Cover one and 1/2 cups pitted dates with boiling water and let them soften for 10 minutes, then drain well.

Blend the dates with 1/3 cup full-fat coconut milk, one teaspoon vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.

Add another one to two tablespoons coconut milk if necessary to get a silky, spoonable caramel consistency.

Serve with thinly sliced apples or drizzle over vanilla ice cream.