Sticky Date Pudding

I got this recipe from Alice Springs the last time we were in Oz. It also uses castor sugar but they told us that American powdered sugar would work but super fine is better. The conversion they gave us is 28 grams = 1 ounce. I don't remember the conversion for the cook temp as i forgot to write it down and I haven't made this yet. This was soooooooooooooooooo good.

2 Tblsps butter
180 grams castor sugar
2 eggs
180 grams self raising flour
180 grams pitted dates
1 cup hot water 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp bi-carb soda (baking soda)

SAUCE

140 grams brown sugar
1/2 cup cream
vanilla
2 Tblsp butter
1/2 tsp cardamon seed

1. Mix dates, bi-carb (soda), water and leave to stand.
2. Cream butter, sugar and add eggs one at a time.
3. Add dates, water, vanilla and fold in flour.
4. Cook at 180*C for 30 minutes.

I remember having something really similar when we were kids. Mom, do you know what it might have been that I'm remembering?