Pin It 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 always amazes my guests and adds a magical touch to our New Years celebrations.
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.
Pin It Our family always gathers around this platter to countdown and enjoy the festive sweetness together.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cookies and pastries Substitute any seasonal fruits you prefer 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
Pin It This platter brings both a festive mood and delicious variety to your celebration in just 30 minutes.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I create the clock face on the platter?
Arrange 12 round shortbread cookies in a circle to mimic clock hours, then add chocolate numbers on each cookie using piped or stick-on chocolate.
- → What fruits work best for the center decoration?
Seedless green grapes, halved fresh strawberries, and blueberries provide both color and fresh flavor that complement the pastries beautifully.
- → Can I substitute the cookies and pastries?
Yes, gluten-free cookies or seasonal pastries like macarons and meringues add texture and visual appeal while maintaining the festive theme.
- → What is the purpose of edible gold or silver sprinkles?
These sparkling decorations add a glamorous and festive touch that accentuates the visual impact of the platter.
- → How should the chocolate clock hands be added?
Use thin chocolate sticks or pipe chocolate strips just before serving to form hands pointing at 12 for an elegant countdown effect.
- → What dips are suggested for this platter?
Whipped cream and chocolate ganache provide complementary flavors and make it easy to enjoy the various pastries and fruits.