Sticky Toffee Pudding

Ingredients

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream - For serving
• Caramel sauce - 1 cup, for serving
• Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
• Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
• All - purpose flour - 1 1/2 cups
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Eggs - 2
• Brown sugar - 1 cup
• Unsalted butter - 1/2 cup
• Baking soda - 1 teaspoon
• Boiling water - 1 cup
• Dates - 1 cup, pitted and chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine the chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the softened dates along with the soaking liquid.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
11. Serve warm, drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.