Save 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 was a big hit at my last holiday party and added a touch of glamour to our celebration.
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 This dessert always gets compliments from family and friends and makes the countdown extra special.
Notes
For extra color, add macarons or meringues. Pair with sparkling wine or non-alcoholic cider for a festive touch.
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 carefully.
Save This platter is a festive and elegant way to celebrate the New Year with family and friends.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the clock numbers on the cookies?
Use chocolate numbers if available, or pipe melted chocolate directly onto the cookies with a piping bag or zip-top bag for precision.
- → Can I substitute the fruits used in the platter?
Absolutely. Seasonal fruits or preferred berries can be used to customize the flavor and appearance of the platter.
- → What is the best way to arrange the desserts for the clock effect?
Place 12 round shortbread cookies in a circle to represent hours, then add mini éclairs and cream puffs around and between them for variety.
- → How do I achieve the sparkling effect on the platter?
Sprinkle edible gold or silver decorations over fruits and pastries, and dust with powdered sugar for a snowy sparkle.
- → Are there gluten-free alternatives for this platter?
Yes, gluten-free cookies and pastries can be substituted to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising style.