Place the cherries in a bowl with warm water and soak for 15 minutes. Drain and place the cherries along with the dates into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process until the fruit starts to come together, about 30 seconds. Add the cashews and process again until the cashews are broken apart and evenly distributed throughout the mixture, another 30 seconds or so.

With the processor going, add the cashew butter. Continue to process until the mixture starts to come together to form a dough. Add the maple syrup (if using). Pulse in the quinoa flakes (or oats) until the dough holds its shape when pressed between your fingers.