In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, orange rind, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
In small bowl, lightly beat egg; stir in orange juice, milk, oil and vanilla.
Pour over dry ingredients; sprinkle dates over top and stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Spoon into greased muffin cups, filling three-quarters full.
Topping: Stir sugar with orange rind; sprinkle 1 tsp (5 mL) over each cup.
Bake in centre of 375°F (190°C) oven until tester inserted in centre comes out clean, 20 minutes.
Let cool in pan on rack for 5 minutes.
Transfer to rack and let cool completely.