Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan or a standard loaf pan.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over them and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to soften the dates for the warm brown sugar and date cake with orange glaze.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each is fully incorporated into the warm brown sugar and date cake with orange glaze base.
Step 5: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the date mixture, until just combined.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest to create the glaze.
Step 8: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before pouring the orange glaze over the top while the cake is still warm.