Method:
1. Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced. Grease two ½-cup capacity ovenproof dishes.
2. Combine dates and water in small saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; add soda, stand 5 minutes.
3. Blend or process date mixture until smooth. Add butter, caster, egg and flour; process for 30 seconds or until just combined. Spoon mixture into dishes. Bake about 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile make butterscotch sauce.
5. Serve sticky date puddings with butterscotch sauce and pouring cream, if desired.
Butterscotch sauce: combine ingredients in small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer, stirring, about 2 minutes or until thickened slightly.