Preheat your oven to approximately 180°C and grease a deep dish (at least 7cm) bake pan.
In a large bowl place your bicarb soda and dates inside with your boiling water being poured on top.
Allow the bowl to sit for 20 minutes.
With an electric mixer beat your butter, vanilla and sugar in a bowl until it turns creamy and pale. Add in 1 egg at a time making sure it is beaten completely before adding your next ingredients.
Fold the date mixture with your flour using a large metal spoon. Spoon the mixture into your baking pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Once cooked turn it onto a plate.
To make your sauce combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture often while it comes to the boil.
Once boiled reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Pierce the pudding multiple times with a skewer while pouring half of the sauce over it.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting it into wedges.
Serve with the remaining caramel sauce and ice cream if your heart desires it.