Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Fold in the chopped dates and walnuts with a rubber spatula.

Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.

Let it cool completely before slicing.