Mum's (no washing up) Sticky Toffee Date cake

for the topping

Heat the dates in a large saucepan with the bicarbonate of soda and 250ml of boiling water.
When you have a thick gloopy goo (about 5 mins) add the butter and stir well
Add the rest of the ingredients, stir well and pour it into a 7in cake tin
place in an oven preheated to gas mark 4 (350F, 180C, 352K)
Meanwhile put the topping ingredients into the same pan and boil for about 5 minutes stirring continuously
remove the cake from the oven after 20 minutes and shake it to check that it has set
If it looks solid slowly pour the toffee sauce over the cake and return it to the oven for another 20 minutes.