INGREDIENTS
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1 3/4 cups packed pitted dates (about 10 ounces)
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2 cups water
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 3/4 sticks (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
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1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla
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Accompaniment: vanilla ice cream