Prepare the Sponge: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish. Blend chopped dates with boiling water and baking soda.
Make the Batter: In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, flour, and the date mixture. Mix until smooth.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
Prepare Toffee Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and cream together. Simmer until smooth and thickened.
Serve: Pour warm toffee sauce over the sponge pudding. Optionally, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.