White Cake with Mincemeat Filling and Glaceed Fruit

1 1/2 cups water

1 cup granulated sugar

3 1/2 cups heavy cream

3 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising), plus more for pans

Glaceed fruit, such as , or apricots and clementines, for decoratingGlaceed Figs

1 cup water

2 medium baking apples, such as Rome or Cortland, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon brandy

3 ounces dried apricots, preferably California, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/3 cup)

8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pans

3 ounces dried figs, preferably Calimyrna, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/3 cup)

3 ounces golden raisins (3/4 cup)

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

1 vanilla bean, split and scraped, pod reserved for another use

3 1/2 ounces Medjool dates, pitted and cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1/3 cup)

3 1/2 ounces dried currants (3/4 cup)

1 cup whole milk

8 large egg whites

1 1/2 ounces candied lemon peel, cut into 1/4-inch dice (5 tablespoons)

3/4 ounce candied orange peel, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/4 cup)

3/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

3/4 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

4 teaspoons fresh orange juice (from 1 orange)

1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Pinch of ground cardamom

1/4 cup Cognac