Preheat oven to 180°C

Grease and line the base of 22cm cake pan

Soak dates and bicarb soda in boiling water for 20 mins

Beat butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy

Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition

Fold in date mixture and flour until well combined

Spoon mixture into prepared cake pan

Bake for 35-40 mins or until skewer comes out clean

Turn onto rack to cool

Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat

Cook, stirring often, until sauce comes to the boil

Reduce heat and simmer for 2 mins

Place pudding on plate and pierce all over with skewer

Pour 1/2 cup of warm sauce over warm cake

Stand for 10 minutes

Cute into wedges and serve with remaining sauce