200g dates
1 tsp baking soda
85g + 100g unsalted butter, softened
140g + 200g dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
200g self-raising flour
1 + 1 tsp vanilla extract
250ml heavy cream
A pinch of salt
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease 8-inch baking pan. Soak chopped dates in boiling water for 10 minutes then add baking soda to help soften them.
Cream butter and brown sugar together until fluffy and beat in eggs followed by vanilla extract. Fold in flour and stir in the dates mixture including the water.
Pour batter into baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.
Heat up a saucepan on medium and add butter and sugar. Stir until butter melts and sugar dissolves and add cream and vanilla then bring to a boil.
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes. Stir it occasionally until its thickened and add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.