Ingredients

• 200 g dates
• 180 g flour
• 150 g brown sugar
• 100 g butter
• 180 ml milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 150 ml double cream

How to

1. 1Cover chopped dates with boiling water for 10 minutes, then mash them.
2. 2Mix flour, baking powder and half the sugar, then fold in melted butter, milk and the dates.
3. 3Bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes until springy in the centre.
4. 4Simmer the remaining sugar with cream and a knob of butter until glossy.
5. 5Poke the warm sponge, pour over half the sauce and serve the rest alongside.