Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish to ensure your pudding comes out smoothly.
Prepare the Dates: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates with baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and allow them to sit for about 10 minutes. This softens the dates and enhances their flavor.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy.
Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Mix the date mixture into the butter mixture until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add this to the wet mixture. Combine until just mixed.
Bake the Pudding: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serve with Toffee Sauce: For an added treat, serve your Sticky Date Pudding warm with a generous drizzle of toffee sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.