Microwave Sticky Date Pudding

Name: Microwave Sticky Date Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: Makes 10
Ingredients: 225g (7.9 oz) pitted dates; 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda); 110g (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing; 150g (5 oz) dark brown sugar; 1 tbsp treacle syrup; 2 large eggs; 200g (7 oz) self-raising flour; 1 tsp ground ginger; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp salt; vanilla ice cream, to serve (optional); Toffee sauce; 175g (6 oz) dark brown sugar; 175g (6 oz) unsalted butter; pinch salt; 1 tbsp treacle; 200ml (7 fl oz) pure cream, plus extra to serve (optional)