Save to Pinterest A festive dessert platter featuring elegant, sparkling treats arranged in the shape of a clock—perfect for counting down to midnight on New Years Eve.
This platter always delights guests and adds a festive touch to our celebrations.
Ingredients
- Cookies and Pastries: 12 large round shortbread cookies (store-bought or homemade), 8 mini chocolate éclairs, 8 mini cream puffs
- Fruits: 1 cup seedless green grapes, 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved, 1 cup blueberries
- Sparkling Decorations: 1/2 cup edible gold or silver sprinkles, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, edible gold leaf (optional)
- Dips and Extras: 1 cup whipped cream, 1 cup chocolate ganache or chocolate sauce, 12 chocolate numbers (1–12) or melted chocolate for piping numbers
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Arrange the 12 shortbread cookies in a large circle on a serving platter to mimic the hours on a clock face.
- Step 2:
- Pipe or stick chocolate numbers (1–12) onto each cookie, or use melted chocolate to write numbers directly.
- Step 3:
- Place the mini éclairs and cream puffs attractively between and around the cookies for added variety.
- Step 4:
- Fill the center of the platter with grapes, strawberries, and blueberries, arranging them in a visually pleasing pattern.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle edible gold or silver decorations over the fruits and pastries for a sparkling effect.
- Step 6:
- Lightly dust the entire platter with powdered sugar for a snowy look.
- Step 7:
- Add dollops of whipped cream and chocolate ganache in small bowls around the platter for dipping.
- Step 8:
- Optionally, accent with flakes of edible gold leaf for extra glamour.
- Step 9:
- Just before midnight, use two thin chocolate sticks or piped chocolate strips to form clock hands pointing at 12.
Save to Pinterest This dessert always brings our family together, especially as we celebrate the New Year counting down the seconds.
Notes
For extra color and texture, try adding macarons or meringues. Pair the platter with a glass of sparkling wine or non-alcoholic cider for a festive touch.
Required Tools
Large round serving platter, piping bag or zip-top bag for chocolate numbers, small bowls for dips, and a sifter for powdered sugar.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, soy, and possibly nuts found in pastries or decorations. Check labels carefully.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this stunning platter that is sure to impress and delight your guests. Perfect for making memories as you countdown to midnight.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I create the clock design on the platter?
Arrange twelve large round cookies in a circle to represent clock hours and place chocolate numbers on each cookie. Use thin chocolate sticks or piped chocolate to form clock hands pointing at twelve.
- → Can I substitute the fruits for others?
Absolutely, seasonal or preferred fruits can be used to suit taste and availability, maintaining visual appeal and freshness.
- → What is the best way to apply the sparkling decorations?
Sprinkle edible gold or silver sprinkles evenly over the fruits and pastries, and lightly dust powdered sugar for a snowy, festive effect.
- → Are there alternatives for gluten-free needs?
Yes, gluten-free cookies and pastries can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising presentation.
- → How should dips be served with the platter?
Serve whipped cream and chocolate ganache in small bowls around the platter, allowing guests to dip pastries and fruits as desired.