Date Nut Cake with Caramel Icing

I don't remember this dessert myself, but it was made at the last reunion. My uncles and aunt said that Grandma always made it for Grandpa's birthday as it was his favorite. There was some confusion as to what the frosting was, but after scouring her recipe collection, I found a recipe that is very loved and worn for "Simple Caramel Icing." I'm guessing that is the one she used.

Date Nut Cake:
1/2 lb. pitted dates, cut in pieces
Add 1 cup water and bring to a boil. Cover and let stand 20 minutes. Then cream together:
1 cup sugar
1 cube butter
Add 2 well beaten eggs and cooled date mixture. Then sift together and add the following:
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
Add 1 cup chopped nuts. Grease and flour baking pan (Bundt or Angel Food pan preferred). Bake in 325* F oven for 1 hour or until done when tested with toothpick. Ice with caramel frosting.

Simple Caramel Icing
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cube margarine
1/3 cup canned milk

Bring to a boil and boil on simmer for 3 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and add 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar. If frosting is too firm, add 1 tsp. canned milk. Add 1/2 tsp. vanilla.
Spread on cool cake.