Couldn't find the Van de Kamp's recipe. I hope this is similar.

DATE NUT BREAD LIKE CROSSE AND BLACKWELL
Source: TIAS Antiques and Collectables

Note from source: Crosse and Blackwell is an English firm. I have not seen this product in the stores for many years.

About 1 pound pitted, chopped dates
2 tsp baking soda
2 Tbsp butter
2 cups hot tap water
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
4 cups flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease well 8 (15 ounce cans) with tops removed.

Mix dates, baking soda, butter and water together in a large bowl; let cool a bit and add remaining ingredients.

Fill cans halfway full. Place on a large baking sheet an bake for one hour (check with a wooden tooth pick at 50 minutes because oven vary so much). Leave in cans at least ten minutes before "shaking" out. Finish cooling on racks.