INGREDIENTS
- 250g pitted dates, chopped
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 125g butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups self-raising flour, sifted
CARAMEL SAUCE
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 300ml thickened cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 60g butter, chopped
METHOD
Step 1
Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 7cm deep, 22cm (base) cake pan and line base with baking paper.
Step 2
Place dates and bicarbonate of soda in a heatproof bowl. Pour over boiling water. Allow to stand, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until dates are tender.
Step 3
Using an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Using a large metal spoon, stir in date mixture and flour. Mix until well combined.