Emily Von Euw’s Caramel Mocha Bars

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

1 cup

raw almonds

1 cup

pitted dates

Caramel:

1/2 cup

raw cashew butter (NB: I only had almond butter, so I used it instead, and it was fine)

1/2 cup

coconut oil, melted

1 cup

pitted dates

salt

1/2 tsp

vanilla extract

1/2 cup

unsweetened shredded coconut (optional -- I didn't use because I didn't have it on hand)

Mocha layer:

1/3 cup

melted coconut oil

1 tbsp

cacao powder

to 2 tbsp finely ground coffee bean (listed as optional, but totally necessary, in my mind!)

1/4 cup

preferred liquid sweetener (I used agave)