Put all of the dates {for both the brownies and the caramel sauce} in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x8 or 9x9 inch square baking pan or line with foil. Set aside.
Take out 10 dates {about ⅞ cup} and drain well. Add the a food processor along with all other brownie ingredients. Blend together until completely combined and blended.
Transfer brownie mixture to the prepared baking pan, and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the brownies comes out clean. Let cool.
Meanwhile, add the remaining soaked dates {about ⅔ cup} + 2 tablespoons of the soaking liquid to the {clean} bowl of a food processor. Add the coconut oil and the vanilla extract. Blend until completely combined and smooth {it'll take a few minutes}.
Spread the "caramel" icing over the brownies and sprinkle with the chopped pecans and coconut. Enjoy!