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.
This recipe is a favorite at our holiday parties and always brings smiles to guests of all ages.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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 23 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 (eg 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 my family together for a joyful countdown and sweet memories.
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
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These mini desserts are a delightful treat that adds sparkle to any celebration.
Your Questions Answered
- → How do I achieve vibrant colors in the frosting?
Use gel-based food coloring which provides bright, concentrated hues without thinning the buttercream.
- → Can I prepare these mini cakes ahead of time?
Yes, bake the mini cakes in advance, store them tightly covered, and decorate just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What’s the best way to create clock hands and numbers?
Use decorating gel or mini chocolate chips to draw precise clock hands and numbers on the buttercream surface.
- → Are there any simple substitutions for decorations?
You can use sprinkles, edible pearls, or colored sugar to add sparkle and texture if specialized decorations aren’t available.
- → Can I use pre-made mini cupcakes for this project?
Absolutely. Store-bought mini cupcakes can be decorated with colored buttercream and details for a quick and fun alternative.