Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
Step 3: Cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
Step 4: Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add to the wet mixture, alternating with the date mixture.
Step 5: Fold in the finely grated carrots until just combined.
Step 6: Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: While the pudding bakes, combine orange juice, granulated sugar, and 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 8: Poke holes in the warm pudding and pour half the orange sauce over it. Serve slices with the remaining sauce drizzled on top.