Serves 6

Ingredients

For the Pudding

• 1 cup or 200g pitted dates, chopped

• 1 cup boiling water

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup coconut sugar (the twist)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Toffee Sauce

• 1 cup coconut sugar

• 1/2 cup butter

• 250ml heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a baking dish.

2. Prepare the Dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl, pour the boiling water over them, and stir in the baking soda. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and coconut sugar until smooth and creamy.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Add Date Mixture: Pour the softened date mixture into the batter and mix until combined.

6. Mix in Dry Ingredients: On low speed, gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.

7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake at 180°C for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Poke Holes: When the pudding is done, remove it from the oven and immediately poke holes all over the surface using a skewer or toothpick.

Toffee Sauce

1. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the coconut sugar and stir until dissolved.

2. Add Cream and Vanilla: Pour in the heavy cream and add the vanilla extract and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring continuously, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

3. Reheat if Needed: Just before pouring over the pudding, reheat the sauce gently if it has cooled.

4. Pour Half Over Pudding: After the pudding has rested for 10 minutes, pour half of the warm toffee sauce over the pudding, allowing it to soak into the holes. Reserve the remaining half of the sauce for serving.