Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Make the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter. (watch full video below!)
- Place the dates and baking soda in a medium bowl. Pour the boiling water over them and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Transfer the date mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until combined and slightly fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition until just combined.
- Mix in the date purée and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is still warm, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface, spacing them about ½ inch apart.
Make the Toffee Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and glossy, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assemble
- Pour 1 cup of the warm toffee sauce evenly over the warm cake.
- Return the cake to the oven and bake for 5 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.
Serve
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and the remaining toffee sauce on the side. (watch full video below!)
