Colorful dessert with sugar cookie crust, creamy frosting, and vibrant fresh fruit in a mermaid tail shape.
# What you'll need:
→ Sugar Cookie Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
08 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
09 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1 cup powdered sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Food coloring (optional, teal or purple)
→ Fruit Toppings
13 - 1/2 cup blueberries
14 - 1/2 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
15 - 1/2 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
16 - 1/2 cup grapes, halved
17 - 1/2 cup mango or pineapple, diced
18 - 1/2 cup blackberries or raspberries
# How to make it:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
02 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
03 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
04 - Transfer dough to prepared baking sheet and shape into a large mermaid tail approximately 12–14 inches long, refining edges with a knife or template as desired.
05 - Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden at edges. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
06 - Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Add food coloring if desired.
07 - Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
08 - Layer fruit in overlapping rows to create the appearance of mermaid tail scales, using varied colors for visual appeal.
09 - Refrigerate the assembled dessert for 20 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
