Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200g) pitted dates, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
  • 1 tsp (5g) baking soda
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (5g) baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Place chopped dates in a small saucepan and cover with boiling water.
  2. Stir in the baking soda; it will foam up.
  3. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5–8 minutes until the dates are soft and the liquid has slightly reduced.
  4. Remove from heat and mash with a fork or pulse in a blender until a thick, smooth paste forms. Let it cool slightly.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan with butter or line with parchment.
  6. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  7. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.