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 was a hit at our New Years party, bringing a fun and tasty centerpiece everyone enjoyed.
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
- Arrange Cookies:
- Arrange the 12 shortbread cookies in a large circle on a serving platter to mimic the hours on a clock face.
- Add Numbers:
- Pipe or stick chocolate numbers (1–12) onto each cookie, or use melted chocolate to write numbers directly.
- Place Pastries:
- Place the mini éclairs and cream puffs attractively between and around the cookies for added variety.
- Fill Center:
- Fill the center of the platter with grapes, strawberries, and blueberries, arranging them in a visually pleasing pattern.
- Add Decorations:
- Sprinkle edible gold or silver decorations over the fruits and pastries for a sparkling effect.
- Dust Powdered Sugar:
- Lightly dust the entire platter with powdered sugar for a snowy look.
- Add Dips:
- Add dollops of whipped cream and chocolate ganache in small bowls around the platter for dipping.
- Optional Gold Leaf:
- Accent with flakes of edible gold leaf for extra glamour.
- Create Clock Hands:
- Just before midnight, use two thin chocolate sticks or piped chocolate strips to form clock hands pointing at 12.
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Gathering around this dessert each New Years Eve has become a treasured family tradition full of joy and excitement.
Notes
For extra color and texture, add macarons or meringues. Pair this platter with sparkling wine or a 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, and a sifter for powdered sugar.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, soy, and possibly nuts in pastries or decorations. Check labels carefully for allergens in store-bought items.
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This stunning dessert platter will impress guests and make your New Years celebration sparkle.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I create the clock shape on the platter?
Arrange 12 large round shortbread cookies evenly around a round serving platter to mimic clock hours. Use chocolate numbers or piping to mark each hour.
- → What kinds of pastries work best for this arrangement?
Mini chocolate éclairs and cream puffs provide contrasting textures and sizes, adding visual interest between the cookies.
- → Can I substitute the fruits used in the platter?
Yes, seasonal fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or sliced kiwi can replace grapes, strawberries, and blueberries to suit taste or availability.
- → How can I add a sparkling effect to the platter?
Use edible gold or silver sprinkles over the fruits and pastries, and lightly dust the platter with powdered sugar for a festive shimmer.
- → Are there options for dietary restrictions like gluten-free?
Gluten-free cookies and pastries can replace traditional ones to accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising the presentation.
- → What tools are helpful for plating and decoration?
A large round serving platter, piping bag for chocolate numbers, small bowls for dips, and a sifter for powdered sugar work best to assemble and adorn the platter.