Vegan Black Forest Brownies with Cherries

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl combine dates and ½ cup warm water; let stand at least 5 minutes to soften dates. 2. In a large bowl sift together the next five ingredients (through salt). In a food processor or blender combine dates with soaking liquid and the next five ingredients (through vanilla). Process until smooth. 3. Add bean mixture and the dried cherries to flour mixture. Stir to combine. Spread batter in prepared pan. Sprinkle coconut over top. 4. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and top starts to crack. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into 16 brownies. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week or freezer up to 1 month.