Soak the dates in the boiling water with the baking soda for 10 minutes.

Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the eggs.

Fold in the flour, then stir in the soaked dates and their liquid.

Pour into a greased dish and bake at 350F for about 30 minutes.

While pudding bakes, combine sauce butter, light brown sugar, and heavy cream in a small heavy saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-low, stirring constantly; cook about 8 minutes until slightly thickened.

Pour the warm sauce over the cake and serve right away.