold or silver pearls
- Decorations: Mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel (for clock hands/numbers)
- Decorations: 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 to Pinterest This recipe always brings joy to family gatherings as we decorate the mini desserts together and celebrate the countdown to a new year.
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
Save to Pinterest These mini desserts add a special festive touch that’s sure to impress guests at any celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of flour is recommended?
All-purpose flour is best for a tender, balanced texture in these mini cakes.
- → How can I achieve vibrant clock face colors?
Use gel food coloring in the buttercream to create rich, vivid hues that hold well during decorating.
- → Can I prepare these mini cakes in advance?
Yes, bake and cool the mini cakes ahead of time, then frost and decorate shortly before serving for freshness.
- → What decorations work best for clock hands and numbers?
Mini chocolate chips, black decorating gel, or colored frosting allow for detailed and precise clock markings.
- → Are there easy variations to try?
Adding lemon zest or cocoa powder to the batter offers delightful flavor twists to suit different tastes.