In another bowl, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time and mix until smooth. With the machine running on low speed, add the dry ingredients alternating with the milk and dates.
Spread the batter out in a slow cooker. Pour half of the caramel sauce over the batter. Place a clean dishcloth over the top of the slow cooker, making sure it does not touch the batter, and cover with the lid to hold it in place. Cook on Low for 3 hours.
Using a skewer, pierce holes all over the surface of the cake and drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce. Cover and continue to cook for 15 minutes. Serve hot or warm.
Note from Ricardo
Can be maintained on Warm for up to 2 hours.