Serves for 4.

1/2 cup brown sugar
60 g butter, chopped
2 eggs
1 cup plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
200 g fresh dates pitted and chopped
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 1/4 cups boiling water

Caramel sauce:
1/2 cup brown sugar
100 g butter chopped
1/2 cup cream

Preheat the oven to 180 c.
To make the sauce, place the sugar and butter in a saucepan over low heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the cream and stir for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Set aside and keep warm.
Place the sugar and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat for 5 -8 minutes or until pale and creamy.
Add the eggs and beat well. Sift the flour and baking powder over the mixture. Place the dates in a bowl with the bicarbonate of soda, pour over the water and stand for 1 minute. Add the date mixture to the butter mixture and stir to combine.
Pour into a 20cm x 30cm slice tin lined with baking paper. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden.
Slice and top with sauce.