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.
This recipe brings so much joy when serving these playful mini cakes at parties.
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 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 to Pinterest This recipe creates wonderful moments shared with family and friends during celebrations.
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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Enjoy these festive mini desserts that bring sweetness and joy to any special occasion.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of flour is best for these mini cakes?
All-purpose flour works best to create a tender yet sturdy crumb, suitable for decorating with buttercream.
- → How can I achieve vibrant colors in the frosting?
Use gel food coloring to tint the buttercream, which provides rich, vivid hues without altering the frosting texture.
- → Can these mini cakes be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, they can be baked and frosted in advance. Store them covered at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- → Are there any suggested flavor variations?
Try adding lemon zest or cocoa powder to the batter for a bright citrus or rich chocolate twist.
- → What decorating tools are recommended for the clock details?
Small piping bags, offset spatulas, and food-safe paintbrushes help create precise clock faces and numbers.