Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch square baking dish. In a small saucepan, combine the pitted dates and water and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and continue simmering for five to six minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda (the mixture will foam). Set the saucepan aside to cool slightly. Editor's Tip: Dates, especially when less ripe, contain chemicals called tannins that can be a little bitter. Baking soda helps neutralize tannins and soften the dates, allowing them to meld more smoothly into the cake batter.

Step 2

While the dates are cooling, in a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, allspice, nutmeg and salt.

Step 3

In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until fluffy, two to three minutes. Add the egg and stir to combine. Then, beat until fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and walnuts, if desired, and stir until uniform. Mix half the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture and stir gently until almost combined. Then, add half the date mixture and stir. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and the rest of the date mixture. Stir until just combined.

Step 4

Transfer the batter to the greased baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes, then rotate and bake for an additional 15 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5

While the cake is baking, combine the coconut, brown sugar, salt, butter and heavy cream in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low heat and cook for two minutes. Set aside. Editor's Tip: You can use the same saucepan you used for the dates.

Step 6

When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and turn on the broiler. Spread the coconut topping over the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. Broil the cake 3 inches from the heating element with the oven door open and the light on so you can watch what's happening. Aim for the topping to be golden or light brown, which should take three to four minutes. Immediately transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Editor's Tip: The topping does not need to be broiled. However, if you're planning to skip broiling, you may want to simmer it for an extra minute or two instead.