Preheat oven to 180oC/160oC fan forced. Grease 10 muffin pans.
Put dates and water in a saucepan and bring to the boil over medium heat. Simmer, stirring, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in bi-carb. Set aside for 10 minutes to cool.
Meanwhile, use electric beaters to beat coconut oil and sugar until pale and creamy. Add 1 tbs of flour and 1 egg. Beat to combine. Repeat with 1 tbs flour and 1 egg. Stir in apple and half the remaining flour. Add baking powder, cinnamon, date mixture and remaining flour. Stir until just combined.
Divide amoung pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes.
Serve with caramel sauce and/or ice-cream.