Sticky Toffee Pancakes

Ingredients

• 10-15 dates, pitted
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 medium eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp butter or neutral oil
• 1 Tbsp crème fraiche, optional
• Pinch of flakey salt, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream, divided
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup salted butter
• ½ Grand Marnier