Toffee Pudding Cake

Instructions

1. Prepare the dates
   Place the chopped dates in a bowl with the baking soda. Pour over the boiling water, stir well, and leave to soak for 10 minutes until the dates soften and break down slightly.
2. Make the cake batter
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 23cm square baking dish. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients
   Fold the flour into the butter mixture. Add the soaked dates along with their liquid and gently fold everything together until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake the cake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the cake springs back when lightly pressed and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Prepare the toffee sauce
   While the cake is baking, make the toffee sauce. Combine the sugar, butter, and golden syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts. Add the cream, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Finish the pudding
   When the cake is done, remove from the oven and poke holes all over the top with a skewer. Pour half of the warm toffee sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Let stand for 10 minutes.
7. Serve warm
   Slice the cake into portions and serve warm with the remaining toffee sauce drizzled over the top. For an extra indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.