Date Cake

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan.

2 . Stage

Combine water and raisins in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in chopped dates and baking soda. Set aside.

3 . Stage

Cream together white sugar and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Add flour, salt, and date mixture; mix until combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

4 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Remove cake from the oven.

5 . Stage

Set the oven to broil. Meanwhile, make the topping: Melt butter in a small saucepan; stir in brown sugar, walnuts, and cream until combined. Spread mixture over warm cake.

6 . Stage

Place cake under preheated broiler and cook until top is lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Rotate cake as needed for even browning; watch carefully as the top can burn quickly under the broiler.