Step 1

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 9 x 9 x 2-inch square pan.

Step 2

Stir together baking soda and boiling water in a medium-size bowl until baking soda is dissolved. Stir in nuts and dates.

Step 3

With mixer at low speed, beat together sugar and mayonnaise in large bowl until well blended. Add chocolate and vanilla; beat until well blended. Add date mixture; beat until blended. Gradually beat in flour until smooth. Turn into prepared pan.

Step 4

Bake in 350°F oven until wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool cake in pan on rack.

Step 5

Dust with confectioners sugar and serve with whipped cream if desired. Or frost with our Fudge Frosting or your own if desired.