Countdown Clock Mini Desserts (Print)

Festive mini treats decorated as countdown clocks, ideal for ringing in celebrations with a playful touch.

# Ingredients:

→ Mini Cakes

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1/3 cup whole milk
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Buttercream Frosting

09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
11 - 2 tablespoons milk
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Gel food coloring in black, gold, silver, and yellow, as needed

→ Decorations

14 - Edible gold or silver pearls
15 - Mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel for clock hands and numbers
16 - Sprinkles, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
02 - Using a mixer, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract; blend until combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
04 - Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then pour in the milk, followed by the remaining dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly among the mini muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
06 - Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
07 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly. Add milk and vanilla extract; beat until light and fluffy.
08 - Divide frosting into small bowls and tint with gel food coloring as desired for clock faces and accents.
09 - Once cooled, spread a smooth layer of colored buttercream on each mini cake.
10 - Using decorating gel, chocolate chips, or colored frosting, draw clock faces, numbers, and hands pointing to midnight. Add edible pearls and optional sprinkles.
11 - Arrange the mini desserts on a platter and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Easy to make mini desserts
  • Perfect for celebrations and New Years Eve
02 -
  • To save time you can use store-bought mini cupcakes and decorate as described
  • Try a lemon or chocolate variation by adding zest or cocoa powder to the batter
03 -
  • Use gel food coloring sparingly for vibrant colors without altering frosting consistency
  • Chill frosting slightly before decorating for better control
Back