- Preheat oven to 350°F.  Grease 6, 6-ounce ramekins with cooking spray and place them on a large baking sheet. 
- To a small pot over high heat, add dates and water. Bring to a boil.  
- Reduce heat to low and cook until soft, broken down, and most of the water is gone (about 10 minutes). Break up any remaining chunks with a spatula until you have a paste. 
- In a small bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. 
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed, cream the butter and brown sugar together. 
- On low speed, add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. 
- Add the date paste and vanilla to the butter mixture and beat together until just incorporated. 
- Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. 
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins, filling each about ¾ full. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. 
- Bake for 38-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with some moist crumbs clinging to it when inserted into the pudding. 
- In the last 10 minutes of baking, prepare the toffee sauce.