Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line a 20cm square cake pan.

2. 2

   For the pudding, combine the dates and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl. Pour over the boiling water and set aside for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. 4

   Fold in the flour and the date mixture.

5. 5

   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

6. 6

   For the caramel sauce, combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.

7. 7

   Pour half the sauce over the warm pudding. Serve the remaining sauce with the pudding and vanilla ice cream.