Date Note: Use very soft, sticky dates, like deglet noor dates, if you want them to meld into the cake itself more. Firmer dates, like medjool, will hold their shape more. The original recipe used a "heaping" ½ cup of dates. So don't feel like you have to be shy with the amount.
Vegan Option: Omit the eggs. Add 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed to the bowl with the dates, and increase the boiling water to 1¼ cups. The batter will be thicker.