Golden Clock Countdown Cake for New Year’s Eve

The Golden Clock Countdown Cake is a stunning centerpiece for any New Year’s Eve celebration. This cake captures the excitement of the midnight countdown with its ornate clock design and glittering gold accents. It sets a festive tone, perfect for welcoming the New Year in style. Pair it with champagne and delightful treats to create a magical atmosphere for your celebration.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour

• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature

• 1/4 cup (60ml) champagne or sparkling wine (optional, for flavor)

For the Buttercream:

• 1 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened

• 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream

• Edible gold dust or metallic gold food coloring

For Decoration:

• Clock stencil or printable clock face

• Black food coloring gel

• Gold sprinkles or edible gold leaf

• Assorted New Year’s Eve toppers (optional)

Instructions

Prep:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

Make the Cake:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

3. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

4. Stir in the champagne if using.

5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Buttercream:

1. Beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream until the buttercream reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

4. Add edible gold dust or metallic gold food coloring to a portion of the buttercream for accents.

Decorate the Cake:

1. Level the cake layers if needed and stack them with buttercream between each layer.

2. Frost the entire cake with a smooth layer of buttercream.

3. Using the clock stencil, paint or pipe black food coloring gel to create a clock face on the top layer.

4. Add gold accents, sprinkles, or edible gold leaf around the edges.

5. Place New Year’s Eve toppers for a festive touch.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Decoration Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Baking Pro Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter.

• Use a Turntable: For a polished finish, use a cake turntable while frosting and decorating.

• Chill the Cake: Chill the crumb-coated cake for 15 minutes before applying the final buttercream layer to prevent crumbs from mixing in.

• Practice the Clock Design: Test the clock face design on parchment paper before applying it to the cake.

The Golden Clock Countdown Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a work of art and a delightful way to ring in the New Year. With its elegant clock design and shimmering gold accents, it’s sure to be the highlight of your celebration. Pair it with champagne or your favorite festive treats for an unforgettable evening.