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.
I love making these mini countdown clock desserts for New Years because they bring a playful touch to the celebration and everyone enjoys decorating them together.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla mix until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour baking powder and salt.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture then the milk then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fill Muffin Cups:
- Divide the batter evenly among the mini muffin cups filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Frosting:
- For the frosting beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar mixing well. Add milk and vanilla beat until fluffy.
- Color Frosting:
- 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.
- Frost Cakes:
- Once cakes are cool frost each mini cake with a smooth layer of colored buttercream.
- Decorate:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Arrange on a platter and serve!
Save This recipe always brings out smiles during family gatherings especially when everyone decorates their own mini dessert.
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 These mini desserts add a fun and sweet centerpiece to your celebration ensuring a memorable start to the new year.
Recipe Q&A
- → What ingredients are used in the mini cakes?
The mini cakes use all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, whole milk, egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, and a pinch of salt for flavor and texture.
- → How is the colored frosting made?
The frosting is made by beating softened butter and powdered sugar, then adding milk and vanilla extract before tinting with gel food coloring for vibrant clock faces.
- → Can I prepare these desserts ahead of time?
Yes, the mini cakes can be baked in advance and decorated just before serving to maintain freshness and visual appeal.
- → Are there alternative flavor options?
You can add lemon zest for a citrus twist or cocoa powder for a chocolate variation to the batter for different flavor profiles.
- → What tools are recommended for decorating?
Mini muffin tins, piping bags, spatulas, and food-safe paintbrushes help create precise clock designs and decorative details.