Add butter or oleo to 1 cup hot water, then pour over 1/2 pound chopped dates (each date cut into at least 3 pieces). Add soda to the mixture when cool. Sift together flour, 1 cup sugar, and baking powder Add egg and chopped nuts. Stir and add to first mixture. Bake about 20 to 25 minutes in 2 round 9-inch greased pie pans in a 350° oven (moderate to slow oven). Cool slightly before covering with topping.

Topping: Boil and stir constantly 1/2 lb. finely cut dates, 1 cup sugar and 2/3 cup warm water. Stir constantly until thick. While hot, spread over cake. Cut like pie and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.