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 serving these mini countdown clock desserts at New Years parties & seeing everyone smile as they enjoy the sweet playful treats.
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 to Pinterest This recipe always brings my family together as we countdown and enjoy these delightful mini desserts.
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 to Pinterest This countdown clock dessert guarantees a festive and fun finish to your celebration.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What is the best way to achieve vibrant clock decorations?
Use gel food coloring mixed into buttercream frosting for rich, vivid colors that hold their shape well during decorating.
- → Can I prepare these mini cakes ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cakes in advance and refrigerate. Frost and decorate just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → Are there alternatives to homemade batter for quicker preparation?
Store-bought mini cupcakes can be decorated using the same frosting and designs for a faster option.
- → How do I make the clock hands and numbers on the mini cakes?
Use mini chocolate chips, decorating gel, or piping with colored frosting to draw detailed clock elements.
- → What flavor variations work well with these mini cakes?
Incorporate lemon zest or cocoa powder into the batter for a refreshing citrus or chocolate twist.