Save A festive dessert platter featuring elegant, sparkling treats arranged in the shape of a clock&mdashperfect for counting down to midnight on New Years Eve.
This platter always impresses my guests and adds a magical touch to our New Years Eve party every year.
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&ndash12), 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&ndash12) 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 sparkling clock platter has become a family favorite for holiday gatherings and always sparks conversation.
Notes
Add macarons or meringues for extra color and texture. Pair with a glass of sparkling wine or non-alcoholic cider for the perfect holiday toast.
Required Tools
Large round serving platter, piping bag or zip-top bag for chocolate numbers, small bowls for dips, and a sifter for powdered sugar.
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, soy, and possibly nuts in pastries or decorations. Always check labels for potential allergens, especially in store-bought items.
Save This platter is a stunning and delicious centerpiece that makes New Years Eve countdowns even more memorable.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I arrange the platter to resemble a clock?
Place 12 round shortbread cookies evenly spaced in a large circle representing the clock hours. Then add clock hands made of chocolate sticks pointing to midnight.
- → Can I substitute the fruits used in this platter?
Yes, seasonal fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or mandarin slices work well and add seasonal color.
- → What alternatives exist for the chocolate numbers?
You can pipe numbers using melted chocolate or use pre-made chocolate numbers to label each cookie.
- → Is there a gluten-free option for this platter?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free cookies and pastries to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing style or taste.
- → How should the dipping sauces be served?
Arrange small bowls of whipped cream and chocolate ganache around the platter for easy dipping alongside the sweets and fruits.
- → What is the best way to add sparkle and elegance?
Sprinkle edible gold or silver decorations and dust with powdered sugar; finishing touches with edible gold leaf add glamour.