# 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 (red or green)
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 large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
05 - Transfer dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Use hands or a spatula to shape it into a large mermaid tail approximately 12 to 14 inches in length. Refine edges with a knife or template as desired.
06 - Bake the shaped dough for 13 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
07 - Beat cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until creamy. Optionally, tint the frosting with desired food coloring.
08 - Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled sugar cookie crust using a spatula.
09 - Decoratively arrange the prepared fresh fruit in overlapping rows to mimic mermaid tail scales, alternating colors to create a vibrant pattern.
10 - Refrigerate the assembled dessert for 20 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.
