Sticky Date Pudding

Sticky Date Pudding Ingredients

250g pitted dates, chopped1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda1 1/2 cups boiling water125g unsalted butter, softened1 cup brown sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 eggs1 3/4 cups self-raising flour, sifted

Caramel Sauce

1 cup brown sugar300ml thickened cream1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract60g unsalted butter

Method

Step 1Preheat oven to 180C. Grease and line the base of a 7cm deep, 22cm (base) cake pan.Step 2Place dates and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl. Pour over boiling water. Allow to stand for 20-30minutes.Step 3Using 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, fold through date mixture and flour until well combined.Step 4Spoon mixture into prepared cake pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Turn onto a plate.Step 5Make sauce Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until sauce comes to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 minutes.Step 6Pierce pudding all over with a skewer. Pour 1/4 cup of warm sauce over warm pudding. Stand for 10 minutes. Cut into wedges. Serve with remaining sauce.