Preheat oven to 180C.
Grease muffin pan.
Add dates and water in a saucepan and bring to boil over high heat.
When boiled, remove from heat, and add baking soda.
Give it a mix, and set aside for 10 mins.
In a blender, add the dates mixture, pulse 3 times.
Add sugar, butter, salt, vanilla extract, and egg.
Pulse another 3 times.
Add in self raising flour.
Pulse until just combined, about 3-4 times.
Pour batter into prepared tin.
Bake for 20 mins or until skewer comes out clean.
Allow to cool in pan for 5 mins before turning it out.