Orange Date-Nut Cake

Orange-date-nut cake is the perfect holiday dessert. Citrus fruits add brightness to the dessert, while candied dates add sweetness, and pecans add a crunchy taste.
Beat the butter on medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of sugar, beating well. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.Combine the flour and baking soda; add to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Beat on low speed until smooth after each addition. Add the dates, pecans, and 2 teaspoons of orange zest. Pour the batter into a 10-inch diameter greased and floured baking dish.Bake at 350 ° C for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a wooden stick inserted in the middle comes out clean.Bring the orange juice, remaining sugar, and remaining zest to a boil in a saucepan; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.Carefully run the knife around the edge of the cake; punch holes in the cake with a wooden pickaxe. Drizzle the warm cake with icing. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack.