Steep dates in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain, saving the steeping water.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine butter, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, egg, flour, and vanilla extract.
Pulse the mixture, then add soaked dates and 1/4 cup of the water used in steeping, and process until smooth.
Pour into ramekins. (I used several small ones, so final number of ramekins depends on the size of ramekins you use.)
Bake 20-25 minutes or until just firm.
While puddings are baking, make the topping:
Melt butter in saucepan.
Add cream, brown sugar, and salt.
Whisk and cook over medium heat until smooth and thickened.
Carefully turn ramekin upside down onto serving plate.
Nap with sauce and torch to brown if desired.
Optional: Serve with whipped cream.