Step 1

Preheat oven to 180C (160C fan forced). Grease and line the base of a 22 cm square cake pan.

Step 2

Place dates in a bowl with the bicarbonate of soda. Pour over boiling water and let stand until cooled.

Step 3

Beat butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 4

Add vanilla and fold in flour, cinnamon and orange rind.

Step 5

Pour in date mixture and stir gently through until well combined. Pour into cake pan and bake for 30-40 minutes or until cooked.

Step 6

Caramel sauce: Combine ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened slightly.

Step 7

Serve pudding cut into squares with caramel sauce.