Method

1. 1

   Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.

   5 min175°C
2. 2

   Peel, core, and finely dice the pears. Finely chop the dates.

   8 min
3. 3

   Whisk the flour, baking powder, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl.

   2 min
4. 4

   Beat the brown sugar, eggs, and melted butter until smooth. Fold in the pears and dates, then fold in the flour mixture just until no dry streaks remain.

   5 min
5. 5

   Spread the batter in the pan and bake until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, 30 to 35 minutes.

   35 min175°C
6. 6

   Simmer the cream, butter, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring, until glossy and slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.

   4 minMedium-low heat
7. 7

   Spoon the warm toffee sauce over the warm cake and cut into slices.

   3 min