Ah, New Year’s Eve! The time when the world sparkles with excitement and hope for the year ahead. This *Clock Cake* is my go-to showstopper for ringing in the new year! I remember the first time I made it; I was a bundle of nerves, trying to impress my friends at our annual celebration. But when I pulled that golden cake from the oven, the aroma filled the house like a warm hug. It’s not just a cake; it’s a centerpiece that brings everyone together as we countdown to midnight. Trust me, baking this cake will fill your home with joy and set the tone for a fabulous celebration. You’ll love how festive and fun it is to create your own edible clock!
Ingredients for Clock Cake New Years Eve
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fondant for decorations
- Edible glitter for garnish
How to Prepare Clock Cake New Years Eve
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cake to bake evenly and rise beautifully. While that’s heating up, grab your two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them with a little butter or cooking spray, then dust them with flour. This way, your cake will slide right out when it’s done baking. Trust me, nobody likes a cake that sticks!
Make the Cake Batter
Now, let’s dive into making that luscious cake batter! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. I love using an electric mixer for this, but if you don’t have one, a good old whisk works too—just get those arms ready! Next, add in the eggs one by one, making sure to mix well after each addition. You want that mixture to be combined nicely. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of warmth and flavor. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and milk. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the buttery goodness until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are totally okay!
Bake the Cake
Now comes the fun part! Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans. It’s a good idea to use a kitchen scale if you have one, just to make sure the layers are even. Pop those pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling step is key—if you try to frost them too soon, you’ll end up with a melty mess!
Decorate the Clock Cake
Once your cakes are completely cool, it’s time to stack them. Place one layer on your serving platter and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Then, add the second layer and cover the entire cake with frosting. Now for the fun part: grab your fondant and roll it out to create a clock face. You can use a knife to cut out numbers or even get creative with other decorations! Finish it off with a sprinkle of edible glitter for that festive sparkle. It’s all about making it look as fabulous as it tastes, so don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a stunning centerpiece that will wow your guests at any New Year’s Eve celebration!
- Quick to prepare, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen while the party is happening.
- The festive clock design adds a playful touch to your dessert table.
- Deliciously moist and flavorful, this cake will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Customizable decorations mean you can let your creativity run wild with color and style.
- Perfect for making ahead of time, so you can enjoy the festivities without stress.
- Pairs wonderfully with champagne or your favorite festive drink!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your Clock Cake turns out just as fabulous as you envision! Here are some of my top tips for success that I’ve learned through my own baking adventures:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures an even bake.
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so measure your ingredients carefully. I always recommend using a kitchen scale for the flour—it can make a huge difference in the cake’s texture!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and nobody wants that!
- Cooling Time: Let your cakes cool completely before frosting them. If you’re in a hurry, you can even pop them in the fridge for a bit to speed up the cooling process.
- Frosting Tips: For a smooth finish, apply a thin layer of frosting first (called a crumb coat) to seal in any crumbs. Chill the cake for about 15 minutes after this layer, then add a thicker layer of frosting.
- Fondant Fun: If you’re new to fondant, don’t be intimidated! Dust your surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, and if it tears, just patch it up with a little water.
- Get Creative: Feel free to mix and match colors of fondant or even use edible markers to personalize your clock face. The more unique, the better!
- Common Troubles: If your cake domes up while baking, just slice the top off with a serrated knife to create a flat surface before frosting. No worries—it’ll still taste amazing!
With these tips, you’re well on your way to creating a stunning and delicious Clock Cake that will make your New Year’s Eve celebration truly unforgettable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After your fabulous Clock Cake has stolen the show at your New Year’s Eve celebration, you might be wondering how to store those delicious leftovers. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! First, make sure the cake is completely cooled before storing it. Then, place any uneaten slices in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and moist for up to 3-4 days. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite!
If you find yourself with extra cake (lucky you!), you can freeze it for later enjoyment. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. This way, they’ll stay delicious for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge, simply remove a slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also leave it out at room temperature for a couple of hours. No need to reheat it—enjoy it chilled or let it sit out for a bit to get to that perfect temperature!
So go ahead, make your New Year’s Eve celebration last a little longer with this delightful cake. You’ll be so glad you did!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional values of this delightful Clock Cake! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Enjoying this cake is all about balance, so treat yourself and savor each bite as you celebrate the new year! It’s a delightful indulgence you won’t regret.
FAQ Section
Can I make this Clock Cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just follow the cooling and storage instructions, and you’ll be all set for your New Year’s Eve celebration!
What kind of frosting works best for this cake?
I love using a classic buttercream frosting because it’s smooth, delicious, and pairs perfectly with the fondant decorations. Cream cheese frosting is another great option if you want to add a tangy twist!
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option?
Yes, you can! Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and make sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture. Your cake will still be delightful and festive!
What if I don’t have fondant?
No worries! You can use whipped cream or colored icing to decorate the clock face instead. Just pipe on your numbers and designs, and you’ll still have a beautiful cake!
Can I use different flavors for the cake?
Definitely! Feel free to mix it up with flavors like chocolate or lemon. Just ensure the consistency of the batter remains the same. The festive clock design will still shine through!
How can I make this cake more festive?
Add some edible glitter, sprinkles, or even themed cake toppers for extra flair! You can also decorate the cake with fresh fruits or edible flowers to enhance the celebration vibe.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
I recommend slicing it up and serving it with a glass of bubbly to toast the New Year! It’s a delightful way to celebrate, and the clock cake will be a hit!
Can I freeze leftover cake?
Yes, you can! Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to a month. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before enjoying!
Clock Cake New Years Eve: 7 Steps to Festive Delight
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A festive clock cake perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fondant for decorations
- Edible glitter for garnish
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and milk. Gradually mix into the butter mixture.
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- Once cooled, stack the cakes and cover with frosting.
- Decorate with fondant to create a clock face.
- Finish with edible glitter.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Make ahead and freeze the cakes for up to a month.
- Use different colors of fondant for a creative touch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 9g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 50g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: clock cake new years eve
