Instructions

1 Pour boiling water over dates in a small bowl, and let stand until cool.

2 Measure flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and nuts into a small bowl. Stir to mix.

3 Cream 1/4 cup butter or margarine and white sugar together in a mixing bowl; beat in egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture in three parts alternately with date mixture in two parts, beginning and ending with dry mixture. Spread batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.

4 Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean.

5 To Make Topping: Mix coconut, brown sugar, 6 tablespoons butter or margaine, and cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Boil for three minutes. Spread over warm cake, and brown under broiler.