Vegan Snickers Brownies (Grain-Free and Made From Dates)

For the Brownies

• 2 c pitted dates
• 1 c natural peanut butter
• 1 c plant milk of choice
• 0.25 c cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp flax seed meal
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1 c dark chocolate chips

For the Peanut Butter Caramel

• 1 c natural peanut butter
• 0.25 c maple syrup
• 1-2 tsp melted coconut oil, as needed
  

For the Toppings

• 0.25 c roasted salted peanuts
  
• 0.25 c dark chocolate chips
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• Few pinches of flaky sea salt

1. Preheat the oven to 350 and thoroughly oil an 8x8 baking dish.
2. Measure all of the brownie ingredients except the chocolate chips into a food processor. Process until the batter is thick and sticky.
3. Remove the blade from the food processor and add the chocolate. Mix with a spoon or spatula until the chocolate is evenly incorporated.
4. Spread the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish with a spatula to create an even layer.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes until just barely cooked through in the center.
6. Remove the date brownies from the oven. If the top has puffed up during baking, gently press it down while the brownies are still warm. Then, cool for at least 30 minutes before adding the next layer.
   
7. To make the peanut butter caramel layer, stir together the peanut butter and maple syrup. If needed, add 1-2 tsp melted coconut oil to thin it out, just until the texture is spreadable.
8. Pour the caramel over the cooled brownies and spread into an even layer.
9. Scatter the peanuts across the top.
10. To make the chocolate drizzle, combine the dark chocolate and coconut oil and heat until melted, either in a double boiler or in the microwave. Drizzle the chocolate across the top of the brownies.
11. Sprinkle the top with a few pinches of flaky sea salt.
12. Cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. Let the brownies set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight, then slice into 9-12 portions.
13. Store the brownies in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to several days.