Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9 inch square pan.

Step 2

In a saucepan, combine water and raisins. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chopped dates and baking soda. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and 3/4 cup white sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the flour, salt and date mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove cake from oven, and set oven to low broil.

Step 6

In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in brown sugar, cream and chopped nuts. Whisk together until well mixed.

Step 7

Spread mixture over warm cake and place under broiler until lightly browned, about 1-3 minutes. Watch it closely! It can burn easily under the broiler.

Step 8

Allow the cake to cool.

Step 9

Serve with whipped cream.