Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking dish or springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, until the dates have softened.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Fold in the softened date mixture until evenly distributed.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the pudding to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.