Sticky Toffee Pudding – Simmer + Sauce

Ingredients

• 9 ounces pitted dates, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup boiling water
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• For the Toffee Sauce:
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• For Serving:
• Homemade whipped cream or clotted cream (for serving)