Before you start mixing, gather all your ingredients in one place. Chop your dates if you wish to make blending easier.

In a food processor, add the pitted dates, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and coconut butter. Blend until it achieves a smooth consistency. You can pause to scrape down the sides to ensure everything mixes well.

Once the wet mixture is smooth, it’s time to add in the cacao powder, shredded coconut, and ground cinnamon. Pulse the food processor until everything is well-combined. The dough should start forming into a cohesive mixture.

Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture evenly into the dish using your hands or a spatula. Make sure it’s nice and compact.

Put the dish in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This allows the bars to firm up nicely.

Once set, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut into bars or squares, depending on your preference.