# Ingredient List:
→ 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 (black, gold, silver, yellow; as desired)
→ Decorations
14 - Edible gold or silver pearls
15 - Mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel for clock hands and numbers
16 - Sprinkles (optional)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
02 - In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose 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. Stir gently until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly among mini muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
06 - Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
07 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, stirring well. Add milk and vanilla extract, and continue beating until fluffy.
08 - Divide frosting into small bowls and tint with gel food coloring as desired to create colors for clock faces and accents.
09 - Once cooled, apply a smooth layer of colored buttercream on each mini cake.
10 - Use decorating gel, mini chocolate chips, or colored frosting to draw clock faces, numbers, and hands pointing to midnight. Garnish with edible pearls and optional sprinkles.
11 - Arrange decorated mini cakes on a platter and serve immediately.
