Preheat the oven

• Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
• Prepare a loaf tin.

Soften the dates

• Place the dates in a large bowl and pour over the warm milk.
• Leave aside to soften.

Blend the date mixture

• Blend the softened dates and milk until smooth.

Make the batter

• Add the flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder and eggs to the blended date mixture.
• Mix until just combined.

Fill the tin

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin.
• Scatter chocolate chips over the top if using.

Bake

• Bake until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Cool and serve

• Leave the cake to cool in the tin before slicing.