Sticky date pudding

Method

• 1
  Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease a 6cm-deep, 18cm (base) round cake pan. Line base with baking paper.
• 2
  Place dates and bicarbonate of soda in a heatproof bowl. Add boiling water. Stand for 20 minutes or until tender.
• 3
  Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until pale and creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Using a large metal spoon, stir in date mixture and flour. Stir to combine.

• 4
  Spoon mixture into cake pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Stand for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack.
• 5
  Meanwhile, make butterscotch sauce: Combine sugar, cream and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until boiling. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2 minutes. Pour warm sauce over warm cake. Serve.