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 has become the centerpiece of my holiday celebrations and always wows guests
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 My family loves gathering around this platter, making memories as we count down to the new year
Notes
For added color and texture, add macarons or meringues. Pair the platter 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 items.
Save This sparkling clock platter is a showstopper that brings festive joy and delightful flavors to any celebration
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I make the chocolate numbers for the cookies?
Melt chocolate and pipe numbers 1 to 12 onto parchment paper, let set, then place on cookies. Alternatively, use pre-made chocolate numbers or stick chocolate pieces directly.
- → Can I substitute the fruits used in the platter?
Absolutely. Use any fresh seasonal fruits that hold their shape well, like raspberries, blackberries, or mandarin slices for color and flavor balance.
- → What is the best way to arrange the treats to resemble a clock?
Place 12 round shortbread cookies in a circle to represent hours, positioning mini éclairs and cream puffs between them. Add fruit in the center to mimic the clock’s face.
- → How can I add extra sparkle to the platter?
Use edible gold or silver sprinkles scattered over fruits and pastries, or add delicate edible gold leaf flakes for a glamorous touch.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this platter?
Yes, substitute the shortbread cookies and pastries with gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary needs without compromising style.
- → How should I serve the dips with this platter?
Arrange whipped cream and chocolate ganache in small bowls around the platter for easy dipping and complementary flavors.