Place the dates and bi-carb soda in a bowl then pour the boiling water over them then let it stand until the dates are soft.(approx. 30minutes)

Pre heat oven to 180c

Spray the cake tin with cooking spray and line with baking paper.

Beat butter, sugar & vanilla in the stand mixer until creamy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.

Add the date mixture & the flour a third at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Spoon into greased cake tin and bake for 30 minutes, test in the center of the cake with a skewer. Cake is cooked when the skewer comes out clean.