Step 1

Preheat oven to 180C.

Step 2

Lightly grease or spray a 12 hole muffin pan.

Step 3

Place dates and 250 mL water in a small saucepan, bring to the boil, then remove from heat and stir in the bicarbonate of soda and vanilla.

Step 4

Add the butter and stir until dissolved.

Step 5

Sift flour into a large bowl, add the sugar and stir. Make a well in the centre, add the date mixture and eggs, and stir until just combined.

Step 6

Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.

Step 7

Meanwhile, to make the sauce, place all ingredients in a saucepan and stir over low heat for 3-4 minutes. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 8

To serve, turn the puddings out onto the serving plates, pour the sauce over and serve with ice-cream or cream.