Mini Christmas Cakes

1. Stage

Make the cakes: Combine currants, raisins, sultana raisins, and candied cherries in a plastic container with a lid. Pour brandy over dried fruit; stir in orange and lemon zest. Close the container and let soak, stirring or shaking every few hours, for 2 to 3 days.

2. Stage

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with 24 silicone cupcake liners or ramekins.

3. Stage

Combine 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar in a bowl; beat with an electric mixer until well combined. Mix in eggs and molasses until well combined. Stir in chopped almonds, both flours, and mixed spice until well combined. Fold in ground almonds and soaked fruit. Spoon mixture into the prepared liners.

4. Stage

Bake in the center of the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, 30 to 45 minutes.

5. Stage

Transfer cakes to airtight tins and let sit for at least 10 days before decorating.

6. Stage

When ready to decorate, heat jam in the microwave until soft and warm. Brush onto each cake.

7. Stage

Roll out marzipan between two sheets of plastic wrap. Cut out 24 circles the same diameter as the top of each cake; place one on top of each cake. Return to the airtight containers and let sit for 8 hours before continuing.

8. Stage

Roll out fondant between two sheets of plastic wrap. Cut out 24 circles the same diameter as the top of each cake. Place a cookie stencil on top of each circle, and paint in the stencil using a small brush and the food coloring. Place fondant circles on top of each cake.