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 has become our go-to celebration centerpiece every year, bringing a spark of joy and sweetness to our family gatherings.
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 We love how this dessert brings everyone together every New Years Eve, creating sweet memories as we count down to midnight.
Notes
Add macarons or meringues for extra color and texture. Pair with a glass of sparkling wine or non-alcoholic cider.
Required Tools
Large round serving platter, piping bag or zip-top bag (for chocolate numbers), small bowls (for dips), sifter (for powdered sugar)
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, soy, and possibly nuts (in pastries or decorations). Check all labels for potential allergens, especially in store-bought pastries and decorations.
Save to Pinterest This sparkling clock platter is sure to dazzle your guests and become a beloved holiday tradition.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I create the clock numbers on the cookies?
Use chocolate numbers or pipe melted chocolate onto the cookies with a piping bag or zip-top bag, ensuring each represents hours 1 through 12.
- → Can I substitute the fruits on the platter?
Yes, seasonal or preferred fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or sliced kiwis can be used to add color and texture.
- → What type of platter works best for this arrangement?
A large round serving platter provides the ideal shape to mimic a clock face and accommodate all components.
- → How can I add an extra touch of elegance to the presentation?
Sprinkle edible gold or silver decorations and optionally add flakes of edible gold leaf for a luxurious shimmer.
- → Are there suggestions for dips to accompany the treats?
Whipped cream and chocolate ganache or chocolate sauce serve as complementary dips that highlight the flavors and textures of the pastries and fruits.