Chill a medium mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for 10 minutes if possible. Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer on low, gently combine until smooth and mostly lump-free (about 30–45 seconds).

Add the heavy cream (3 tbs) and increase speed to medium. Whip until the mixture holds soft peaks, about 45–75 seconds more. Do not overwhip (the mixture should be light, not grainy). Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon zest if desired. Refrigerate while preparing compote.

Berry Compote

Cook compote

Place mixed berries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine. As mixture warms, berries will release juices; gently mash a few with the back of a spoon to create a saucy texture. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened but still saucy.

Remove from heat and let cool to warm or room temperature. If you prefer a completely smooth compote, blend briefly and strain; otherwise leave whole for texture. Taste and adjust sugar or lemon to balance sweetness and brightness.

Crunch & Assembly

Prepare crunch

If your amaretti or graham crackers are not already crushed, place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until coarse crumbs remain. Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, shaking the pan, until fragrant and lightly golden. Combine crushed cookies and toasted almonds in a small bowl.

Assemble the dessert

Spoon about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cookie-almond mixture into the bottom of four small dessert glasses or bowls to form a base (divide evenly). Add a generous tablespoon of mascarpone cream on top of the crumbs, then spoon 1–2 tablespoons of warm or cooled berry compote over the cream. Repeat once more for two layers if your glasses are tall: crumb, cream, compote. Finish with a small dollop of cream on top.

Garnish each serving with a pinch of dark chocolate shavings, a fresh mint leaf, and an optional light drizzle (about 1 tsp total divided) of honey or aged balsamic for contrast. Serve immediately for crunch contrast, or chill up to 1 hour to meld flavors (the crumbs will soften if chilled longer).