Preheat oven to 175°C
Pour boiling water over chopped dates and baking soda
Let sit for 10 minutes
Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt
Blend the date mixture with plant milk and vanilla until fairly smooth
Fold wet mixture into dry ingredients until just combined
Pour into lined 20cm square pan
Bake 35-40 minutes until toothpick comes out clean
For caramel: blend all ingredients until smooth
Heat gently if serving warm
Poke holes in warm cake and pour half the sauce over
Serve warm with remaining sauce on the side