Combine the dates, boiling water, and bicarb and let the dates soften and get mushy.
Combine the plain flour, baking powder, unsalted butter, eggs, and brown sugar with the softened dates and mix until cohesive.
Pour the mixture into a pudding dish and bake at 160°C for 15 minutes using the intensive bake function.
For the sauce, combine the thickened cream, dark brown sugar, unsalted butter, and vanilla in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Pour half the sauce over the hot pudding, reserving the other half to serve.
