Princess Elizabeth Cake with Dates & Coconut

1 cup boiling water
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup sucanat or coconut sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
1 1/2 cups spelt flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
5 Tbsp. sucanat or coconut sugar
1 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. cream, soymilk or coconut milk
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Pour boiling water over dates. Add sucanat or coconut sugar, butter and egg. Mix well and let cool. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and vanilla. Mix well, place in a greased 8-inch square pan and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Spread topping over cake, return to oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes.

Recipe by: Sandy Pomeroy