Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9x9" baking pan with parchment paper.
Remove the pits from each date and add them to the hot water, letting them soak for about 12-15 minutes.
In the meantime, mix the almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup together.
Press the almond crust mixture into the baking pan until evenly flat.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, then let cool for at least 5-10 minutes.
Add the dates (without the water), almond butter, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and milk to a blender or food processor.
Blend until a smooth paste is formed.
Spoon the date mixture over the cooled crust, then carefully use a spatula to press and smooth the mixture over the top.TIP: It helps to add a little oil to the spatula to keep it from pulling the date mixture up, which could pull up pieces of the almond flour crust.
Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the date filling and smooth it out.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt (or any other topping!) over the chocolate.
Freeze for at least 2 hours, cut into bars, and enjoy!
