1️⃣ Prepare the Dates:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Stir in the baking soda and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.

2️⃣ Make the Pudding Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Gently fold in the flour mixture, followed by the softened date mixture, until fully combined.

3️⃣ Bake the Pudding:
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4️⃣ Prepare the Toffee Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

5️⃣ Assemble and Serve:
Poke holes in the warm pudding with a skewer or fork, and pour half of the toffee sauce over the top. Let it soak in for 10 minutes.
Serve warm with additional toffee sauce drizzled on top, along with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.