Couscous Date Cake

Directions

1. 1
   For the Cake: With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter and flour a 20-cm (8-inch) springform pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. 2
   In a saucepan, bring the water, dates, butter and baking soda to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate until lukewarm, about 30 minutes.
3. 3
   In a bowl, combine the flour, couscous and baking powder. Set aside.
4. 4
   In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture turns pale, triples in volume and falls from the beaters in a ribbon, about 10 minutes. Using a spatula, gently fold in the dry ingredients then the date mixture.
5. 5
   Pour into the springform pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean, about 65 minutes.
6. 6
   Let cool. Run the blade of a thin knife around the inside of the pan. Unmould and let cool on a rack.
7. 7
   For the Icing: In a bowl, beat the sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.