Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake

Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

Step 2
In a small bowl combine the dates and baking soda. Pour enough boiling water over the dates to just cover them.

Step 3
Cream 1/3 cup of butter with the white sugar until light. Beat in the eggs and mix well to combine.

Step 4
Add the flour and date mixture (including water) to the egg mixture and fold to combine. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven until a tester comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool slightly and prepare the sauce.

Step 6
To Make Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan combine the brown sugar, 1/3 cup butter, and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat and bring to boil. Turn heat down and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour the sauce over individual servings of warm cake.