Sticky Toffee Pudding Poke Cake

INGREDIENTS

Large saucepan of boiling water.

1 1/4 cups

whole dates (pitted & cut crosswise into ¼ inch slices (divided))

1 1/4 cups

all-purpose flour (unbleached)

3/4 cup

warm water

1/2 tsp

baking soda

1/2 tsp

baking powder

1/2 tsp

salt

3/4 cup

dark brown sugar (packed)

large eggs

1 1/2 tsp

vanilla extract

4 tbsp

butter, unsalted, melted

8 tbsp

butter, unsalted

1 cup

dark brown sugar (packed)

2/3 cup

heavy cream

1 tbsp

rum

1/2 tsp

fresh lemon juice

Serve with Ice Cream and drizzle with Toffee Sauce