Date Cake

This moist, delicious cake is from "Company's Coming for Christmas" by Jean Pare.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 12-15

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups dates, chopped
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1⁄2 cups boiling water
• 3⁄4 cup butter, softened
• 1  cup brown sugar, packed
• 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

• Topping

• 1⁄3 cup butter
• 1  cup brown sugar, packed
• 3  tablespoons  light cream
• 1  cup coconut

Directions

1. Put the dates into a small bowl.
2. Add the baking soda and pour the boiling water over top.
3. Cool.
4. Meanwhile, cream the butter and both sugars in a large bowl.
5. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
6. Stir the flour, baking powder and salt together.
7. Add the flour mixture in 3 parts alternately with the date mixture in 2 parts beginning and ending with the flour.
8. Turn into a greased 9" x 13" pan.
9. Bake in a 325 degree F oven for 40 to 50 minutes until an inserted wooden pick come out clean.
10. To make the topping, measure the butter, brown sugar and cream into a saucepan.
11. Heat and stir until it comes to a full rolling boil.
12. Remove from heat.
13. Add the coconut.
14. Spoon over the cake as soon as it is done.
15. Broil until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes.